Chair,

Allow me to congratulate you and the other members of the Bureau on your election. In addition to the statement delivered by the EU, I would like to make the following remarks in my national capacity. 

Chair, Excellencies, distinguished delegates,

Yesterday, we commemorated the heinous attack by Hamas on Israel and the ongoing captivity of the hostages is a daily reminder of these atrocities. The ensuing war has caused the deaths of tens of thousands of people and the humanitarian situation in Gaza is dismal. While the Netherlands recognizes Israel’s right to defend itself, we reiterate that Israel’s actions must be in line with international law. We call for an immediate cease fire in line with UN Security Council resolution 2735, leading to a lasting cessation of hostilities in Gaza. And a negotiated and sustainable two-state solution is needed more than ever. 
Escalation in the region, caused by a dangerous cycle of attacks and retaliation, is of grave concern. The Netherlands calls for de-escalation and an immediate ceasefire, in line with UN Security Council Resolution 1701, to restore security and stability for civilians that live on both sides of the Israeli-Lebanese border. 
Sadly, not only the Middle East faces conflict and humanitarian disaster. Russia’s illegal war of aggression in Ukraine is in its third year and the irresponsible nuclear sabre-rattling by Russia continues to threaten us all. The situation in the Sahel is deteriorating further and the armed conflict in Sudan continues to cause civilian deaths, mass displacement and lack of humanitarian access. Through such conflicts, we continue to witness the erosion of the global arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation architecture. These developments not only present a challenge to our collective security, but also undermine our efforts to reach the sustainable development goals (SDGs).

Chair,

New and emerging technologies can offer extraordinary opportunities to improve the lives of people and to address sustainable development challenges. But also pose real and imminent risks to security, human rights, and fundamental freedoms. The past year we have already seen real-world applications of artificial intelligence (AI) in armed conflict, in some cases with devastating humanitarian effects.

There is also a risk of growing barriers of access and a widening divide between technological haves and haves-nots as these technologies increasingly intersect with the security interests of states. Yet, the Pact for the Future declares that, “the three pillars of the United Nations — sustainable development, peace and security, and human rights — are equally important, interlinked and mutually reinforcing.” A balance must therefore be struck between regulating new and emerging technologies, so that they are not applied to the detriment of human beings, and promoting them. For everyone’s benefit. Everywhere.

Chair,

To assist in this process, the Netherlands launched the REAIM summit last year: the first global multi-stakeholder dialogue on responsible AI in the military domain. Last month, a successful second REAIM Summit was organized by the Republic of Korea in Seoul, together with Kenya, Singapore, the UK, and the Netherlands. With approximately 2000 people participating and 61 countries endorsing the outcome document, we congratulate the Republic of Korea on organizing a superb event.

Chair,

Now, it is also time to bring discussions about AI in the military domain to the UN. Therefore, the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea are tabling a new resolution this year on Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and its implications for international peace and security. Allow me to highlight two important aspects of the resolution. First, it affirms the applicability of international law throughout the lifecycle of AI in the military domain. Second, it requests the UN Secretary General to prepare a substantive report containing the views of States, as well as other stakeholders, on the opportunities and challenges posed to international peace and security by the application of artificial intelligence in the military domain.

We appreciate the input provided by delegations so far on the draft. I would particularly like to extend our gratitude to the cross-regional group of fifteen states that have closely consulted with us over the past months. Their efforts have allowed us to present what we believe is a balanced and comprehensive draft for the Committee’s consideration. We invite all delegations to join us for further informal consultations on the resolution tomorrow at 1.15 pm.

Chair,

Rapid developments in AI also impel us to take steps to consider the appropriate level of regulation for lethal autonomous weapons systems (LAWS). In 2023, the High Contracting Parties of the CCW therefore mandated the Group of Governmental Experts (GGE) on LAWS “to consider and formulate, by consensus, a set of elements of an instrument, without prejudging its nature, and other possible measures to address emerging technologies in the area of lethal autonomous weapon systems”. And last August’s UN Secretary General report on LAWS underscores that many States attach great importance to making progress on this mandate in the GGE LAWS. 

Speaking in my capacity as Chair of the GGE, let me say that the Group had two substantive, technical, and detailed meetings in 2024. The High Contracting Parties have taken steps towards formulating a working characterization of lethal autonomous weapon systems, worked on text regarding possible prohibitions and regulations of LAWS, and discussed the issues of responsibility and accountability. I look forward to continuing our work and invite all interested States not party to the CCW to keep a close eye on the proceedings of the GGE, in a role as observer, and hopefully as a future High Contracting Party to the CCW.  

Chair,

Let me conclude by saying that, despite growing tensions, we have a common duty to protect and strengthen the arms control, disarmament, and non-proliferation architecture. Especially, in light of the challenges and opportunities that new and emerging technologies present. The Netherlands looks forward to continuing this work together. 

Thank you, Chair.