UN chief warns nuclear threat deepens amid emerging technologies

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has stated that the rapid development of artificial intelligence and quantum computing is creating new risks for global security and requires adaptation of the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons (NPT).

Addressing the opening session of the 11th Review Conference of the Parties to the Treaty on the Non-Proliferation of Nuclear Weapons at UN Headquarters in New York City, Guterres said the treaty needs to take into account the interplay between nuclear weapons and emerging technologies.

“Today, the nuclear threat is compounded by new dangers from rapidly evolving technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing. The Treaty is not a relic of a former age, frozen in amber. It must grapple with the nexus between nuclear weapons and new technologies. It must ensure that, until nuclear weapons are eliminated, humanity never cedes control over their use,” the Secretary-General stressed.

Guterres emphasised that the NPT is a “living instrument” capable of remaining the foundation for a world free of nuclear weapons, provided that countries remain firmly committed to its provisions.

By Jeyhun Aghazada