What was science fiction ten or fifteen years ago is now becoming our new reality,’ the Swiss foreign minister said in New York. He used the example of neurotechnology to illustrate what this could mean for warfare. Neurotechnology could soon increase soldiers’ precision, stamina, and pain tolerance. The combined use of artificial intelligence and neurotechnology will enable rapid decision-making, including in the conduct of war. The UN Charter, international humanitarian law, and the principles of humanity must be upheld in the face of these risks.
In this context, maintaining international peace and security – the core task of the Security Council under the UN Charter – is more urgent and complex than ever. The Council must therefore act with foresight. ‘We must prepare to meet the future challenges of science. The future is here and now,’ emphasised Mr. Cassis. The Security Council should closely examine the consequences of groundbreaking scientific developments and new technologies, drawing on the expertise of specialists, including the Geneva Science and Diplomacy Anticipator (GESDA) foundation, established by Switzerland in 2019.
‘The Security Council has a duty to invest in anticipation,’ stressed the head of the FDFA, recommending that the UN Secretary-General regularly inform the Council about scientific advances and their potential consequences for peace. Switzerland offers to continue supporting the exchange of knowledge between the Security Council and scientific actors, particularly those based in International Geneva.
With this Council meeting – the first flagship event of its second term – Switzerland highlighted its priority of promoting ‘sustainable peace.’ During Switzerland’s first term as president of the Council in May 2023, Federal Councillor Cassis emphasised in New York that building mutual trust is essential for peace and security, with science playing a crucial role.
