More consensus needed over digital technology for ‘people and the planet’ |
“We have a critical opportunity to build consensus on how digital technologies can be used for the good of people and the planet, while addressing their risks,” Rosemary DiCarlo, Under-Secretary-General for Political and Peacebuilding Affairs, told the Security Council.
“But collective action by Member States remains essential towards this goal”.
Digital technologies for good
She noted that social media has transformed human rights and humanitarian advocacy, “making it possible to mobilize people around the world quickly and efficiently around issues requiring urgent action”.
In maintaining peace and security, technical developments have improved the ability to detect crises, better pre-position humanitarian aid, and create data-driven peacebuilding tools, she said.
And in conflict prevention, new digital tools have strengthened peace-making and peacebuilding, providing better information and early warning data, Ms. DiCarlo added.
She pointed to the UN Mission to Support the Hudaydah Agreement (UNMHA) in Yemen, which uses mapping and satellite technology to enhance ceasefire monitoring and increases the UN’s ability to “understand, analyze and respond to crises that may have a digital dimension, and…address digital risks”.
Political assistance
Furthermore, new technology can support political processes, particularly in promoting inclusion.
“In various peace negotiations, we have used artificial intelligence (AI)-assisted digital dialogues to reach out to thousands of interlocutors, to hear their views and priorities,” she said.
“This has been a particularly useful way to reach traditionally excluded groups, including women”.
Safety and security
They can also improve the safety and security of peacekeepers and civilian staff on the ground.
“The launch of the Strategy for the Digital Transformation of Peacekeeping represents…
