INTERNATIONAL SECURITY – ACHIEVING A SENSE OF SAFETY

In this increasingly complex and interconnected world, a sense of security must encompass armed conflict, climate change and even the latest technological developments such as artificial intelligence. Although each in its own way poses particular risks to overall stability, they are often so closely interlinked. The UN plays an important role in developing solutions that promote peace, sustainability and shared security.

War remains one of the most devastating threats to human security. Conflicts displace millions of people, destroy infrastructure and leave lasting scars on societies. In preventing war, the UN’s role in diplomacy, mediation and peacekeeping is central. In addition to active conflict resolution, post-conflict reconstruction, disarmament and reconciliation are among the Organisation’s priorities. Lasting peace requires tackling the systemic causes of conflict at their roots, including inequality, corruption and access to natural resources.

Climate change has become one of the defining security challenges of the 21st century. Rising temperatures, extreme weather events and resource scarcity are forcing people to migrate and exacerbating tensions between and within nations. Whole communities are being displaced from their ancestral homelands, and climate refugees face an unknown fate. The UN is talking about global cooperation through agreements like the Paris Agreement and investing in adaptation strategies for vulnerable regions. Beyond mitigation, the most critical part of global security is addressing the social and economic consequences of climate-induced migration.

While AI offers unprecedented opportunities to improve security, it also poses serious risks. AI will enhance the potential for early warning of disasters, optimise border management and allows for better allocation of resources in crisis situations. Its misuse for autonomous weapons, cyber-attacks or intrusive surveillance raises some very serious ethical and security dilemmas. The UN is at the forefront of developing frameworks to regulate this technology, to develop AI principles within the framework of human rights standards, and to serve global stability without exacerbating already identified threats.

Economic inequality and poverty are at the root of instability. Lack of education, healthcare and employment fuel migration, conflict and social unrest. The UN Sustainable Development Goals aim to address these inequalities through inclusive economic growth, equitable access to education and access to basic resources. Achieving these goals will directly contribute to a safer and more equitable world.

Pandemics and other health crises have reflected many of these vulnerabilities in the context of global security. COVID-19 highlighted the fact that nations are completely interconnected and that no one nation can solve the problem alone, but only together. The UN is focusing on strengthening health systems and equitable distribution of vaccines to prevent the next global health crisis from undermining social stability.

Security will be achieved through an integrated and adaptive approach. All new threats – war, climate change, new technologies – will require cooperation, creativity and a sense of shared duty. In its own way, by confronting challenges head on or by harnessing the power of global solidarity, the UN seeks a world where all people can live free from fear, instability and insecurity.

Don’t you want to live in peace?