Statement by Canada – Thematic Debate: Other Disarmament Measures and International Security – 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly – First Committee

New York, October 2025

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Thank you Chair,

There are numerous cross-cutting disarmament issues which affect our work in First Committee. I would like to address three of these issues in this statement, namely:

• cybersecurity,
• artificial intelligence and emerging technologies, and
• the diversity, equity, and inclusion of UN disarmament bodies

On cybersecurity, Canada welcomes the consensus outcome of the 2021-2025 OEWG last July, and we commend Singapore’s efforts in chairing that group. We look forward to continuing these important discussions after a seamless transition towards the single-track successor body to the OEWG, the: “Global Mechanism on developments in the field of ICTs in the context of international security and advancing responsible State behaviour in the use of ICTs”.

On artificial intelligence, Canada is once again fully supportive of the joint resolution put forward by the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands, “Artificial intelligence in the military domain and its implications for international peace and security,” which reaffirms the applicability of international law, international human rights law, and the UN Charter in this field. Canada welcomes the convening of further discussions on AI in the military domain, including opportunities to use AI to enhance disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control, and appreciates the leads’ flexibility to ensure minimal budgetary implications for their proposed activities.

Finally, as is evidenced by the comprehensive UN80 reforms, our systems are in serious need of new and innovative ideas to remain fit for purpose. Increasing the diversity of age, gender, racial, and disability representation in all UN disarmament bodies allows for new and fresh perspectives on means to achieve disarmament and is a crucial component in the revitalization of the disarmament machinery. Canada fully supports the resolution tabled by the Republic of Korea on youth, disarmament, and non-proliferation and its calls for increased measures to promote the meaningful and inclusive participation of youth, including through the Youth4Disarmament programme.

Thank you.