Statement by H.E. Ambassador ISHIKANE Kimihiro, Permanent Representative of Japan to the United Nations, at the Arria-Fomula Meeting on “the Impact of Emerging Technologies on International Peace and Security”
2021/5/17
Mr. Chair,
I thank you for convening this important meeting and I am grateful to all the briefers for their insightful remarks.
For decades, Japan has strived to raise awareness on today’s theme in multilateral settings. It was in 1990 that Japan hosted a United Nations conference, “New trends in science and technology: implications for international peace and security” in Sendai, Japan. The Japanese Mission in New York has also regularly held the "Turtle Bay Security Roundtable" on this topic over the past several years. Our aim is to shed more light on the complex nexus between global peace and security and emerging technologies, including those owned by the private sector.
Based on these discussions, I would like to highlight three key points.
There is already important ongoing work in specific fields related to international peace and security, including in cyber and outer space as well as Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). Japan is committed to supporting these processes taking into account the above-mentioned points, and calls upon others to do the same.
Emerging technologies can also be used to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This serves to strengthen human security, address the root causes of conflict and advance long-term global peace. Convinced that the global divide in this area should not widen, Japan promotes capacity-building projects, such as in the field of cyber security, in developing countries.
The United Nations and other multilateral institutions have provided an important venue to jointly tackle technology-related challenges. Japan will continue to work with other Member States, the UN Secretariat, experts and other stakeholders on this critical agenda.
I thank you.
I thank you for convening this important meeting and I am grateful to all the briefers for their insightful remarks.
For decades, Japan has strived to raise awareness on today’s theme in multilateral settings. It was in 1990 that Japan hosted a United Nations conference, “New trends in science and technology: implications for international peace and security” in Sendai, Japan. The Japanese Mission in New York has also regularly held the "Turtle Bay Security Roundtable" on this topic over the past several years. Our aim is to shed more light on the complex nexus between global peace and security and emerging technologies, including those owned by the private sector.
Based on these discussions, I would like to highlight three key points.
- Firstly, emerging technologies should be developed and used responsibly in a manner that underpins basic values, such as human rights and fundamental freedoms for all, democracy as well as respect for international law.
- Secondly, the development and use of emerging technologies requires openness, transparency and integrity and take a human-centric approach in parallel with promoting trust and security. The right balance can be sought through multi-stakeholder engagement that involves, among others, the private sector, academic institutions and civil society. Governments alone cannot strike the right balance between these often conflicting requirements.
- Thirdly, we should never overlook the vast potential impact of these technologies on people. They should not be used for surveillance and oppression. The dignity of individuals should always be respected. The direct implications of emerging technologies on the national security of each Member State should be also carefully considered. In order to maintain global peace and security, it is important not to allow the illicit transfer or theft of technology and technology-related information.
There is already important ongoing work in specific fields related to international peace and security, including in cyber and outer space as well as Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems (LAWS). Japan is committed to supporting these processes taking into account the above-mentioned points, and calls upon others to do the same.
Emerging technologies can also be used to help achieve the Sustainable Development Goals. This serves to strengthen human security, address the root causes of conflict and advance long-term global peace. Convinced that the global divide in this area should not widen, Japan promotes capacity-building projects, such as in the field of cyber security, in developing countries.
The United Nations and other multilateral institutions have provided an important venue to jointly tackle technology-related challenges. Japan will continue to work with other Member States, the UN Secretariat, experts and other stakeholders on this critical agenda.
I thank you.