Geneva, 27 March 2025 – At the opening of the inaugural Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics, held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva and hosted by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres delivered a powerful message urging international action to prevent the misuse of artificial intelligence in military settings.
In his statement, the Secretary-General warned that «unregulated AI presents unprecedented risks – from disinformation to cyberattacks to mass surveillance,» with particular urgency in the defense and security sphere. He emphasized that «life-and-death situations must never be left to chance, code, or corporate interest,» reinforcing the principle that humans must always retain control over AI decision-making, in alignment with international law and human rights.
The conference, part of UNIDIR’s new Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics (RAISE) initiative in partnership with Microsoft, brought together diplomats, civil society leaders, academia, and industry to discuss the rapid advancement of AI and the urgent need for international governance frameworks.
Guterres also pointed to the significance of UN General Assembly Resolution 79/239, which calls for multistakeholder engagement to assess the risks and opportunities of AI in the military domain. His forthcoming report in response to the resolution is expected to outline concrete steps for global cooperation.
“Let us work together to build an AI for good – with human rights, human dignity, and human agency front and centre,” the Secretary-General urged in closing.
This first-of-its-kind global forum marks the beginning of what UNIDIR envisions as an annual flagship event, aiming to foster inclusive, multisectoral collaboration on the complex intersection of AI, ethics, and security.
🔗 Read the full statement: UN Secretary-General’s Remarks
🔗 Learn more about the conference: UNIDIR AISE2025 At Articulate Foundation, we echo the call for ethical AI that protects dignity and rights. As we build tools and ecosystems for social good and sustainability, we invite changemakers, technologists, and funders to join the movement that is shaping an AI future rooted in both justice and efficiency. The time to engage is now.
