President,
I have the honour to deliver this statement on behalf of the Nordic countries Denmark, Finland, Iceland, Norway and Sweden.
As coastal states with open, globally connected economies, the Nordic countries depend on safe shipping, resilient maritime infrastructure, and the uninterrupted flow of trade, information and energy.
For us, maritime security is fundamentally about the freedom to use the seas and oceans peacefully and sustainably in accordance with international law.
The foundation for this is clear. The United Nations Charter and the Law of the Sea, as reflected in UNCLOS, remain our legal compass. Threats to maritime security remain a serious global concern. It is important to continue efforts to prevent and suppress these threats in line with international law, while maintaining effective protective and deterrent measures. All states have important responsibilities for safety and security at sea, in accordance with their respective obligations under international law.
President,
Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are transforming the maritime domain. New technologies can increase the vulnerability of critical infrastructure to cyberattacks, interference with satellite navigation systems, and the malicious use of autonomous systems. At the same time, they offer unprecedented opportunities to strengthen maritime security and resilience.
Used responsibly, AI and other new technologies can improve maritime situational awareness, enhance the protection of critical undersea infrastructure, strengthen monitoring and early threat detection, and support safer and more secure global supply chains.
The Nordic countries see particular potential in using new technologies to safeguard submarine cables and other critical undersea infrastructure. This requires innovation and close cooperation among governments, industry, and international organizations.
International cooperation is indispensable. All States should be able to benefit from the peaceful use of emerging technologies. We therefore support common standards, capacity-building, and inclusive governance. We welcome the International Maritime Organization’s work, including the new MASS Code, which helps ensure that innovation proceeds safely and responsibly. We also welcome the IAEA’s ATLAS initiative on safe, secure and safeguarded maritime small modular reactors.
Before concluding, President, I wish to underscore one key concern. As frontier AI models advance at unexpected speed, it is paramount to ensure that humans remain at the driver’s seat. The ‘Call for Control’ initiative launched in September has gathered 30 world leaders to call for enhanced international collaboration in ensuring that technology remains at the service of humanity, not the other way around. The Call remains open for all UN Member States to join.
Technology changes. Our commitment to international law and cooperation must not. Maritime security can benefit greatly from the application of AI and other emerging technologies. Let’s make sure, together, that this happens.
Thank you.