Prime Minister Schoof spoke during the General Assembly of the United Nations (UNGA) in New York about the necessity of international dialogue on AI in the military domain. During this debate, Schoof launched the report from the Global Commission (GC REAIM) on the responsible use of AI in the military domain. This report was commissioned by the Netherlands.
Prime Minister Schoof: “AI can contribute to solutions for global security challenges, such as conflict prevention, peace operations, early warning systems, and the protection of civilians in military contexts.”
The Netherlands Advocates for International Diplomacy on AI in the Military Domain
The Netherlands has a long tradition of promoting peace, security, and international rule of law. The work on AI in the military domain aligns with that tradition and underscores the role of the Netherlands as a bridge builder in complex global issues. The Netherlands and South Korea are collaborating on this.
In recent years, the Netherlands and South Korea have significantly influenced the international agenda. In 2023, the Netherlands hosted the first conference on the responsible use of AI in the military domain (REAIM) in The Hague. South Korea was the host country for the second edition in 2024. Together, both countries submitted a UN resolution on AI in the military domain in September 2024, which was adopted with overwhelming support. This year, the discussion continues, and a new resolution will follow.
Minister of Foreign Affairs Van Weel: “Two years ago, during the first REAIM summit in The Hague, the Netherlands launched the Global Commission. The final report marks an important step forward, providing valuable tools for operationalizing policy and continuing the international dialogue.”
Rapid Development of AI Calls for Action
The debate in the UNGA and the report presented by the Netherlands aim to engage a broad coalition of countries in creating new rules and agreements. The Netherlands will actively engage in discussions with other countries in the coming months.
Independent Report from International Commission
The international commission worked for the past two years on the report, under the guidance of The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS). The commission consists of twenty scholars, lawyers, and technology experts. The report includes recommendations for the AI industry and armed forces worldwide, as well as recommendations for international collaboration on new agreements. The five main recommendations are:
- Ensure that international law is embedded in the development and deployment of AI and elaborate this in ethical principles and standards;
- Agree that critical decisions regarding nuclear weapons are entrusted only to humans;
- Develop national policy for military AI and positive incentives to comply in testing and training;
- Invest in international dialogue on AI in the military domain with all regions of the world and various partners;
- Build more knowledge on this subject with a central knowledge network.
