Driven by factors like breakthroughs in machine learning, access to data, and hardware innovations, advances in AI are being employed in fields from drug discovery to supply chain management. However, the same advances also present real risks to international peace and security.

While some of this stems from AI’s potential for military purposes, even AI developments intended solely for civilian use can be repurposed for malicious or harmful ends, ranging from disinformation campaigns, and cyber-attacks to terrorist operations. Technology is not inherently neutral, and decisions made across the AI lifecycle, as well as the actions AI facilitates, are also bound to impact international peace and security.

It can be difficult for AI practitioners to foresee how their work can have unintended negative consequences, yet given their positions in the AI lifecycle, they are particularly well placed to help address these risks, and can play critical roles in mitigating them. Since early 2023 the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) have worked with AI practitioners, including in academia, civil society and industry, from around the world to test and develop educational materials that can be introduced into STEM education, and help future AI practitioners address the risks for international peace and security at their source.

Based on this work, in July UNODA and SIPRI launched the Handbook on Responsible Innovation in AI for International Peace and Security, a valuable resource for AI educators and students looking to innovate responsibly. The handbook was designed to support AI practitioners in being mindful of how their work can have downstream consequences for international peace and security, helping to mitigate the risks that their work might present, and engaging with discussions on the nexus between AI and international peace and security. The handbook is designed for use by educators looking to integrate materials into their curricula, as well as individual readers. The handbook is one output of a broader project, Promoting Responsible Innovation in Artificial Intelligence for Peace and Security, conducted by the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA) and the Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI), with the generous support of the European Union.

For further information on Promoting Responsible Innovation in AI for Peace and Security, please contact Mr. Charles Ovink, Political Affairs Officer, at charles.ovink@un.org.

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