News

Statement by the Republic of Lithuania at the Security Council High-Level Open Debate on Artificial Intelligence and International Peace and Security on Thursday, 25 September 2025.

Mr. President, Excellencies,

I thank the Republic of Korea for convening this debate and for its leadership in international discussions on responsible AI. In addition to the statement delivered by the European Union, I wish to make the following remarks in my national capacity.

I represent a NATO Ally on the Alliance’s Eastern Flank—where democracy defends itself against authoritarian aggression. For us, AI is not a future concept. It is a present, operational reality shaping deterrence, defense, and peace.

AI is and must be a cornerstone of modern deterrence strategies. Deterrence by denial—making aggression impossible or ineffective—is key to maintaining peace and preventing escalation in an increasingly complex world.

Lithuania commends Ukraine’s innovative and human-centered approach to leveraging AI in the face of adversity. Ukraine has shown how technology can serve as a lifeline for civilians—especially those in occupied territories or displaced by war. From combating massive propaganda and disinformation to supporting independent media, and from delivering social programmes to ensuring access to public services, education, and security, these digital tools empower vulnerable groups—including pensioners, single mothers, and persons with disabilities—to navigate complex systems with dignity and clarity. These efforts set a powerful example for all of us: that AI, when guided by democratic values and compassion, can be a force for good.

Even in the face of existential survival, Ukraine remains dedicated to advancing a digital future grounded in human rights and ethical AI principles.

Ukraine also shows how a democracy under attack can use AI responsibly – and in compliance with international law – to protect its sovereignty and defend its territory. For example, the Sky Fortress system developed in Ukraine uses AI and acoustic sensors to identify incoming threats and match them with cost-effective countermeasures, optimizing Ukraine’s air defense and saving the lives of thousands of people by applying “fire brokering” logic.

Ukraine employs AI to improve targeting, distinguishing enemy combatants and protecting civilians.

AI also helps Ukraine analyze satellite images, drone footage, and intercepted communications faster than humans could.

Beyond the battlefield, AI helps coordinate humanitarian aid distribution and optimize logistics for evacuations.

AI also holds promise for mine action. AI-driven robotics, sensors, and vision systems can accelerate clearance operations and make them safer.

As co-lead of the Demining Capability Coalition for Ukraine, together with Iceland, Lithuania is exploring how innovation can be harnessed to reduce the deadly legacy of Russia’s aggression, restore farmland, and allow displaced communities to return home.

AI is also being successfully applied in other regions, including Africa, where it supports efforts to predict food insecurity and manage humanitarian crises – demonstrating its broad potential to enhance peace and stability worldwide.

Yet AI is increasingly weaponized in the information domain. We see disinformation spread at unprecedented speed, deepfakes manipulating populations, and synthetic content eroding trust. For Lithuania, with our history of hybrid threats, this is not a future risk but a present reality.

The rise of AI is also a pressing human rights challenge. If left unchecked, it can deepen inequality, reinforce bias, and harm women, children, and marginalized communities. AI-driven harassment and disinformation targeting activists and journalists is not a future threat — it's happening now.

Mr. President, for Lithuania, three priorities for the Security Council stand out:

First, uphold international law. The Council should reaffirm that the development and use of AI must remain anchored in the UN Charter, human rights, and IHL.

In this context, Lithuania is proud to champion the Vilnius Convention —the Council of Europe’s Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law —the first international treaty on AI that places human dignity, equality, and the rule of law at its core. This first-of-its-kind international document puts human rights at its core.

We welcome the Global Digital Compact and the UN’s steps to promote global dialogue on AI Governance. These efforts must ensure all countries — large or small — have a voice in shaping our digital future.

Second, reinforce guardrails.  As the UN body responsible for maintaining international peace and security, the Security Council must promote responsible AI use by enforcing legal reviews, ensuring human oversight, and mitigating bias. It should lead efforts to counter AI-driven misinformation, cyber warfare, and terrorist exploitation, and establish accountability— including targeted sanctions—against those who misuse AI to threaten global peace and security.

Third, broaden cooperation. The Council should use its convening power to bring States and non-State actors together—sharing best practices, building capacity, and embedding humanitarian perspectives.

Mr. President, Ukraine’s defence proves that, when used responsibly, AI helps democracies protect their populations—with greater speed, precision, and restraint than past tools.

The challenge is not to fear technology, but to root it profoundly in human rights, accountability, and international law. Lithuania is committed to this effort.

Thank you.