Statement by Representative of Slovenia to the UN Security Council Ambassador Samuel Žbogar at the briefing on the maintenance of international peace and security, “Anticipating the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security”

Thank you, Mr. President.

We also want to thank Switzerland for bringing this important topic to our agenda.

I would also like to thank our briefers, Dr. Geiss, Prof. Bloch, Prof. Courtine, and Mr. Awad for their insightful briefings.

Mr. President,

Rapidly advancing and converging technologies are undoubtedly revolutionizing conflict dynamics.  

We are witnessing the application of these developments on a daily basis live from the Middle East and Ukraine.

Drone warfare, cyber warfare, and the growing military use of artificial intelligence (AI) are a reality, but as the briefers have highlighted, they are far from the only technologies capable of posing risks to peace and security.

The Security Council, as the primary organ responsible for international peace and security, must do its utmost to keep up with developments not only in technology but also in science and innovation in order to anticipate and prevent threats to peace and security.

It must also promote the responsible behaviour of all involved actors.

This is crucial to prevent the weaponization of emerging domains and promote responsible innovation, in accordance with the Secretary-General’s recommendation in the New Agenda for Peace.

Mr. President,

To fulfil that recommendation, Slovenia believes it is essential to establish a robust international framework to govern the responsible use of science, technology, and innovation, ensuring it contributes to peace rather than exacerbates tensions.

In our view, drawing on UN processes related to new and emerging technologies such an international framework must consist of at least two components:

First, there must be a clear consensus among the Member States that international law, particularly international humanitarian and human rights law, applies to developments in science, technology, and innovation (STI).

Second, there must be the establishment of norms, rules and principles that govern the development, deployment, and use of these advancements to mitigate risks.

The framework must strike a balance between innovation and ethical standards, ensuring that scientific developments and technological progress do not undermine stability or create new security threats.

Mr. President,

Let me underscore that STI has the potential for concrete applications that support the Security Council’s decisions.

On one hand, it enables the incorporation of evidence-based information into its decision-making process.

Recognizing the importance placed by the Secretary-General’s Scientific Advisory Board on evidence-based decision-making, we emphasize the UN’s critical role in providing neutral and impartial analysis to the Security Council.

In different instances, such analysis can also be provided by other trusted actors.

On the other hand, developments in STI hold promise for improving various aspects of the work of UN integrated missions.

The combined use of satellite imagery, AI, and quantum computing can identify, for instance, climate and environmental factors that drive conflict and instability, pinpoint hotspots where intervention may be needed, and assist in logistics and mission planning.

Through advanced data analytics, these developments can also provide vital protection for women and girls by identifying patterns of sexual and gender-based violence and enhancing the response of peacekeeping forces to threats against people in vulnerable situations.

Mr. President,

To conclude, by leveraging developments in STI and strategic foresight, the Security Council can, in our opinion, become better equipped to enhance international peace and security through improved conflict prevention and peace building.

Thank you.

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