By UN Journal Kayla Lee

At the 80th session of the UNGA First Committee, two resolutions submitted by the Republic of Korea (ROK) were adopted on Thursday, November 6, with overwhelming support from UN Member States: “Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and its Implications for International Peace and Security,” co-tabled by the ROK and the Netherlands, and “Youth, Disarmament and Non-proliferation,” tabled solely by the ROK, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs said.

The “Artificial Intelligence in the Military Domain and its Implications for International Peace and Security” resolution was adopted amid the growing international attention to AI in the military and security domains, following the United Nations Security Council open debate on “AI and International Peace and Security” held under the chairmanship of President Lee Jae Myung on September 24. After its first adoption in 2024, this marks the second adoption of the resolution, with 64 countries joining as co-sponsors.

Building on the key elements of last year’s resolution, which garnered broad support from the Member States, this year’s resolution incorporated new components, such as noting the Secretary-General’s report on AI in the military domain submitted pursuant to last year’s resolution and convening informal exchanges to further share perspectives on the implications of AI in the military domain.

In this year’s resolution, the ROK and the Netherlands adopted an extensive and gradual approach, taking into account diverse national positions on AI in the military domain. They also crafted a balanced text that garnered widespread support from the international community on this important agenda of emerging security issues. This resolution is regarded as an opportunity to reaffirm the global AI leadership that the ROK has built over the years, and the Korean government will continue to spearhead international cooperation on the application of AI in the military domain.

The biennial resolution on “Youth, Disarmament and Non-proliferation,” first adopted in 2019, was adopted for the fourth time this year. This resolution highlights: encouraging diversification of youth participation in discussions in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation, calling upon Member States and international organizations to consider developing and implementing policies and programmes, and stressing the importance of fostering next-generation experts through education and capacity building.

This year’s resolution was co-sponsored by more than 80 countries, demonstrating wide support and solidarity from the international community. By encouraging the engagement of youth, who are leaders of tomorrow and catalysts for social transformation, this resolution contributed to promoting diversity and sustainability in discussions in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation.

Since the ROK joined the UN in September 1991, this marks the first time that two resolutions led by the ROK have been simultaneously adopted at the First Committee. This outcome clearly reflects the ROK’s growing leadership in multilateral diplomacy, especially in the field of disarmament and non-proliferation. It is also significant in that the Korean government has actively voiced its opinion and reaffirmed its commitment to contributing to forward-looking global disarmament and non-proliferation issues, such as AI in the military domain and the promotion of youth participation.

As a responsible global power, the Korean government will continue to play an active role in the UNGA First Committee, which deals with disarmament and international security.