site.btaBulgarian Foreign Minister Takes Part in UN Security Council's Debate on AI, International Peace

In an era of rapid technological transformation, artificial intelligence is both an opportunity and a risk, said Foreign Minister Georg Georgiev at an open debate of the UN Security Council, quoted by the press centre of the Foreign Ministry on Friday. He took part in the open debate on artificial intelligence and international peace and security, which was held during the 80th session of the UN General Assembly in New York.

"The emergence of new technologies, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems and large-scale data collection, has charted a new course of development in both the civil and military spheres. This rapid development requires constant adaptation and expansion of international legal standards," Georgiev said in his statement at the forum.

He warned that opponents of the international legal order are investing heavily in technologies for offensive purposes, and that disinformation campaigns fuelled by artificial intelligence threaten democratic values and public debate. "Russia's war against Ukraine demonstrates some aspects of the application of AI on the battlefield. In the future, we can expect AI to become increasingly adaptive and widely used in conflict situations," Georgiev said, calling for enhanced cooperation with the private sector and academia to maintain technological advantage.

The Foreign Minister also stressed that artificial intelligence must be developed and used in accordance with international law, including the UN Charter, international humanitarian law and human rights. He recalled that Bulgaria actively supports international initiatives for the responsible military use of artificial intelligence, including the Blueprint for Action adopted in Seoul and the political declaration on the responsible use of AI and autonomy, as well as the key resolutions of the UN General Assembly of 2024.

Georgiev underlined that Bulgaria will continue to be an active participant in the global dialogue on artificial intelligence and to promote solutions that strengthen international peace, guarantee security and protect human dignity. "Our ambition is to build a world where technology serves people, where innovation is developed responsibly, and where artificial intelligence becomes a tool for stability and prosperity for future generations," he added.

During his visit to New York, the Foreign Minister also met with US Secretary of State Marco Rubio who congratulated Bulgaria on its active role within NATO and its contribution to regional security.