Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics begins Day 1

The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research convened the Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026. The event brought together diplomats, policymakers, academia, civil society, industry and research laboratories to examine the implications of artificial intelligence for international peace and security. With AI systems rapidly evolving, their governance sits at the forefront of global policy agendas. AI development, deployment and use actively shape national, regional and global security environments. Policymakers and regulators recognize the need for shared understandings, norms, coordinated approaches and cross-border cooperation. Recent General Assembly resolution 79/239, the Secretary-General's report on AI in the military domain and resolution 80/58 mark a shift toward implementation, practical measures and sustained engagement among states and stakeholders. The conference built on the success of the 2025 inaugural event and the work of the Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics. It aimed to bridge technical and policy communities and strengthen cooperative approaches to AI-related security challenges. The agenda drew on global submissions to advance technology solutions, governance frameworks and practical use-cases. The multi-stakeholder community addressed the complex implications of AI for national, regional and global security and resilience. The conference was held consecutively to the 2026 informal exchanges on AI in the military domain in Geneva, pursuant to resolution 80/58. Poster presentations on AI, security and ethics were invited and displayed outside the conference room. Day 1 focused on technology themes. Sessions explored algorithmic bias across sectors, dual-use technologies, agentic AI and the relationship between data distribution, interface design and testing processes with AI governance in defence and security. Additional discussions addressed applications and integration of responsible AI principles into product lifecycles, counter-AI capabilities and human-centered approaches.