UN Launches Global Forum to Tackle AI in Military Use

On Thursday, a new United Nations forum will open to discuss AI in military settings. The first worldwide gathering for leaders, experts and companies will begin on Thursday, aiming to confront AI's role in armed forces.

UNIDIR, the UN’s disarmament research institute based in Geneva, created a permanent center this summer that focuses on AI, peace and security. The center is funded by all five nuclear powers – the United States, Russia, China, the United Kingdom and France.

Officials warn that the rapid spread of AI makes it hard to know when machines could act without human oversight. Because the margin for human decision‑making is shrinking, especially around nuclear weapons, the center is drafting voluntary rules for companies that design AI weapons, urging them to follow global law and protect human rights.

The agency will meet this week with tech firms, software creators, investors and other stakeholders to shape policy together with governments, schools and civil groups. It also plans a separate push to curb AI misuse by non‑state armed groups, noting they already use the tech for planning and logistics. The message is clear: the world must act now, not let the issue stay hidden.