The UN Security Council has included “Maintenance of international peace and security: Emerging technologies and security” in its provisional programme of work for October 2026, under the Council’s presidency by Greece. The meeting is scheduled for 29 October and forms part of Greece’s broader focus on the security implications of technological change, particularly in the maritime domain. The programme was adopted by Council members on 1 October, although, as with other monthly programmes, it remains provisional and serves primarily as a framework for scheduling formal and informal discussions.

The planned discussion comes amid growing recognition that technological developments are changing both the nature of conflict and the tools available for preventing and managing crises. Recent Security Council Report analysis has highlighted the expanding implications of AI, information and communication technologies and other emerging technologies for issues already on the Council’s agenda, including counter-terrorism, protection of civilians, sanctions, peacekeeping and women, peace and security. The Council’s engagement with these issues has so far been described as limited and fragmented, while technological convergence is creating risks that are increasingly interconnected and difficult to anticipate.

Greece’s approach places particular emphasis on artificial intelligence and maritime security. In recent UN Security Council discussions, Greek representatives have argued that AI can strengthen maritime domain awareness by processing information from satellites, radar, automatic identification systems and other sources, helping identify anomalous behaviour, illicit activity and threats to maritime infrastructure. At the same time, AI and other emerging technologies can create new vulnerabilities, including through cyber operations, reconnaissance, autonomous systems and disruption of critical maritime infrastructure. Greece has therefore framed technological innovation alongside international law, human oversight and accountability.