NEW YORK / RankWire.AI / – The UN Security Council will meet on November 24 to discuss how rapid technological advances, including artificial intelligence and autonomous and uncrewed technologies, are reshaping armed conflicts and their resolution. The open debate will also consider the opportunities and risks these technologies pose to international peace and security. The meeting will be held under the theme “Conflict Resolution in an Era of Rapid Technological Change.”
The debate was initiated by Latvia, which holds the rotating Council presidency in November. It will be chaired by Latvian President Edgars Rinkēvičs, according to the Emirates News Agency. This is Latvia’s first-ever term on the Security Council, covering 2026 and 2027, after the Baltic country was elected with 178 votes. November marks its only presidency during the two-year term. Latvia joined the United Nations in 1991.
Discussions will examine the integration of emerging technologies into conflict management, from early warning, prevention and mediation to peacekeeping and post-conflict recovery. Members will also explore ways to maximize the benefits of new tools while reducing risks. Representatives from the technology sector are expected to brief members, according to Anadolu Agency. The debate is expected to look at how the Council can respond as technology changes the way wars are fought and ended.
Latvia puts AI at the center
Latvian Ambassador Sanita Pavļuta-Deslandes told PassBlue that the signature event would carry the topic of conflict resolution in the era of rapid technological change. The ambassador said AI is a topic that will stay on the Council’s agenda. Latvia has held formal and informal discussions, seminars and an interactive dialogue on AI and peace and security since January 2026. Latvia also backs a Norwegian-Finnish call on frontier AI models and works with UN advisory panels, UNESCO and the International Telecommunication Union.
The debate is also expected to address how emerging technologies intersect with climate change. Another focus is the safety of peacekeepers, humanitarian workers, journalists and civilians. The Council does not intend to set global rules for AI, a task that remains with the General Assembly, where leaders have called for stronger global AI safeguards. Latvia and Greece are also launching an informal expert group on emerging threats.
Drone threats close to home
The focus on new technologies comes as Latvia faces drone threats along its eastern border. On November 1, the Latvian military deployed an interceptor drone against an attack. A drone believed to be Ukrainian later entered Latvian airspace and crashed in the country’s northeast, near the Russian border. Latvia shares a border of about 284 kilometers with Russia. The Council will also mark the one-year milestone of Resolution 2803 on November 17.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres has also warned about technology’s impact on society, saying recently that AI must reflect all of humanity’s voices rather than being shaped by a few companies. Other Council meetings in November include monthly sessions on Russia and Ukraine, a debate on Palestine on November 30 and consultations on Lebanon and the transition of the UNIFIL peacekeeping mission. Members are also due to renew peacekeeping mandates for Abyei and the Central African Republic.