In a move that signals a shift in its technical focus, the UN Security Council announced that it will make the threat and potential benefits of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies the centerpiece of its November agenda under Latvia’s first‑ever rotating presidency. Latvian Permanent Representative to the UN Sanita Pavluta‑Deslandes told reporters at UN headquarters that the council will examine how emerging tools affect the protection of civilians, peacekeepers, humanitarian personnel and media workers, and that it will not attempt to establish global AI regulatory frameworks or general governance systems, noting that wider rulemaking remains the responsibility of the UN General Assembly.
The signature event of the Latvian presidency is scheduled for Nov. 24 as a high‑level ministerial open debate titled “Conflict resolution in an era of rapid technological change.” Representatives from the technology sector and AI companies will brief council members, and a newly established Informal Expert Group on emerging threats and technological change—created jointly with Greece and joined by ten council members—will convene its inaugural session during the month.
"We believe that the issue of emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, and their impact on peace and security, is a topic that will stay on the council’s agenda," said Pavluta‑Deslandes.
Latvia also confirmed that the council received an official letter from Türkiye formally submitting its candidate, Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioglu, for the position of UN secretary‑general, and that indicative straw polls will proceed during November ahead of the council’s session in the General Assembly.
While the council will focus on AI, it will continue routine agenda items including peacekeeping mandates and judicial elections, according to a release on the Security Council’s monthly forecast portal.
