UN General Assembly Adopts Over 60 Resolutions on Disarmament and Security Amid Global Tensions

New york: The General Assembly of the United Nations has adopted more than 60 resolutions and decisions proposed by its First Committee, focusing on Disarmament and International Security. This comes at a time of escalating geopolitical tensions, rapid advancements in weapons technologies, and the weakening of critical arms-control agreements. Among these resolutions is a new text that addresses the potential risks posed by integrating artificial intelligence (AI) into the command, control, and communications systems of nuclear weapons. According to EMM, Rapporteur Ana Avila from Costa Rica reported that the First Committee concluded its work earlier than scheduled by implementing strict time management and significantly streamlining its operations. Despite these efficiencies, interest in disarmament and international security issues remains high, as evidenced by the participation of 156 delegations in the general debate segment, an increase from last year. Additionally, 471 interventions were made during th e thematic discussion segment, compared to 435 in 2024. The Committee successfully adopted 63 draft resolutions and decisions, with 49 subjected to recorded votes and only 14 proposals passing without a vote. The continuing divide among delegations was highlighted by the 160 votes requested on various proposals or their parts. The General Assembly emphasized disarmament issues related to AI's rapid development, notably adopting a resolution on the "Possible risks of integration of artificial intelligence in command, control and communication systems of nuclear weapons." This resolution was passed by a recorded vote of 118 in favor, 9 against, and 44 abstentions, underscoring the demand for human oversight of nuclear command systems that incorporate AI. Additionally, the Assembly adopted a resolution concerning AI in the military domain, with a recorded vote of 167 in favor, 5 against, and 5 abstentions. This resolution mandates informal exchanges in Geneva to further discuss AI's implications for internati onal peace and security. Outer-space security was another focal point, with several resolutions addressing the prevention of an arms race in space. The Assembly called for peaceful use and prevention of militarization in outer space, urging states with significant space capabilities to contribute actively to this goal. The resolution on "Prevention of an arms race in outer space" was adopted with 177 votes in favor, 2 against, and 1 abstention. In the context of Middle Eastern security, the Assembly adopted resolutions on nuclear disarmament in the region, including the establishment of a nuclear-weapon-free zone. The resolution urging the establishment of such a zone in the Middle East was adopted with 173 votes in favor, 3 against, and 3 abstentions. The Assembly also focused on addressing the challenges posed by lethal autonomous weapons systems. A resolution on these systems was adopted with 164 votes in favor, 6 against, and 7 abstentions, highlighting the need for a comprehensive multilateral approac h to address the issues associated with autonomous weapons. Furthermore, the Assembly addressed the Treaty on the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons, adopting a resolution with 119 votes in favor, 45 against, and 12 abstentions. It also promoted the implementation of the Convention on the Prohibition of Anti-Personnel Mines, with 159 votes in favor, 1 against, and 19 abstentions, urging all non-party states to accede to the Convention without delay.