The President of the Republic of Slovenia, Nataša Pirc Musar, took part in the open debate of the United Nations Security Council on artificial intelligence and international peace and security, held as part of the 80th session of the UN General Assembly. 

In the introduction to the Security Council debate, the Slovenian President emphasised that artificial intelligence represents both a great opportunity and a serious threat to international peace and security. She said that AI can help prevent conflicts and support peace operations, but also warned of dangers such as the use of autonomous weapons, accelerated cyber attacks, terrorism and the reduction of human responsibility in decision-making.

President Pirc Musar emphasised that the Security Council, as the key body for maintaining peace and security, must also take an active role in addressing the issue of artificial intelligence. Slovenia therefore joins the calls made to the UN Secretary-General for regular reports on the development of artificial intelligence, the inclusion of discussions on its risks on the Security Council’s agenda, and the observance of international law and ethical principles in its development and use.

The President concluded her address by pointing out that behind every algorithm there is a person who wrote the code, stressing that the principle of human responsibility must remain at the heart of national and international efforts in the development and use of artificial intelligence.

Late at night Slovenian time, the President also attended a reception hosted by the Slovenian Embassy in the United States for diplomats and members of the Slovenian community at the Slovenian Church of St. Cyril in New York. On this occasion, she highlighted the rich history and significance of the Slovenian community in the U.S. and expressed her gratitude to the Embassy staff for their dedicated work in enhancing Slovenia’s reputation abroad, and to her compatriots for preserving their language, culture and identity. She also expressed her special thanks to the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Slovenia to the UN for its excellent work both during the General Assembly session and throughout Slovenia’s membership in the Security Council, which she believes represents an important contribution to Slovenia’s successful foreign policy.

The President concluded her engagements at the 80th session of the UN General Assembly by attending a special side event titled “Human Rights for Everyone, Everywhere – The Core of Our Common Humanity,” where she was the keynote speaker at the invitation of the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk.

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