The Maldives has called for urgent and responsible global governance of artificial intelligence (AI), warning that the technology must be harnessed for peace rather than conflict.
Foreign Minister Dr Abdulla Khaleel delivered the message at the United Nations Security Council High-Level Open Debate on AI and International Peace and Security on Friday, convened under the Presidency of the Republic of Korea.
Dr Khaleel described AI as a fundamental shift in the global balance of power, capable of empowering even the smallest nations. He said AI offers “immense potential” for advancing climate resilience, education, healthcare and economic diversification, but also warned of its risks – from mass surveillance and repression to the acceleration of armed conflict.
For Small Island Developing States such as the Maldives, he stressed, AI is not a luxury but a “vital tool for survival and prosperity.” Citing the Maldives’ Maldives 2.0 digital transformation strategy, he reaffirmed the Government’s commitment to placing people at the heart of technological innovation.
Dr Khaleel closed by urging Member States to ensure that AI becomes “a force for peace, equity, and human dignity” through robust international cooperation and responsible governance.
