Distinguished Members of Parliament, Excellencies, esteemed panelists,
I am honored to deliver closing remarks at the end of this important dialogue on a matter of global importance: the intersection of artificial intelligence and terrorism, and the efforts of the United Nations to address the related challenges and opportunities.
Terrorist groups are increasingly exploiting AI for harmful purposes, including using autonomous drones and AI-driven systems for targeted attacks, creating deep fakes to spread misinformation and recruit followers, launching AI-powered cyberattacks on critical infrastructure, and leveraging AI on the dark web for encrypted communications and evasion of law enforcement.
In response, the United Nations has intensified efforts to counter these threats. The Pact for the Future emphasizes addressing the misuse of emerging technologies for terrorism, while the UN Office of Counter-Terrorism (UNOCT) has launched initiatives such as Counter Terrorism TECH+ to bolster law enforcement capabilities. The organization is fostering collaboration among governments, tech companies, and civil society to develop ethical AI frameworks.
Furthermore, on December 17 the General Assembly will adopt the new UN Convention on cybercrime that will allow a more effective international cooperation to address the growing misuse of digital tools by criminal organizations, including terrorists. Together with the Palermo Convention against transnational organized crime, this instrument will provide a comprehensive approach to tackling the challenges posed by modern technology. Together with all European and like-minded partners, Italy has strongly contributed to the definition of the Convention.
In this context, I am pleased to recall that the UN General Assembly, in March this year, approved a resolution proposed by Italy establishing the ‘International Day for Preventing and Combating Organised Crime’, which was celebrated last 13 November in New York with a seminar attended by 40 countries and the inauguration of an exhibition dedicated to the fight against organized crime in our Country.
At the United Nations, Italy actively promotes a vision of safe, secure, and reliable AI, aligning itself with our European partners and supporting the very strong effort by Secretary-General Guterres.
This is particularly evident in the adoption of the Global Digital Compact, a document outlining a roadmap for global AI governance based on scientific rigour, political dialogue, and the acceleration of Sustainable Development Goals through new technologies. Our contribution to the text approved as an annex of the Pact for the Future last September has been aimed at overcoming the digital divide between developed and developing countries. It is crucial to ensure that all nations can benefit from AI, requiring an inclusive approach that involves public and private stakeholders as well as all facets of civil society. Capacity building, training and targeted and strategic development financing (directed to developing countries and the African continent in particular) are critical to support this endeavour, while ensuring in parallel that human rights are protected, promoted and fulfilled throughout the process.
The importance of a stronger cooperation for a safe AI has also been at the center of the Italian G7 Presidency. The final declarations of Capri and Borgo Egnazia contributed to ensuring that new technologies align with shared ethical principles. As Prime Minister Meloni stated in her address to the UN General Assembly, “it is necessary to develop governance mechanisms and ensure that AI remains human-centered and human-controlled, giving concrete applications to the concept of algorethics”.
We are fully committed on every front.
I want to highlight The Seoul Declaration on Responsible AI of May 2024 that, building on the Bletchley Declaration, emphasizes the importance of international collaboration to ensure AI is used ethically and responsibly. It calls for transparency, accountability, and robust safeguards against any misuse.
Together, by aligning our efforts with frameworks such as the Seoul Declaration and the guidance of the United Nations, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for peace and progress rather than a weapon of destruction.
I am particularly glad to recall that just last Monday the UN General Assembly has approved a new Resolution on the Artificial intelligence in the military domain and its implications for international peace and security. This comes after the adoption of a series of Resolutions focusing on the relation between AI, sustainable development and human rights in the last twelve months.
Furthermore, the Security Council will convene on December 19 to discuss the way forward to seize the promise of and mitigate the risks associated with the deployment of Artificial Intelligence on international peace and security, including the risk that AI technologies could be used to threaten UN peacekeepers and personnel and the opportunity for AI to be used to mitigate risks of civilian casualties in conflicts, building on previous discussion on this topic started by the Council since July 2023.
I also would like to stress the efforts of Italy, together with EU partners, in the United Nations Open-Ended Working Group on the Information and Telecommunications in the context of International Security, to establish a UN framework for responsible state behavior in cyberspace. As a follow-up of the Global Digital Compact, the UN will also establish an international panel of independent experts who will monito and assess AI applications.
Your conference today confirmed that the challenge imposed by terrorism in the age of artificial intelligence requires a multi-faceted approach that combines technological innovation, law enforcement collaboration and public awareness. Investing in advanced AI technologies to bolster cybersecurity defences, enhancing international cooperation to combat transnational crime and educating the public on safe online practices are essential steps in fighting terrorism. It is also very important to involve private ICT companies in helping us addressing this challenge.
Together, also thanks to the United Nations framework, we can turn the tide against terrorism and ensure a safer and more secure digital future for all.
Thank you.
