Key points
- Guterres urges urgent international regulation
- Military AI must follow international law
- Transparency needed to combat AI disinformation
HAMILTON, Canada: UN Secretary-General António Guterres issued a stark warning that artificial intelligence (AI) is already transforming global security and conflict dynamics, and called for immediate international regulation to ensure its responsible use.
“AI is no longer a distant horizon; it is here, transforming daily life, the information space, and the global economy at breathtaking speed,” Guterres told a Security Council open debate on artificial intelligence and international peace and security, reports Anadolu Agency.
He stressed that “recent conflicts have become testing grounds for AI-powered targeting and autonomy,” adding that “AI-enabled cyberattacks can disrupt or destroy critical infrastructure in minutes.”
While recognising the potential of AI to deliver positive outcomes, Guterres emphasised the serious risks posed if left unregulated.
Responsible use
“The question is not whether AI will influence international peace and security, but how we will shape that influence,” he said. “Used responsibly, AI can strengthen prevention and protection. But without guardrails, it can also be weaponized.”
“Innovation must serve humanity, not undermine it,” he continued, reinforcing the need for sound governance and safeguards.
Guterres outlined steps the United Nations has already taken, including the formation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the initiation of an annual Global Dialogue on AI Governance.
He said he would soon issue “an open call for nominations for the Scientific Panel,” encouraging member states to nominate “eminent, diverse experts” and to support the process with the necessary resources for “timely, science-based assessments.”
The UN Secretary-General identified four key global priorities, starting with the need to preserve human control over weapons of mass destruction.
Life-and-death decisions
“Let us be clear: humanity’s fate cannot be left to an algorithm. Humans must always retain authority over life-and-death decisions,” he stated, insisting that the military use of AI must align with international law and the UN Charter.
Guterres called for comprehensive global regulatory frameworks to govern AI “from design to deployment to decommissioning,” with military applications “clearly regulated: through legal reviews, human accountability, and strong safeguards against misuse.”
Another priority was ensuring information integrity. “We need transparency in the entire AI life cycle; rapid and verified attribution of information sources and their dissemination; and systemic safeguards to prevent AI systems from spreading disinformation and igniting violence,” he said.
Lastly, he called for narrowing the global AI capacity gap, urging that the technology be harnessed to drive sustainable development and peace, not inequality.
“The window is closing to shape AI, for peace, for justice, for humanity,” Guterres concluded.”
