Comment by Izumi Nakamitsu

The use of AI in the military domain, in conjunction with both weapons-related functions (such as targeting and attack) and non-weapons-related functions (such as image recognition, processing, and analyzing), raises policy, legal, ethical, and humanitarian questions, including those related to the compliance with international law, including international humanitarian law. Regardless, there is currently no specific General Assembly mandated intergovernmental process to address the responsible use of artificial intelligence in the context of international peace and security. [...] Let me state it clearly: Artificial intelligence is greater than the sum of its parts. In other words, we cannot expect other discrete fora within the United Nations to examine parts of artificial intelligence and reach a decision on its overall governance. Bearing this in mind, there is an urgent need for action from governments on responsible use of artificial intelligence, in the context of international peace and security, in the military domain. Responsibility, however, does not stop with governments. The dual-use nature of AI technology opens pathways for misuse and diversion of civilian technology for military purposes. Therefore, the private sector, academia, AI standardization bodies, and civil society should equally demonstrate responsibility.