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Source: United Nations – United Nations –

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September 24, 2025 Peace and security

Artificial intelligence is transforming everyday life, the information space, the global economy, and impacting international security at breathtaking speed. These were the words of Secretary-General António Guterres, speaking Wednesday at the UN Security Council's high-level open debate on AI.

“The question is not whether AI will impact international peace and security, but how we will shape that impact,” the UN chief said.

Defense tool or weapon?

When used responsibly, Guterres noted, AI can help prevent conflicts and protect populations, including by identifying potential outbreaks of violence. AI is also used in mine clearance and other areas.

At the same time, it can also be turned into a weapon. Artificial intelligence is already actively used in conflicts.

"AI-enabled cyberattacks can destroy critical infrastructure or disrupt its operations in minutes. The ability to falsify and manipulate audio and video footage threatens the integrity of information, increases polarization, and could trigger diplomatic crises," the Secretary-General said.

AI, International Security, and the Role of the Security Council

One of the main objectives of the open debate in the Council is to stimulate discussion on the issues of reducing the risks associated with the use of AI and maximizing its benefits in the context of international peace and security, taking into account the potential role of the Security Council in this process.

“The UN [Security] Council and member states must ensure that the military use of AI is fully consistent with international law and the UN Charter,” Guterres said.

Human control

He stressed that a person must control any decision to use force.

"The fate of humanity cannot be left to the discretion of an algorithm. People must always retain control over life-and-death decisions," he stated.

Guterres also called for the creation of a global regulatory framework for the use of AI.

AI could put all of humanity at risk.

Given the significant advances in artificial intelligence technologies, which can both enhance and undermine international security, Security Council members have recently begun to pay increased attention to this issue. Today's meeting is the third formal meeting of the Council dedicated to AI. The United Kingdom held the first meeting on this topic in July 2023, and the United States held the second in December 2024.

The debate on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly High-Level Week is being held under the presidency of South Korea. Guest speakers include Yejin Choi, a senior fellow at the Stanford University Institute for Human-Centered AI, and Yoshua Bengio, a professor at the University of Montreal and co-president of the non-profit organization LawZero.

Bengio warned that humanity currently lacks the knowledge to control the most advanced artificial intelligence systems. This is already creating serious problems, he noted, citing recent incidents involving chatbots that could have endangered the lives of people with mental disorders.

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The professor added that AI could outperform humans in most cognitive tasks within the next five years.

"If the capabilities of artificial intelligence models continue to exceed human capabilities without scientific guarantees of their safety…, we will reach a point where AI can act irreversibly, beyond anyone's control and putting all of humanity at risk," Bengio said.

"We must be careful not to cede our collective human and national sovereignty to companies or the AI models they use. We must act immediately to collectively mitigate all these risks. This problem is not limited to the borders of any one country; it threatens us all," he added, addressing the Security Council members.

Democratizing AI

Yejin Choi stated the need to ensure that AI systems represent all communities and are accessible to the entire global population. Much remains to be done to achieve this, she noted.

"We must shift our focus to what truly matters to humanity: linguistic and cultural diversity and pluralistic values. Current leading AI models are ineffective in many languages other than English and reflect limited cultural attitudes," the professor said.

This leads to the systematic exclusion of entire communities from AI development and the maximization of its benefits. Choi emphasized that systems must be built from the ground up to be receptive to diverse languages, contexts, and perspectives.

She called for the creation of a public AI infrastructure that would be accessible to everyone.

Positions of countries

In his speech, Russia's Permanent Representative to the UN, Vasily Nebenzya, stated that the topic of artificial intelligence is not related to the "clearly defined mandate of the Security Council to maintain international peace and security, as defined in the UN Charter."

According to him, there is an “unnatural bias towards the representation of Western countries” in the Security Council.

"Therefore, there is a high risk that this group of states, interested in maintaining and strengthening their technological leadership in this area, will attempt to impose their narrowly self-serving approach on the entire international community," Nebenzya said.

He added that specialized forums exist for discussing AI, including the Group of Governmental Experts on Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems and the UN Disarmament Commission. The UN as a whole "can and should play a coordinating role in AI development," the Russian Permanent Representative believes.

Deputy Permanent Representative of France to the UN Jay Dharmadhikari said that new opportunities offered by artificial intelligence should enhance the effectiveness of the United Nations.

"When used responsibly, AI's data collection and analysis capabilities can improve the protection of civilians and facilitate the work of peacekeeping operations," he said.

The diplomat called for the creation of a common AI governance architecture based on international law. The Security Council, he believes, has a special role to play in this.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 24, 2025 Economic development

Global shipping, which carries more than 80 percent of the world's merchandise trade, is entering a period of slowing growth, rising costs, and increasing uncertainty, according to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)'s annual report, "Maritime Transport Review 2025: Navigating Turbulent Waters," published on September 24.

Slower pace and new routes

In 2025, after robust growth the previous year, seaborne trade volumes remained virtually flat, with only a symbolic 0.5 percent increase projected. However, geopolitical tensions have led to a record increase in ton-miles—almost six percent—due to the increase in long-haul routes and detours.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan emphasized that the upcoming transformations in the industry require a comprehensive approach: "The transitions we face—to zero carbon emissions, to digital systems, to new trade routes—must be fair. They must empower, not exclude. They must build resilience, not deepen vulnerability."

Geopolitics and trade barriers

The report notes that political disagreements, the introduction of new tariffs, and shifting trade patterns and routes are shaping a new geography of maritime trade. The United States and several trading partners have already announced additional measures, including new tariffs, port charges, and restrictions on entry into U.S. ports for foreign vessels.

"The result is more detours, missed port calls, longer journeys and, ultimately, higher costs," the document says.

Energy and Critical Minerals

The review pays special attention to energy transport. Coal and oil transport volumes are under pressure due to decarbonization efforts, while gas trade continues to expand.

At the same time, critical minerals needed for battery production, renewable energy, and the digital economy are becoming increasingly important. "Critical minerals are becoming a new source of tension in global trade as competition for access and value addition at the national level rages," the report's authors note.

This opens up new prospects for developing countries, but they need modern maritime logistics.

Digitalization and the human factor

In addition to geopolitical and economic challenges, shipping is experiencing internal transformations driven by digitalisation and changes in the workforce.

"Digital solutions such as single windows for maritime shipping and port community systems are becoming indispensable for improving port efficiency and facilitating trade. However, the industry's growing reliance on digital technologies has increased cyber risks and vulnerabilities that must be addressed," said Regina Asariotis, Chief of UNCTAD's Trade Logistics Branch.

She added that positive changes in gender equality are being observed in the industry. "Nearly 40 percent of port management positions are now held by women. However, there remains a shortage of women in operational positions, and this is where automation can open up new opportunities," the expert emphasized.

Asariotis also highlighted key priorities for the industry's successful development: training maritime specialists and protecting seafarers' rights. This, she said, will help address the growing labor shortage in shipping.

Development prospects

As UNCTAD experts emphasize, maritime shipping is at a crossroads: decarbonization and digitalization efforts, as well as route changes, are taking place against a backdrop of political tensions and economic uncertainty. The industry faces challenges that will require a fair approach, coordination, and global cooperation.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 24, 2025 UN

The top news of the day at the UN and around the world: a Security Council meeting on AI in the context of international peace and security, climate and development financing in the spotlight of world leaders at the UN, and the transformation of global shipping.

AI in the UN Security Council

Artificial intelligence is transforming everyday life, the information space, the global economy, and impacting international security at breathtaking speed. These were the words of the Secretary-General at the high-level open debate of the UN Security Council. Antonio GuterresWhen used responsibly, he noted, AI can help prevent conflicts and protect populations. However, it can also be used as a weapon. One of the main goals of the debate is to stimulate discussion on mitigating the risks associated with AI and maximizing its benefits in the context of international peace and security.

Climate summit

As part of the High-Level Week at UN Headquarters in New York the Climate Summit is taking place, convened by Secretary-General António Guterres. The Secretary-General outlined five key areas for action: clean energy, methane emissions reduction, forest protection, emissions from heavy industry, and climate justice, i.e., support for developing countries. Today's summit aims to accelerate preparations for the UN Climate Change Conference (COP30), which will take place in November in Brazil. Specifically, countries must submit data on their new climate plans before COP30.

Sustainable economy

A new exhibition has also opened at the UN headquarters in New York. Summit on a Sustainable, Inclusive and Resilient Global EconomyHeads of state, heads of international financial institutions, and representatives of regional unions attended the meeting. Their shared goal is to understand how to close the colossal gap in financing the Sustainable Development Goals, which currently exceeds $4 trillion annually. For many participants, including representatives of small island states, it is important to emphasize that global solutions must take into account the interests of those who are most often on the front lines of global crises.

Maritime trade

Global shipping, which accounts for over 80 percent of global merchandise trade, is entering a period of weak and fragile growth, rising costs, and increasing uncertainty. in the new edition of the annual report The United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD)'s "Review of Maritime Transport" report notes that political disagreements, the introduction of new tariffs, and changing trade patterns and routes are shaping a new landscape of maritime trade. Shipping is also undergoing internal transformations driven by digitalization and changes in the workforce.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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Translation. Region: Russian Federal

Source: United Nations – United Nations –

An important disclaimer is at the bottom of this article.

September 24, 2025 Climate and environment

Floods and record-breaking heatwaves in Europe have clearly demonstrated what scientists have been warning about for years: the climate crisis is growing faster than the measures needed to curb it. Against this backdrop, a climate summit convened by Secretary-General António Guterres is taking place at UN headquarters in New York on Wednesday, September 24.

A special event dedicated to High-Level Week The 80th session of the General Assembly will be a launching pad on the way to the 30th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP-30), which will take place in November in Belém, Brazil.

Ahead of COP30, all parties to the Paris Agreement must submit their new climate plans, or Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs). The climate summit aims to accelerate this process.

"Economics and science demand action"

In his opening remarks, Guterres reiterated that limiting global temperature rise to 1.5 degrees Celsius by the end of the century is still possible. "Science demands climate action. So does economics," the UN chief emphasized.

According to him, transition to clean energy already delivers jobs, growth and sustainable development, provides access to clean and affordable electricity, strengthens energy security and reduces economies' dependence on volatile fossil fuel markets.

"Despite massive market-distorting fossil fuel subsidies, last year investment in clean energy was twice as high as in fossil fuels. The conclusion is clear: clean energy is competitive, and climate action is imperative," he said.

Preparing for KS-30

The Secretary-General recalled that the Paris Agreement has already achieved results: while ten years ago, warming was projected to be four degrees Celsius, current estimates point to 2.6 degrees Celsius—assuming full implementation of current national plans. However, this is not enough.

“We now need new plans for 2035 that go much further and much faster: delivering deep emissions reductions in line with the 1.5 degree Celsius target, covering all sectors and accelerating a just energy transition worldwide,” he said.

The Secretary-General outlined five key areas: clean energy, reducing methane emissions, protecting forests, reducing emissions from heavy industry, and climate justice, that is, supporting developing countries, which are least to blame for the crisis but are suffering the most.

High Stakes

The High-Level Week also includes discussions on solutions to combat climate change, bringing together national leaders, local authorities, businesses, and civil society. The discussions focus on five areas: reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy; strengthening adaptation to natural disasters; financing for developing countries; increasing transparency and countering disinformation; and other interrelated issues, from food systems to a just transition. The findings of the discussions will be reflected in the outcome document.

According to the UN chief, today's summit is not a replacement for COP30, but its results will be decisive for the success of the meeting in Belém.

Experts and activists are monitoring three key signals during High-Level Week: whether the world's largest emitters will present plans with real commitments; whether climate finance will be expanded beyond symbolic pledges; and whether world leaders will acknowledge that expanding coal, oil, and gas production is incompatible with the goals of the Paris Agreement.

“Science demands action. The law obliges them to"The economy is forcing them. People are calling for them," the Secretary-General concluded.

Please note: This information is raw content obtained directly from the source. It represents an accurate account of the source's assertions and does not necessarily reflect the position of MIL-OSI or its clients.

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