Opportunities and risks of science for peace and security
At a time when scientific and technological advances are fundamentally changing our lives and global security, the international community faces a double challenge: how do we utilise the opportunities without underestimating the risks? On 21 October 2020, chaired by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, the UN Security Council addressed precisely these issues and adopted a presidential statement. The debate will focus on the necessity of anticipating the impact of scientific breakthroughs in terms of peace and security, and to determine the potential need for regulation and other fields of action.
AI illustration depicting the anticipation of opportunities and risks of new technologies for peace and security in the world by the UN Security Council. © DALL-E/OpenAI
In a world that is changing ever faster, we are confronted with developments that have a profound impact on our social fabric. Although new technologies and ground-breaking scientific developments in particular offer major opportunities, there are also inherent risks. The challenge facing the international community is how to use scientific progress in a targeted way so as to prevent conflicts in future and secure peace.
In this context, the UN Security Council has a key role to play. The UN Charter states that the Security Council is responsible for maintaining international peace and security. To fulfil this mandate the Council must be up-to-date on the latest in science and technology, and make active use of these advances. On 21 October, the Security Council, chaired by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis, addressed this very issue. The aim of the meeting was not only to analyse recent developments in scientific innovation but also to anticipate their potential impact on global peace and security in the future. The field of science and technology is developing at a rapid pace. Today, the Security Council must lay the foundation so that the international community is prepared for these new challenges. The goal is not only to be able to respond to crises, but also to act preventively. This also requires suitable frameworks. Developments in science and technology do not take place in a legal vacuum but are subject to international law, which includes international humanitarian law (IHL) and human rights. Regulations and standards should therefore be strengthened or developed as required in order to ensure that technological advances are utilised peacefully rather than resulting in new threats.
The UN Security Council adopts Swiss presidential statement on the impact of scientific developments on peace and security
The UN Security Council has agreed for the first time on a Presidential Statement (PRST) addressing the impact of scientific developments on international peace and security. This followed the UN Security Council meeting in New York on 21 October 2024, chaired by Federal Councillor Ignazio Cassis. The PRST, presented by Switzerland, was negotiated among the Council members.
With the adoption of the PRST, the Security Council reaffirms its responsibility to maintain international peace and security in accordance with the UN Charter, while emphasizing that scientific developments play an important role in fulfilling this responsibility and in strengthening mutual trust and cooperation. The Council also underscores in the PRST that groundbreaking scientific advancements and their applications must align with international law and the principles of the UN Charter. Furthermore, the Security Council reaffirms its commitment to anticipating and more systematically incorporating science into its work, given the opportunities and risks these developments may present for international peace and security.
During its term on the UN Security Council, Switzerland succeeded in placing the consideration and anticipation of the consequences of scientific developments on international peace and security on the agenda. With the adoption of the Presidential Statement, Switzerland has made a significant contribution to its priority of ‘promoting sustainable peace.’
Opportunities and risks of new technologies
One of the risks can be seen in the rapid rise in cyberattacks, which not only affect governments and businesses but are also being deployed to target critical infrastructure such as energy and water supplies. Attacks like these can jeopardise trust between states and exacerbate global tensions. On the other hand, advances in tech can also be utilised to help secure peace.
Early warning systems, which reveal potential crises before they escalate, are made possible by AI and big data for example. Another example is climate change, which is exacerbating existing challenges in many parts of the world. Droughts, floods and extreme weather events are destabilising countries and forcing people to leave their homes. Innovative technology like drones and satellite imaging help monitor at-risk regions more accurately and respond more quickly to climate crises.
Scientific input for Security Council
As Security Council president for October 2024, Switzerland has invited four representatives from the scientific community and International Geneva to the 21 October meeting. Based on their daily work, the experts shed light on the impact science and new technologies can have on global peace and security.
One example comes from the research of Jocelyne Bloch and Grégoire Courtine, two professors from the EPFL and University of Lausanne, who have succeeded in enabling a person with a spinal cord injury to walk again – with the help of an implant. This is a major breakthrough that could affect the lives of millions of people who have been injured in conflict situations, including those harmed by anti-personnel mines or similar incidents.
The potential impact of other scientific and technological advances on global peace and security, such as AI and synthetic biology, were also be presented by the head of the UNIDIR, Robin Geiss, and the president of the DCAF board, Amin Awad. The invited speakers further called on Council members to keep abreast of developments in this field in order to anticipate certain developments in the context of international peace and security.
Ever-shrinking gap between science fiction and reality
The world's research labs are working flat out. The pace of scientific and technological breakthroughs has increased dramatically. One such exciting and potentially revolutionary field is synthetic biology. Here, new biological systems and components can be developed in order to treat disease; however, they could also be misused as biological weapons.
Neurotechnology is also creating a new dynamic, with neurotechnological interventions to make soldiers more effective for example – greater pain tolerance and faster decisionmaking may no longer be science fiction but an actual reality. It is not only the military where these innovations would have an impact however. Aid organisations will also have new options for treating individuals traumatised by war, those injured by mines and people living with paraplegia.
