The United Arab Emirates (UAE) reaffirmed its commitment to responsible artificial intelligence (AI) development and global security by actively participating in the Global Conference on AI, Security, and Ethics in Geneva. The high-profile event, held on March 27-28, 2025, at the Palais des Nations, was organized by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR). The conference brought together diplomats, policymakers, military officials, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives to discuss the pressing challenges and opportunities AI presents in security, governance, and ethics.
AI has become a powerful force in modern society, influencing everything from military defense and cybersecurity to data privacy and human rights. As AI capabilities grow, nations and international organizations face the critical task of ensuring AI remains a tool for good, avoiding misuse in warfare, surveillance, or manipulative digital practices. The UAE’s active involvement in this conference highlights its role as a leading player in AI governance, advocating for ethical and responsible policies to guide AI’s future applications.
UAE’s Representation and Key Contributions
Representing the UAE at the Global Conference on AI, Security, and Ethics was Omran Sharaf, the UAE’s Assistant Foreign Minister for Advanced Science and Technology. Sharaf, a key figure in the UAE’s scientific and technological advancements, took center stage in a fireside chat with Robin Geiss, the Director of UNIDIR.
During this discussion, Sharaf shared insights on the UAE’s perspective regarding AI’s role in global security, governance challenges, and the ethical responsibilities of nations. His participation underscored the UAE’s commitment to shaping AI policies that promote peace, security, and sustainable technological growth.
In recent years, the UAE has positioned itself as a leader in AI innovation, establishing ambitious initiatives such as the UAE National Strategy for AI 2031, which aims to integrate AI into key industries like healthcare, education, and security. The UAE also launched the Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI), the world’s first AI-focused postgraduate university, further demonstrating the country’s commitment to fostering AI research and ethics.
Conference Objectives and Global Participation
The Global Conference on AI, Security, and Ethics served as a unique platform for global policymakers, industry experts, and researchers to address the impact of AI on military applications, cybersecurity, international law, disarmament, and ethical governance. With the rapid evolution of AI, nations must ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed responsibly to prevent unintended consequences such as autonomous weapons, misinformation, and privacy breaches.
The conference agenda featured high-level discussions and panels, including:
- AI in Military Applications: Exploring how AI is reshaping modern warfare and defense strategies.
- AI and Cybersecurity: Addressing cyber risks and the need for stronger digital defenses.
- AI’s Role in International Law and Human Rights: Ensuring AI aligns with ethical principles and legal frameworks.
- The Ethics of Autonomous Weapons: Debating the need for regulations on AI-driven military tools.
- Regional Perspectives on AI Governance: Understanding how different countries regulate and implement AI policies.
One of the conference’s most anticipated discussions revolved around the risks of AI-induced destabilization and the importance of human oversight in AI-driven security measures. Panelists stressed the need for clear regulatory frameworks and international cooperation to prevent AI misuse, algorithmic biases, and cyber threats.
The UAE’s participation in these discussions reaffirmed its stance on responsible AI governance and its willingness to collaborate with global partners in developing ethical AI policies.
The Growing Importance of AI Ethics in Security
AI is rapidly transforming the global security landscape. From predictive analytics in crime prevention to AI-powered surveillance and autonomous weapons, AI’s role in defense and intelligence has become more significant than ever. While AI brings numerous benefits, it also raises concerns about data privacy, algorithmic biases, and the potential for AI-driven conflicts.
One of the key takeaways from the Geneva conference was the importance of developing global standards for AI governance. Experts warned that without proper ethical guidelines, AI could become a threat rather than an asset, leading to misuse in warfare, authoritarian surveillance, and unfair decision-making processes.
The UAE has already taken steps to address AI-related challenges by implementing ethical AI policies and supporting global AI governance frameworks. The nation has also worked to balance AI innovation with ethical considerations, ensuring that AI technologies remain beneficial to humanity rather than a tool for unchecked power.
UAE’s Commitment to AI Governance and International Collaboration
The UAE has long recognized the need for international collaboration in AI governance. The country has been actively working with global organizations to develop ethical guidelines for AI usage while fostering AI-driven economic growth.
Omran Sharaf’s participation in the Geneva conference highlights the UAE’s strategic vision in AI governance. By engaging with international leaders and experts, the UAE aims to bridge the gap between AI innovation and responsible deployment, ensuring that AI technologies align with humanitarian values and security principles.
Some of the UAE’s key AI-related initiatives include:
- The UAE National AI Strategy 2031 – A roadmap to position the UAE as a global leader in AI development.
- Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence (MBZUAI) – A world-class institution dedicated to AI research and ethics.
- The UAE AI and Blockchain Council – A regulatory body ensuring ethical AI implementation.
- The AI Ethics Framework – A set of principles guiding AI’s responsible use in government and industry.
By participating in high-level global discussions like the Geneva AI Conference, the UAE continues to play a pivotal role in shaping AI governance on an international scale.
The Future of AI Security and Ethics
The Global Conference on AI, Security, and Ethics marked an important step toward building a safer and more ethical AI-driven future. As AI technologies evolve, the need for responsible governance, transparency, and collaboration will become even more critical.
The UAE’s participation in this conference signals its dedication to AI security and ethical policymaking. By working alongside other nations, policymakers, and experts, the UAE is helping to establish clear guidelines that will shape AI’s role in global security, defense, and human rights.
The conference concluded with a shared understanding among global leaders: AI must be harnessed for good, ensuring that technological advancements align with international laws, security measures, and ethical principles. The UAE, with its proactive approach to AI governance, is well-positioned to be a key player in shaping the future of AI ethics and security.
Conclusion
As AI continues to redefine industries, security, and global relations, international cooperation is essential to address the ethical and security challenges associated with its rapid growth. The UAE’s participation in the Global Conference on AI, Security, and Ethics in Geneva reinforces its role as a thought leader in AI governance and an advocate for ethical AI development.
By promoting responsible AI policies, fostering research, and engaging in global dialogues, the UAE is helping shape the future of AI governance on a global scale. With continued collaboration and innovation, AI can be a force for good, driving economic progress, enhancing security, and improving human lives worldwide
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