In brief
Latvia has assumed the rotating presidency of the UN Security Council, signalling that artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies will dominate the November agenda. The council will organise a high‑level debate titled "Conflict resolution in an era of rapid technological change" and convene a new Informal Expert Group on emerging threats. Meanwhile, routine agenda items such as peacekeeping mandates and the nomination of a Secretary‑General candidate from Turkey remain on the docket.
On Monday, the United Nations Security Council, under Latvia’s first‑ever rotating presidency, announced that it would focus its November agenda on the peace‑and‑security implications of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies.
Latvian Permanent Representative to the UN Sanita Pavluta‑Deslandes told reporters at UN headquarters that "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."
The council will host a high‑level ministerial open debate on Nov. 24, titled "Conflict resolution in an era of rapid technological change." Pavluta‑Deslandes said the discussions will examine how new tools affect the protection of civilians, peacekeepers, humanitarian personnel and media workers, alongside conflict prevention and peacebuilding.
The announcement also highlighted that the council will not attempt to establish global AI regulatory frameworks or general governance systems, noting that broader rule‑making remains the responsibility of the UN General Assembly. 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 10 council members, will convene its inaugural session during the month.
Alongside these AI‑centric initiatives, the council will continue its routine agenda items, including peacekeeping mandates and judicial elections. It also received and circulated a letter from Turkey formally nominating Ambassador Feridun Sinirlioglu for the position of UN Secretary‑General, ahead of the Security Council and General Assembly straw polls slated for November.
Latvia’s presidency coincides with the country’s November statehood commemorations, honoring the 1918 declaration of independence, adding symbolic resonance to the country’s focus on emerging technologies and global security.
According to the Security Council Report’s Monthly Forecast, Latvia will hold the presidency in November, a fact that underscores the timing of the AI‑led agenda and the country’s new role on the world stage.
