U.S. Secretary of State Antony J. Blinken called for international unity and collective action on the risks and benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI) during a landmark session at the United Nations Security Council on Wednesday. The session, focused on AI’s potential to both enhance global progress and pose significant threats to international peace and security, was the first of its kind and marked a critical moment in global discussions about emerging technologies.
Speaking at the UN headquarters in New York, Blinken highlighted the dual-edged nature of AI. On one hand, the technology has vast potential to tackle some of the world’s most pressing issues, from predicting natural disasters to advancing medical research. AI’s ability to improve lives was underscored by its growing role in the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, such as fighting antibiotic-resistant bacteria and improving electric vehicle battery technology. AI’s applications in global health, climate science, and education, Blinken said, could accelerate progress on nearly 80% of these goals.
However, Blinken also warned of the risks that AI could bring if misused. He pointed out that AI is increasingly being leveraged for malicious purposes, including cyberattacks, surveillance, and the creation of autonomous weaponry. He specifically addressed the growing use of AI by repressive regimes to target dissidents and journalists, as well as the risks of AI-enabled weapons systems malfunctioning, which could escalate conflicts. The Secretary emphasized that without international cooperation, these threats could undermine the very security the UN Security Council is mandated to protect.
Global Framework for Responsible AI Use
Blinken spoke about the United States’ leadership in advancing international norms around AI. As the home of many of the world’s leading technology companies, Blinken noted, the U.S. has a particular responsibility to ensure that AI is developed and deployed safely and responsibly.
“We are committed to mobilizing a collective response,” Blinken said, recounting several key initiatives launched by the U.S. and its allies. These include securing pledges from American companies to make AI systems safer, such as creating tools to watermark AI-generated content to help users identify and avoid misinformation. At the same time, Blinken highlighted the growing role of global partnerships. Under Japan’s leadership, the G7 has expanded these safety commitments into a code of conduct that promotes transparency, accountability, and safety in AI development.
In 2024, the U.S. and its allies pushed forward with the first-ever UN General Assembly resolution on AI, which garnered broad consensus from member states. The resolution focused on fostering safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems that respect human rights. This was followed by a resolution in June, led by China, aimed at closing the digital divide to ensure that AI’s benefits are accessible to all nations.
International Treaties and AI Safety Institutes
In addition to securing multilateral commitments, Blinken highlighted recent breakthroughs in AI regulation. The U.S. led the launch of an international network of AI safety institutes, bringing together experts from around the world to develop common standards for testing and evaluating AI systems. Furthermore, the U.S. and 10 other countries signed the first international treaty on AI earlier this year, setting guidelines to safeguard human rights, data privacy, and transparency in AI systems.
The Secretary also discussed efforts to ensure that military applications of AI adhere to international humanitarian law. He noted that nearly 60 governments have committed to guidelines for the responsible use of AI in military contexts, and U.S. officials continue to advocate for oversight of AI systems that could potentially be used in weapons systems.
A Call for Unity and Future Collaboration
Despite the progress made, Blinken stressed that much more needs to be done. As AI technology continues to evolve rapidly, the global community must stand united to prevent its malicious use and ensure its benefits are equitably distributed. Blinken warned that AI could exacerbate geopolitical tensions, be used to manipulate public opinion, or influence narratives for nefarious purposes.
“In the months and years ahead,” Blinken cautioned, “the Security Council will have an important responsibility to address the evolving risks of AI. This requires leveraging our collective power to set and enforce international norms.”
In conclusion, Blinken reaffirmed the United States’ commitment to making AI a force for good, emphasizing that collaboration with governments, tech companies, and civil society will be essential to harnessing AI’s potential for progress. “If we do this, I’m convinced we can shape AI for the better,” he said, calling for a future in which AI benefits people worldwide.
As the session concluded, the spotlight turned to Ecuador’s Minister for Foreign Affairs and Human Mobility, Gabriela Sommerfeld, who took the floor to share her country’s perspectives on the responsible use of AI in Latin America.
Looking Ahead
The UN Security Council’s discussion on AI marks just the beginning of an ongoing dialogue on the global governance of artificial intelligence. As the technology rapidly advances, it will require continued collaboration among nations to navigate the delicate balance between innovation and security, ensuring that AI serves humanity’s best interests.