Ten UN Security Council member states launch expert group on technology, peace, and security
Ten UN Security Council member states announce the launch of an informal expert group to address the impact of emerging technologies on international peace and security
Translated by Qiyas from كونا — Original source
New York, October 23 (KUNA) -- Ten member states of the UN Security Council, including the Kingdom of Bahrain, announced on Friday the launch of an informal group of experts on technology, peace, and security, aimed at enhancing the Council’s capacity to address the implications of emerging technologies for international peace and security. The announcement was made in a joint statement read by the Permanent Representative of Greece to the United Nations, Ambassador Aglaya Valtat, and the Permanent Representative of Latvia, Ambassador Sanita Pāvota Deslandes, before journalists at the UN headquarters in New York.
The group comprises Bahrain, Colombia, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Denmark, France, Greece, Latvia, Liberia, Panama, and the United Kingdom. Greece and Latvia will hold the co-presidency for 2026, and the group will hold its first meeting in November.
The statement emphasized that technological developments are increasingly affecting the nature of conflicts, the information environment, the protection of civilians, and the safety of UN personnel, noting a growing recognition of the impact of emerging technologies on the preservation of international peace and security. It clarified that the group will enable Security Council members to conduct structured discussions on the challenges and opportunities associated with modern technologies, thereby fostering a shared understanding and providing the expertise needed to make timely and effective decisions.
The group’s work will include forecasting future technological developments and assessing their impact on peacekeeping operations, counter-terrorism efforts, and civilian protection, as well as potentially holding meetings prior to the renewal of mandates for certain peacekeeping operations. The statement cautioned that the initiative does not aim to predetermine the Security Council’s response to technological developments, but rather to strengthen its capacity to assess risks and opportunities in fulfilling its responsibilities.
The group stated that it would remain open to current and future Security Council members wishing to participate, and would draw on the expertise of the UN Secretariat, non-governmental organizations, and the private sector. (End) A.S.T. / R.J.
