UN Security Council: Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis chairs meeting on the opportunities and risks that new technologies pose for peace
Bern, 18.10.2024 - On 21 October 2024, Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis will chair a UN Security Council meeting on the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. Rapid advances in new technologies bring great opportunities, but also risks, which need to be identified early to facilitate appropriate responses. 'Building sustainable peace' is one of Switzerland's priorities for its two-year Security Council membership (2023–24).
Under the UN Charter, the Security Council is tasked with maintaining international peace and security. Next Monday, the Security Council, chaired by Mr Cassis, will explore how scientific knowledge and new technologies can be deployed to prevent conflicts. In view of the rapid advances in research, the Security Council must be able to anticipate scientific developments that could pose a risk to peace and security in the world of tomorrow.
Opportunities and risks of new technologies for peace and security
Scientific and technological advances bring both opportunities and risks for international peace and security, neurotechnology being one such example. Neurotechnology could lead to new methods of treatment for traumatised war victims or people injured by landmines. However, there is also a risk that neurotechnology may be used to enhance the performance of military personnel, potentially affecting warfare.
Scientific actors have already presented findings to assist the Council, including the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) and other organisations based in International Geneva, which are working to ensure that scientific developments and new technologies are used for the benefit of humanity. On 26 August 2024, Security Council members met Geneva-based organisations to discuss data, science and innovation in relation to conflict prevention and security.
Switzerland is chairing the Security Council this October and in that capacity has added the topic of 'the impact of scientific developments on peace and security' to the agenda. A scientist and experts from International Geneva have been invited to brief the Council at its meeting on 21 October.
Key topic for Switzerland on the UN Security Council
In briefing the Security Council, Switzerland is reaffirming its priority of 'building sustainable peace'. When Switzerland last served as Council president in May 2023, Mr Cassis underlined, while in New York, the importance of mutual trust for the benefit of peace and security, emphasising the crucial role of science in preventing conflicts.
Mr Cassis will return to New York on 29 October to chair a ministerial Security Council debate on the Middle East.
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