Statement delivered by Her Excellency Ambassador Carolyn Rodrigues-Birkett, Permanent Representative of Guyana to the United Nations, at the UNSC Briefing on Artificial Intelligence and the Maintenance of International Peace and Security

Thank you, Secretary of State Blinken,

I thank the Presidency of the United States for convening today's meeting. I also thank the Secretary-General, as well as Professors LeCun and Li for their insightful briefings.

Mr. President,

We are in an era of rapid advancement of artificial intelligence, a development that holds the potential to significantly enhance our global outlook.

Many members of this Council, both past and present, have advocated for an evidence-based approach to decision-making. AI offers a unique opportunity to respond to this call, potentially revolutionizing how we tackle issues related to climate, peace and security and the fight against food insecurity among others.

The emergence of AI, however, has undoubtedly created new vulnerabilities, which this Council must acknowledge and consider mitigation measures that could be implemented to safeguard international peace and security.

Mr. President,

This meeting is being held in the context of increased global conflicts, with AI playing a central role in what is now deemed the age of cyberwarfare. Several examples exist of states augmenting their military arsenal with cyber capabilities. AI, therefore, risks complicating the maintenance of international peace and security due to concerns about its role in offensive and reprisal attacks including using drones and facial recognition algorithms. In the case of the Middle East, for example, we have heard reports of civilians being monitored and sometimes attacked using drone technology.

AI weapons are also being programmed and authorized to select their targets without further human authorization, increasing protection concerns. In addition, AI-piloted fighter jets and sniper-drones have shown substantial capability of dominating human pilots in simulated interactions. These concerns, engendered by modern warfare, must be addressed through the appropriate global regulations.

These concerns were also underscored in the Secretary General's New Agenda for Peace, which noted that "Developments in artificial intelligence and quantum technologies, including those related to weapons systems, are exposing the insufficiency of existing governance frameworks."

Guyana acknowledges these concerns and underscores the need for the Council to give attention to AI governance, given the implications for the maintenance of international peace and security.

As we have heard before, the General Assembly is already being proactive on the subject of AI with its adoption of the two resolutions presented by the United States and China, respectively.

The recently adopted Global Digital Compact also offers practical recommendations for enhancing international governance of AI. An international framework for AI governance will ensure the full and equal representation of all countries, thus creating opportunities for harnessing AI to bridge existing gaps between developed and developing countries.

Mr. President,

Guyana welcomes the establishment of the Secretary-General’s High-level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, which launched its final report in September to address the global governance deficit of AI. Among the recommendations in the report, Guyana eagerly anticipates the creation of a global fund for AI. This fund, specifically designed to help developing countries, will be critical especially for small developing states who are at risk of not benefitting from AI owing to the digital divide. We must ensure that AI benefits everyone and not accelerate inequality.

This is why the proposed creation of an AI capacity development network for UN-affiliated capacity development centers is welcomed. This approach can serve as a catalyst to align national, regional and global AI advancements with positive implications for the implementation of the 2030 agenda and the Pact for the Future.

In closing, Guyana acknowledges that AI's rapid development and deployment have elicited both enthusiasm and anxiety. We must therefore develop the necessary innovative and inclusive frameworks for AI governance and cooperation, to ensure that AI is used as a force for good and to mitigate its harmful use. Guyana therefore urges the Council to consider how it could advance the recommendations, including those tabled in today's meeting, to further this work for the maintenance of international peace and security.

I thank you!