Mr. Chair,
Let me begin by thanking the delegation of Greece for convening today’s Arria-formula meeting, which addresses a critical and timely topic. This initiative provides a valuable forum to deepen our collective understanding of how to effectively harness the immense potential of Artificial Intelligence, while also addressing the significant risks it poses to international peace and security.
The transformative potential of AI spans nearly every aspect of human endeavor, from economic growth and social progress to innovation and governance. However, the deployment of AI presents a dual-edged scenario for international peace and security. On the one hand, AI holds great promise for enhancing the effectiveness of peacekeeping operations endorsed by this Council. Sophisticated AI systems can significantly strengthen logistical planning, enhance the accuracy and speed of threat detection, assist in predictive analytics to prevent conflict escalation, and optimize peacekeepers’ operational readiness through advanced training simulations. Nonetheless, despite these potential benefits, their integration into operational frameworks remains limited and demands increased attention and practical action.
Conversely, AI technology carries profound risks, capable of exacerbating tensions, fueling conflicts, violent extremism and radicalization through misuse or manipulation.
Malicious actors may exploit AI-driven cyber capabilities to launch sophisticated cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, disrupt essential services, or sabotage democratic processes by spreading misinformation and deepfakes aimed at undermining public trust and political stability. Furthermore, the advancement and potential proliferation of autonomous weapon systems—capable of operating without meaningful human oversight—pose ethical dilemmas and severe security threats, fundamentally reshaping the nature and risks of modern warfare.
It is crucial, therefore, that the international community actively collaborates to establish robust frameworks that ensure AI technologies are developed and deployed transparently and inclusively, including by sharing best practices. We also encourage more States to do so to ensure that military use of AI is responsible, complies with applicable international law, particularly international humanitarian law, and enhances international security. Multilateral and regional initiatives aimed at better understanding the implications of AI in the military domain are very useful.
On our part, Italy is strongly engaged in the promotion of the responsible, inclusive, sustainable and ethical use of AI, recognizing the necessity of a shared commitment to a human-centered digital transformation in line with our shared democratic values and respect for human rights. As emphasized by Prime Minister Meloni in her address to the General Assembly of the UN last year, we need global governance mechanisms that ensure that technologies respect ethical boundaries and that technological evolution is at the service of humanity and not vice versa.
The Italian Presidency of the G7 has then translated the principles of safe, secure, and trustworthy AI into concrete and actionable policies, such as the Italian Presidency’s decision to establish the AI Hub for Sustainable Development in collaboration with UNDP, as well as a monitoring system of the Hiroshima Code of Conduct in collaboration with the OECD. Cooperation with the private sector, academia and civil society is essential to make sure that governance and regulatory frameworks take into account all relevant aspects of such a rapidly evolving technology.
Attesting to Italy’s commitment to the success of this approach, let me reaffirm our readiness to work with all Member States and stakeholders to develop and strengthen the skills, processes and resources needed to adapt to a fast-evolving AI space. Together, let us forge a path towards a future where new technologies serve as a force for good, bridging divides, enhancing global security and propelling us towards the Sustainable Development Goals in line with the spirit of the Global Digital Compact.
Thank you, Mr. Chair
