“The Power of AI: Threat or Leverage for International Peace and Security?”

Ambassadors, diplomats, United Nations officials, and technology experts gathered today at United Nations Headquarters to discuss opportunities and challenges associated with emerging technologies, their impact on international peace and security, and their potential contribution to the implementation of the Sustainable Development Goals.

The event, entitled “The Power of Artificial Intelligence: Threat or Leverage for International Peace and Security?”, was jointly organized by Blockchain Alliance International (BAI) and the Permanent Mission of the Republic of Belarus to the United Nations.

The discussion was moderated by H.E. Mr. Valentin Rybakov, Permanent Representative of Belarus to the United Nations. Keynote presentations were delivered by Mr. Andrei Dapkiunas, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Belarus, and BAI Chairman Alexandru Cujba. Participants also heard presentations from Mr. Mark Dalton, Senior Information Officer at the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), and Ms. Ursula Wynhoven, Representative of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) to the United Nations.

During his presentation, Ambassador Cujba introduced Blockchain Alliance International, its mission and objectives, and highlighted the organization’s role as a platform for cooperation among governments, international organizations, academia, civil society, and the private sector. He presented practical examples of the benefits of blockchain technology and discussed its potential applications within the United Nations system.

The formal presentations were followed by an interactive discussion among participants. The theme of the event, the quality of the debate, and the diversity of participants were highly appreciated by representatives of numerous Member States and organizations. Participants encouraged the organizers to continue facilitating similar discussions on emerging technologies and sustainable development.

Note: The event formed part of the working visit of Mr. Andrei Dapkiunas, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Belarus, to the United Nations. Video coverage of the event is available through UN Web TV.