UN chief warns recent global conflicts 'testing grounds' for AI weaponization

HAMILTON, Canada

UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday warned that artificial intelligence (AI) is already reshaping global security and conflicts, stressing the urgent need for international regulation to ensure technology is used responsibly.

"AI is no longer a distant horizon, it is here, transforming daily life, the information space, and the global economy at breathtaking speed," Guterres told the Security Council open debate on artificial intelligence and international peace and security.

Emphasizing that "recent conflicts have become testing grounds for AI-powered targeting and autonomy," he said: "AI-enabled cyberattacks can disrupt or destroy critical infrastructure in minutes."

As he highlighted AI's potential benefits, Guterres also stressed that it poses grave dangers if left unchecked.

"The question is not whether AI will influence international peace and security, but how we will shape that influence," he said, adding that "used responsibly, AI can strengthen prevention and protection. But without guardrails, it can also be weaponized."

"Innovation must serve humanity, not undermine it," he said, underscoring the importance of responsible governance.

Guterres highlighted steps already taken by the UN, including the creation of an Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and an annual Global Dialogue on AI Governance.

He said he would soon launch "an open call for nominations for the Scientific Panel," urging member states to put forward "eminent, diverse experts" and provide the resources needed for "timely, science-based assessments.”

The UN chief outlined four priorities for the global community, beginning with safeguarding human control over weapons of mass destruction.

"Let us be clear: humanity's fate cannot be left to an algorithm. Humans must always retain authority over life-and-death decisions," he said, stressing that military use of AI must comply with international law and the UN Charter.

Second, he called for coherent global regulatory frameworks, ensuring AI systems are governed "from design to deployment to decommissioning."

Military applications, he said, must be "clearly regulated: through legal reviews, human accountability, and strong safeguards against misuse."

Underscoring the importance of protecting information integrity as the third point, he said: "We need transparency in the entire AI life cycle; rapid and verified attribution of information sources and their dissemination; and systemic safeguards to prevent AI systems from spreading disinformation and igniting violence."

Finally, he urged closing the AI capacity gap, and emphasized that technology should accelerate sustainable development and peace rather than deepen inequality.

"The window is closing to shape AI, for peace, for justice, for humanity," Guterres said.