PRIO’s engagement with issues around the use of artificial intelligence was in full display last week, when PRIO researchers joined key UN discussions in Geneva on AI-enabled weapons and satellite technology, contributing expertise on security, ethics and strategic policy.
Engaging in UN Discussions on AI and Security
PRIO actively participated in global debates on artificial intelligence (AI) and security, with researchers attending high-level meetings hosted by the United Nations Satellite Centre (UNOSAT) and the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) in Geneva.
PRIO Research Professor Gregory Reichberg and Senior Researcher Ilaria Carrozza met with UNOSAT representatives to discuss how satellite imagery can drive real-world impact. With disasters and conflicts increasing, satellite data provides real-time insights critical for disaster resilience, humanitarian aid and sustainable development. UNOSAT advances evidence-based decision-making for peace and security through geospatial technology, an area where PRIO is actively engaged.
One such initiative is PRIO’s new research project that examines the U.S.-China arms race in outer space and its implications for Norwegian defense strategy. It is led by PRIO Doctoral Researcher Giacomo Bruni and funded by the Norwegian Ministry of Defense.
Key Takeaways from the UNIDIR Global Conference
The recent UNIDIR global conference AI Security and Ethics on 27-28 March gathered policymakers, academics and industry leaders to address pressing challenges in AI security. Reichberg and Carrozza participated in the event, alongside Jovana Davidovic, Simon Polichiniel von der Maase and Alexa Timlick.
Key takeaways included:
- Addressing AI-enabled weapons requires global, interdisciplinary collaboration.
- Clear definitions of key AI concepts (Responsible AI, AI Assurance) are still lacking.
- Practical AI assessment tools are leading the way, like those from PRIO’s VIEWS team.
- Experts urged a shift from broad discussions to concrete policy recommendations.
Advancing AI Security and Ethics
The conference underscored the urgent need for international cooperation on AI security.
“These discussions are crucial in shaping responsible AI governance and bringing diverse perspectives together is essential for meaningful progress,” said Ilaria Carrozza.
PRIO will continue engaging with key stakeholders to drive actionable insights in AI security, disarmament, and geospatial intelligence.
