24.09.2025 Denmark's statement at the UNSC open debate on the use of AI

Checked Against Delivery

Thank you, Mr. President.

First, let me thank the Secretary-General for his remarks as well as the two briefers, Professor Bengio and Professor Choi, for sharing their insights with us.

President Lee, thank you for your presence today. I would also like to express my sincere appreciation to the Republic of Korea for convening us today and for the tireless efforts in the AI domain.

Mr. President,

The unprecedented speed of AI innovation has brought about new opportunities for sustainable development, human rights and peace and security.

But we have also seen that AI carries significant risks, especially if not managed or used properly.

AI exacerbates the security threats we face, for example when it amplifies mis- and disinformation campaigns or malicious cyber activities. These threats not only destabilize societies and jeopardize democracies but also undermine the legitimacy and efforts of UN peacekeepers.

AI operates in the virtual space. But it can put real people at real risk. We need to mitigate those risks and counter abuse and misuse. And we need to do so quickly.

Together we must ensure that AI benefits all of us. We must work against widening digital divides and against the potential of AI to cause damage and conflict.

Mr. President,

Denmark’s main priority is to ensure safe and trustworthy AI that it is used in compliance with international law, in particular international humanitarian law and international human rights law.

This includes AI enabled weapons. Responsibility and accountability cannot be delegated to machines. Human oversight and human control in decision making is required.

In this regard, Denmark is encouraged continued deepening of international cooperation in relation to AI. We support the creation of a cohesive global framework for AI governance and Denmark has also endorsed the “Paris Declaration on Maintaining Human Control in AI enabled Weapon Systems”.

We call for a particular focus on accountability, as well as on  multistakeholder approach that involves civil society, technical experts, industry and academia alike.

Mr. President,

AI technologies can bolster the UN's capabilities in multiple ways. For example, by detecting and addressing cyber threats, monitoring the implementation of sanctions regimes and countering mis- and disinformation and hate speech.

AI has the potential to enhance the safety and operational effectiveness of UN peace operations and support remote monitoring of ceasefire agreements. This is particularly important on the ground where UN peace operations work under difficult and dangerous circumstances to implement the mandates adopted by this Council.

AI models can process data from satellites, drones, and sensors in real time to monitor movements of troops, vehicles or artillery and issue automated alerts. Instead of relying on manual reports, UN staff can respond more quickly, with decision-making supported by technology.

These opportunities of AI cannot be realized without decisive action and commitment. We must ensure that AI technologies are developed, deployed and managed responsibly.

Mr. President, to conclude,

Denmark stands ready to contribute to ensure AI systems remain safe, secure and trustworthy. We welcome the engagement of this Council and look forward to further considerations on how AI systems can be leveraged by the UN to advance international peace and security.

I thank you.