(Resumed) Emerging technologies and maritime security: implications for peace and security - Security Council, 10256th meeting Security Council Date: 29 October 2026 Language: English Transcript: https://transcripts.un.org/en/sc/10256/3 Transcripts available through this tool are created by using automatic speech recognition and are not official records nor official documents of the United Nations. Official records and official documents are available on the Official Document System of the United Nations. --- Greece · President of the Security Council [15:24]: The 10,256th meeting of the Security Council is resumed. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Mohamed Rahman Soorey, Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation of Sierra Leone. Sierra Leone · Minister for Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation [15:45]: Mr. President, I thank Greece for convening this timely debate and extend our appreciation to the Prime Minister for chairing it. We also thank the briefers for their insights. Sierra Leone recognizes that maritime security is inseparable from international peace, economic stability, and sustainable development. For coastal states, particularly in Africa, secure seas are essential to trade, food security, livelihoods, and the protection of marine resources. Emerging technologies present both an opportunity and a challenge. Artificial intelligence, satellite surveillance, autonomous systems, and advanced data analytics can strengthen maritime domain awareness, detect suspicious activities, and improve early warning. However, these same technologies can facilitate attacks against shipping. cyber intrusions, illegal trafficking, and interference with navigation systems. They are misused, threatening seafarers, port infrastructure, global supply chains, and the freedom of navigation. Mr. President, for Sierra Leone and the wider Gulf of Guinea, these developments reinforce the need to strengthen regional maritime cooperation. Piracy, armed robbery at sea, Illicit trafficking and illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing continue to demand coordinated responses. Sierra Leone's national security arrangements and engagement in maritime intelligence cooperation reflect our commitment to confronting these hydra-headed threats through improved surveillance, information sharing, and interagency coordination. We underscore the importance of Yaoundé architecture for maritime safety and security and implementation of Security Council Resolution 2634/2022. Emerging technologies should reinforce these regional mechanisms, enabling states to share timely, actionable information and respond collectively to transnational maritime threats. In view of the foregoing, Sierra Leone wishes to emphasize the following three priorities. First, responsible innovation grounded in international law. The United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea must remain foundational. Applicable international humanitarian law and international human rights law must also be respected. The deployment of autonomous and AI-enabled systems requires appropriate safeguards, meaningful human oversight, clear lines of responsibility and accountability, and measures to prevent miscalculation and unintended escalation. Second, stronger international cooperation and protection of seafarers. Cybersecurity, secure communications, resilient port infrastructure, and reliable navigation systems must be integral to maritime security. The International Maritime Organization, IMO, has a central role in developing international standards for safe and secure shipping, including through its work on maritime autonomous surface ships. The Security Council should complement, not duplicate, the work of the IMO and other relevant institutions. Third, equitable access to technology and capacity building. Developing countries must not be left behind as maritime security becomes increasingly technology dependent. We call for sustained support for capacity building and other relevant training, technology transfer, affordable surveillance capabilities, cyber security expertise, and institutional capacity. Such support is essential to closing maritime security gaps and ensuring that innovation benefits all states. Mr. President, the measure of technological progress is not simply what it enables us to achieve, but whether it makes our seas safer, our cooperation stronger, and our communities more secure. Sierra Leone therefore calls for a maritime security framework in which innovation serves peace, Technology strengthens international cooperation, and no state is left without the capacity to protect its maritime interests. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [19:50]: I thank His Excellency Mr. Soiré for this statement. I wish to remind all speakers to limit their statements to no more than three minutes in order to enable the Council to carry out its work expeditiously. The flashing light on the microphone will prompt speakers to bring their remarks to a close after three minutes. I now give the floor to the representative of Thailand. Thailand [20:19]: Mr. President, thank you. Thailand commends Greece for bringing this critical and timely issue before the Security Council, and thanks all the briefers for their insights. Rapid technological advancements are indeed reshaping the maritime landscape, presenting us with both opportunities and challenges. For Thailand, maritime security is a core pillar of our national strategy. And in this context, I wish to highlight three key priorities. First, emerging technologies must be used responsibly in the maritime domain. New technologies, such as AI, satellite surveillance, and unmanned autonomous systems, significantly enhance maritime security by improving the efficiency of monitoring, information sharing, and early warning capabilities. However, these very same technologies, if misused, can amplify existing threats and further undermine safety and security in the maritime domain. For this reason, Thailand reiterates that the application of all emerging technologies must be under human oversight and in full compliance with international law, including the United Nations Charter, International Humanitarian Law, and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Second, strengthening the resilience of critical maritime infrastructure is essential to responding to evolving threats. The malicious use of new technologies, including through the integration of cyber and physical attacks targeting ports, navigation systems, and undersea cables, disrupt global supply chains and threaten economic security. These challenges cannot be addressed by any one country alone. Thailand therefore stands ready to cooperate with like-minded partners to strengthen preparedness, improve information sharing, and enhance maritime domain awareness to prevent and respond to such threats while safeguarding freedom of navigation. As an ASEAN member state, Thailand remains committed to advancing cooperation through ASEAN-led platforms, particularly the ASEAN Regional Forum. Third, Inclusive capacity building is essential to narrowing technological gaps. Our shared goal of global maritime security cannot be achieved in the face of existing technological divides. Developing countries should be able to harness the peaceful applications of emerging technologies in the maritime domain. To this end, Thailand supports robust international cooperation, technology transfer, and knowledge sharing to strengthen collective responses and resilience to our common maritime security challenges. Mr. President, emerging technologies must serve as instruments for peace and security, and not become new sources of instability. Only through the responsible use of technology, resilient maritime infrastructure, and inclusive international cooperation can we ensure that technological advancements contribute to a peaceful, secure, and resilient maritime order. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [23:48]: I thank the representative of Thailand for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of South Africa. South Africa [23:57]: Mr. President, the convening of this meeting signifies the importance of maritime security and growing recognition that technology and other innovations are reshaping conflict and crisis management. Mr. President, The emerging technology landscape is complex and fraught with both unprecedented benefits and risks. For example, the identification of vulnerabilities online by artificial intelligence prompted both government and private sector to act decisively and with speed to prevent the exploitation of such vulnerabilities by hackers and agentic systems with potential catastrophic consequences. The international community has watched with horror the targets attacked, attacks unleashed by non-state actors against civilians and infrastructure, and against commercial shipping that not only resulted in the loss of lives and livelihoods, but whose consequences continue to strangle global trade. This reflects how technological developments are changing both the nature of conflict and the tools available for preventing and managing crises, and their impact on domains such as maritime security. The use of artificial intelligence in the military domain, as well as lethal autonomous weapons systems, have also revealed significant risks when we lose human control of these dangerous instruments. South Africa believes that the international community must move with from fragmented engagement to a systemic, inclusive, and legally grounded approach to address these emerging technologies to maintain international peace and security. This requires engagement in more inclusive forums of the United Nations, such as the General Assembly and its various mechanisms. aimed at addressing the governance of all emerging technologies in order to manage the risks related to the pace of these technological developments and their implications for not only maritime security, but international peace and security in general. This includes participation of developing countries in global AI governance frameworks to ensure that global AI governance reflects their concerns and ambitions. President South Africa believes that rapidly advancing AI technologies operating without proper human oversight constitute significant risks, not only to civilians, but impacts all facets of life. Ongoing conflicts show the need for governance and accountability to keep pace with technological developments. We believe that governments working collaboratively with the companies that develop these technologies should actively contribute to shaping the regulations, norms, safeguards, and governance frameworks, regardless of the technological capacities, including those that will govern the military application of artificial intelligence. Furthermore, the development of emerging technologies, such as drones and AI, are proving to impact strategic calculations and stability, conflict dynamics, and international peace and security, as evidenced by the contestations around global trade. As I conclude, Mr. President, South Africa also emphasizes that the involvement of developing countries in international AI governance international support for AI ecosystems in developing countries and addressing equality and the digital divide will contribute positively to the maintenance of international peace and security. The global nature of the impact of emerging technologies necessitate that we leave no one behind, as we will only be strong, we will only be as strong as our weakest link in addressing the the acutely global risks, given the pace and impact of these technologies. We also underscore the importance of the Security Council delivering on its mandate, which necessarily includes using tools at its disposal, acting decisively, and with unity of purpose to address threats to international peace and security, including maritime security. But we must move beyond the limit and the non-inclusive forum of the Security Council to address the threats and harness the benefits and address risks in an inclusive and effective manner. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [28:33]: I thank the representative of South Africa for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Mexico. Mexico [28:44]: Thank you very much, Mr. President. Mexico recognizes that cybersecurity is an inseparable element of safe maritime navigation. A cyber incident can have implications for peace and security, as it could paralyze a port terminal or disrupt navigation systems, regardless of whether a physical attack occurs. The commitment not to intentionally damage critical infrastructure applies to ports, vessels, maritime communications, and undersea cables. As a coastal state with shores on two oceans and a long-standing commitment to peace and international maritime cooperation, Mexico reaffirms that navigational safety and freedom of the seas are indispensable conditions for peace and sustainable development. Accordingly, Mexico would like to take this opportunity to reaffirm its conviction that the recently established Global Mechanism on the Security of Information and Communications Technologies (ICTs) must remain the sole and permanent channel for further developing the framework for responsible state behavior. This mechanism should apply that framework to critical maritime infrastructure in an inclusive and multi-stakeholder manner, with particular attention to the needs of developing countries. Confidence-building measures, particularly communication channels among incident response centers and the global directory of points of contact, are useful tools for exchanging timely information and reducing cyber threats to navigation, to maritime navigation. We value the progress made by the International Maritime Organization, the IMO, including the adoption of the International Code for the Safety of Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships. These technical advances must be accompanied by cooperation and capacity transfer. Emerging technologies particularly artificial intelligence, represent an opportunity to strengthen maritime security, provided that they are used responsibly, under human oversight, and in full compliance with international law. Institutional complementarity is essential. The IMO, the International Telecommunications Union, the International Labour Organization, and the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, UNCTAD, they all have clear mandates. The Security Council can contribute to political guidance and a preventive perspective, identifying links between technological incidents and risks to peace, and by supporting the work of these organizations without duplicating that work. Mexico reaffirms that international law, including the UN Charter, is fully applicable to cyberspace. Likewise, the humanitarian legal framework does not seek to legitimize the militarization of cyberspace. Much rather, it establishes clear limits to protect civilian populations and the essential infrastructure on which they depend. In this context, international cooperation, capacity building, The exchange of best practices and the inclusion of regional perspectives are key elements for harnessing the benefits of emerging technologies, reducing risks, and promoting safe navigation and international peace. Thank you very much, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [32:51]: I thank the representative of Mexico for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Cyprus. Cyprus [33:00]: Thank you, Mr. President. I would like to thank the Greek Presidency for convening this timely debate on emerging technologies in maritime security. Mr. President, artificial intelligence can enhance maritime domain awareness, early warning, crisis response, and the protection of critical maritime infrastructure. It can also support peacekeeping, humanitarian operations, ceasefire, and sanctions monitoring. At the same time, emerging technologies can amplify existing threats, including cyber attacks, autonomous systems, and hybrid operations targeting ports, shipping, submarine cables, and energy infrastructure with serious implications for international peace and security. The dual-use nature of AI underlines the importance of ensuring that its development and deployment are conducted in a responsible and ethical manner, guided by meaningful human oversight, transparency, and accountability. Mr. President, Cyprus firmly believes that Technological progress must remain anchored in international law, particularly the UN Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which provides the legal framework governing all activities in the oceans and seas. UNCLOS is fundamental to maritime security, legal certainty, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Its provisions, reflecting customary international law, are binding upon all states. In this context, Cyprus reiterates its firm position regarding the so-called Turkey-Libya Memorandum of Understanding on Maritime Delimitation of 2019, particularly following its recent ratification by Libya's House of Representatives. This purported agreement is null and void, does not comply with international law, and in particular, the rules pertaining to the conclusion of treaties as well as UNCLOS. Geography cannot be changed. Nor can the sovereign rights of states be disregarded through arbitrary maritime delimitations. Article 121 of UNCLOS clearly establishes the regime of islands and their entitlement to maritime zones. The Mediterranean is our common sea. Its security and stability depend on good neighborly relations, grounded on respect for international law and the sovereign rights of all coastal states. Mr. President, International cooperation remains indispensable in addressing emerging technological risks. Information sharing, capacity building, and cooperation among states, international organizations, and the maritime industry are essential. The Security Council has an important role in addressing the implications of emerging technologies for international peace and security, while ensuring coherence across the UN system. Our collective efforts should remain coherent across the UN system, avoid duplication, and ensure that the UN plays a central role in developing common understanding and promoting responsible approaches to technological developments. Our collective objective must be to ensure that emerging technologies strengthen maritime security while remaining firmly grounded in international law, human oversight, and international cooperation. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [36:09]: I thank the representative of Cyprus for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Croatia. Croatia [36:18]: Mr. President, Croatia thanks Greece for organizing this important and timely meeting. We align ourselves with the statement delivered by the European Union, and I would like to add some remarks in my national capacity. For Croatia, maritime security is a matter of national priority. As an Adriatic coastal state, an EU and NATO member with a strong maritime tradition, Croatia depends on safe and reliable sea routes for its economic security and prosperity. Emerging technologies cut both ways. Drones, unmanned surface vehicles, AI-enabled systems, and cyber tools make it cheaper and easier for state and non-state groups and actors to threaten shipping. Dependence on digital navigation and port systems adds new vulnerabilities. Seafarers bear the greatest risk. In the recent drone attack on a ship in the Black Sea, a Croatian seafarer was among the seven crew members reported missing. This incident is a stark reminder that the misuse of emerging technologies can have devastating consequences. They affect civilian crews, their families, and international shipping. On the other hand, artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, and autonomous systems can strengthen maritime awareness and improve early warning. They can support search and rescue operations and protect seafarers and critical infrastructure. Croatia is using unmanned aerial systems with support from the European Maritime Safety Agency. They improve surveillance, search and rescue, and pollution response. in the Adriatic. Our Coast Guard works as well with Slovenia and Italy on a joint platform to prevent and respond to marine pollution incidents. We're also building cyber resilience in the maritime sector, including through the EU-supported SysChroms project. In June, Croatia hosted a combined Adriatic cyber endeavor exercise with regional and international partners. Since 2009, we have been contributing personnel to EU Naval Operation Atalanta in support of Security Council resolutions. In this regard, we have five points to make. First, the UN Charter and UNCLOS, together with international humanitarian and human rights law, apply fully to new technologies at sea. Second, meaningful human oversight and safeguards must be maintained. Third, We support the IMO's work, including the MASS Code, as security should be built into design. Fourth, the Security Council should, within its mandate, take emerging technologies into account more systematically. And fifth, capacity building and information sharing are essential so that all states can use and benefit from these technologies. And finally, for a maritime nation such as Croatia, protecting the sea means protecting lives, livelihoods, and our shared prosperity. Therefore, Croatia stands ready to share its experience and to work with all partners so that innovation strengthens rather than undermines peace and security at sea. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [39:33]: I thank the representative of Croatia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Poland. Poland [39:41]: Mr. President, I would like to begin by expressing our gratitude to Greece for organizing this timely debate. Let me also thank the briefers for their insightful remarks. Mr. President, Maritime security is one of the cornerstones of international security and economic stability. But today, with new technologies transforming maritime domain, we are faced with a new reality. Blocking maritime chokepoints, whether through cyberattacks or swarms of drones, triggers an immediate crisis in global supply chains and causes spikes in prices of energy, goods, and services. By the same token, disruption of navigation systems, for instance, through the GPS spoofing and jamming, has become a common tool of electronic warfare in the Black Sea or the Baltic Sea. And these are only a few examples confirming the gravity of our debate today. That said, new technologies should not be demonized. Instead, we had better use them to enhance maritime safety. To protect the safety of navigation, it is a key that we develop resilient systems combining the protection of satellite signals with the development of alternative sources of navigation information. We should also employ drones to protect shipping routes and critical underwater infrastructure. AI-equipped underwater drones can continuously patrol areas around the telecommunication cables, gas pipelines, and offshore wind farms, detecting anomalies, attempted sabotage, or mechanical damage. And trust me, as a representative of the Baltic Sea region, which has been severely affected by the harmful activities of Russia's so-called shadow fleet, I can assure you of the necessity of taking such precautions. Mr. President, the role of states is about making sure that the new technologies are used responsibly and with the aim of strengthening our security. States should amend regulations regarding protection of critical infrastructure and enforcement mechanisms. We need to promote scaling up the exchange of experts' knowledge between the public sector and the private operators, and the UN should stand as a platform to raise awareness of threats and opportunities regarding the adoption of the new technologies in maritime domain. After all, it is our collective duty to provide high-level recommendations on maritime risk management, drawing conclusions from current and emerging threats and vulnerabilities. To that end, Poland strongly supports international cooperation aimed at strengthening maritime security. All actions taken by states and international organizations must be in line with international law, with UNCLOS being our main guiding principle. Let's not forget that acting in compliance with the UNCLOS is equally valid to coastal states as well as the flag states, which bear certain obligations and responsibilities for safeguarding maritime security. Mr. President, let's work together on addressing the challenges and harnessing the emerging technologies today so that we are not taken by surprise tomorrow. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [42:36]: I thank the representative of Poland for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Austria. Austria [42:45]: Thank you, Mr. President. Dear Yanis, Austria thanks Greece for organizing today's open debate, and we also thank the briefers who included Courtney Rattray, CDC of the Secretary General, for their insights. New and emerging technologies are rapidly transforming the maritime domain. Today, we witness how sharply disruptions at sea can reverberate across continents by threatening supply chains. Threatening or introducing restrictions or discriminatory measures to lawful passage through straits used for international navigation, such as the Strait of Hormuz, Bab el-Mandab, or the Black Sea is unacceptable. We condemn attacks against civilian vessels in the Black Sea and call for the immediate restoration of maritime security in the region. As we consider how to address these developments, allow me to make three points. A positive example of how new technologies enhance maritime security are space-based technologies. Satellite-based navigation systems support safe and accurate navigation. Communication systems enable reliable connections between vessels and coastal authorities. And surveillance systems allow us to monitor shipping routes, detect illicit activities, identify potential security threats, and monitor marine pollution. In this regard, I would like to commend the work of the UN Office of Outer Space Affairs based in Vienna in promoting international cooperation in the peaceful uses of outer space. UNOOS' experience should be consistently drawn upon by this Council for its deliberations on the topic. Second, while technological advances clearly offer considerable benefits, they also create new vulnerabilities and raise important legal, ethical, and security concerns. Of particular concern are autonomous weapon systems that operate without adequate human control. There is a rapid increase in the use of surface and underwater systems that operate without a crew, and a growing number of malicious actors have been able to exploit such technologies in the maritime context. The Council should therefore tackle the question of diversion of AI and weapons systems to non-state actors more systematically. And third, against this backdrop, the international legal framework must remain our common point of reference. Only an international order based on international law, including international humanitarian and human rights law, can guarantee stability and peace. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, as others have said, UNCLOS, serves as the cornerstone of maritime governance. As Chair of the Group of Friends of the Rule of Law, Austria will continue to advocate for the respect of international laws also at sea. Mr. President, during our upcoming term in the Council, and despite being a landlocked country, Austria will place a particular emphasis on the risks challenges and opportunities posed by new technologies in the maritime domain, and we look forward to contributing to the newly formed informal expert group on the topic. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [46:16]: I thank the representative of Austria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Morocco. Morocco [46:27]: Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I would like to congratulate the Hellenic Republic on its Security Council membership. We are deeply grateful to Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis, Prime Minister, who opened this debate. I also wish to thank the briefers for their very salient briefings. Mr. President, over 80% of global trade is shipped by sea. This is why we need to protect it. However, the maritime domain is facing new threats due to its interconnectedness. More accessible, more affordable technologies that are easier to tailor are amplifying threats, disrupting maritime supply routes and supply chains as well. Morocco is at the crossroads of The Atlantic, it's on the Strait of Gibraltar, and this is why it's particularly important, this matter for it. We seek to facilitate the flow of global trade. However, there are technologies which might undermine maritime security, and those very technologies can also be used to strengthen it. AI, satellite imagery, inter alia, help us to better understand the maritime domain and to make better decisions. We must not hamper innovation, but master it. Therefore, my delegation would like to make four remarks which can feed into the reflection of the Council. First, the legal framework. The use of emerging technologies at sea are still governed by international law, including the Law of the Sea, in accordance with the United Nations Charter. As these systems become increasingly autonomous, we still need appropriate human control so as to prevent miscalculations and risks of unintended escalation. Also, on resilience, if ports, vessels, and navigation systems do make trade more efficient, thanks to technology, they are more vulnerable to attack, to jamming. Therefore, we need better information sharing and closer cooperation between states, the maritime industry, as well as technology players. Third, the human factor. There is a crew behind every ship, and seafarers are the first exposed to the risks on the high seas. Their safety should take pride of place for us. We We would like to applaud the key role played by the International Maritime Organization, and we note that in May, they adopted the International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, a global first. Fourth, solidarity. Building national capacity for developing countries, especially in Africa, by providing technical assistance, sharing expertise. is a necessary prerequisite if we are to have inclusive maritime security. It is in this spirit that a royal initiative was launched so as to broaden Sahel states' access to the Atlantic Ocean. This was kickstarted by His Majesty King Mohammed VI. We have an instant conviction. The Atlantic is not a limitation, it is a way of bringing together different peoples. And we hope that our Sahelian brothers will join this initiative to ensure that they are open to the world, despite some of them being landlocked. This will serve their development, their integration, and their prosperity. By way of conclusion, Mr. President, the maritime domain has always brought people together. Emerging technologies, if they're governed by law and guided by cooperation, can make the maritime domain a safer, better connected, domain where we stand in solidarity, the Security Council today has every advantage. We can transform this technology into a driver of shared peace for all. I thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [50:43]: I thank the representative of Morocco for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Cuba. Cuba [50:53]: Thank you very much, uh, Mr. President. We'd like to thank the Greek Presidency for convening this debate. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, are creating new challenges in the maritime sector. Although these technologies can contribute to improving the security of navigation, it is of concern that there’s a real possibility of them being abused for offensive operations. We express our deep concern at the growing militarization of the Caribbean and the attacks carried out by the United States forces against vessels in those waters under the pretext of drug trafficking. These practices are endangering human lives and increasing military escalation in Latin America and the Caribbean, which since 2014 has been declared a zone of peace. No state can act in this way in international waters as judge and jury. There can't be maritime security when one power is using its power to block the energy supply to a sovereign nation and is punishing those that plan to trade with that nation. The energy siege imposed by the United States against Cuba is equivalent to a military blockade, which is an act of war. This intimidation is against international law and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. It constitutes a direct threat to international security. Extraterritorial pressure on shipping companies and international providers directly affects the supply chain, restricts the avenues of supply possible, increases the cost of shipping that has been legally bought by third countries. All of this is happening in international waters for thousands of containers containing medications, food, and necessary resources for essential sectors such as the health sector and the energy sector, hydraulic sector in Cuba. Cuba has the full right to buy fuel from any country, and any country has the right to export to Cuba without any threats or hindrances, without any questioning of the sovereign prerogative of each sovereign state to export fuel and to have bilateral trade relations without any interference from foreign powers. Just 24 hours ago, the General Assembly of the United Nations approved for the 34th time with a broad majority a resolution that demands an end to this illegal blockade policy. We reaffirm that the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea constitutes the legal framework within which all activities on the oceans and seas must be carried out. The obligation must be universal, coherent, and in good faith. The International Maritime Organization deals with regulation and ensuring the safe use of emerging technologies in marine navigation. States must respect its mandate and strengthen cooperation with that organization. The Security Council must act in accordance with the mandate provided to it in the UN Charter and avoid any duplication of effort when it comes to other UN bodies and international specialized international agencies. It should not promote selective approaches or convert the technology progress that has been made into political pressure. Technology should be at the service of peace and not become a tool of domination. Thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [54:35]: I thank the representative of Cuba for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Montenegro. Montenegro [54:43]: Thank you, Mr. President. Montenegro aligns itself with the EU statement. We thank Greece for convening this timely debate. Emerging technologies are transforming the maritime domain, offering new opportunities to prevent and respond to security threats. AI and advanced monitoring systems can help detect suspicious activities at sea, improve early warning, and enable faster, more informed responses. At the same time, their growing use brings new vulnerabilities, making responsible application and appropriate safeguards essential. For Montenegro, as an Adriatic and Mediterranean country, maritime security is closely linked to national security and regional stability, as threats at sea can have consequences far beyond national borders. In this context, protecting critical maritime infrastructure is particularly important. The undersea electricity cable connecting Montenegro with Italy is a concrete example of how maritime security is directly linked to regional energy stability. Montenegro has experienced the consequences of serious cyber threats. The large-scale cyber attacks against government infrastructure in 2022 prompted significant strengthening of our national cybersecurity. It has reinforced our understanding that cyber resilience is also essential for evolving threats to maritime security. We recognize that no country can address these challenges alone. Strengthening international cooperation, real-time information sharing, and early warning capabilities is essential to detecting and responding to maritime threats. It is why, in cooperation with France and Slovenia, we established the Western Balkans Cyber Capacity Center in Podgorica, strengthening regional preparedness and resilience. Mr. President, As AI and autonomous technologies become more widely used in the maritime domain, safety, accountability, and respect for human rights must be embedded in their development and deployment from the outset. Meaningful human oversight remains essential to preventing misuse, unintended escalation, and ensuring that technological progress serves human security. We firmly believe that international law, particularly the UN Charter and UNCLOS, must remain at the heart of our collective efforts. This is why Montenegro joined EU Global Pledge on maintaining the integrity of the international law of the sea and actively participates in international naval operations. We support continued engagement by the Security Council in cooperation with relevant international organizations in addressing the growing implications of emerging technologies for maritime security. Montenegro remains committed to working with international partners to ensure that technological innovation strengthens maritime security, protect those who depend on the seas, and contributes to international peace and stability. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [57:28]: I thank the representative of Montenegro for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran. Iran (Islamic Republic of) [57:41]: In the name of Allah, the most compassionate and most merciful. Thank you, Mr. President. As noted by briefers, emerging technologies, including AI, offer opportunities to enhance my item security, but they also create new vulnerabilities. However, the Security Council should address genuine threats within its charter mandate and respect the roles and mandate of competent bodies in this context. As a President, Iran has consistently upheld maritime security and freedom of navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz, fulfilling its responsibilities as a coastal state for decades. Regrettably, at today’s meeting, some speakers have once again ignored the root causes of the current situation. We have said time and time again, the responsibility for any disruption, obstruction, or other interference with maritime navigation in the Persian Gulf and the Strait of Hormuz lies directly with the aggressors and those who facilitate or assist their act of aggression against Iran. The unlawful actions endanger maritime safety and freedom of navigation in the entire region. Attempts to shift this responsibility onto Iran are unfounded and lack credibility. Mr. President, the Strait of Hormuz and the maritime trade route through this vital waterway was remained open until 28 February 2026. Since then, the United States, together with the Israeli regime, have waged a brutal war of aggression against Iran, and continues its acts of aggression and unlawful measures to date. They have also deliberately targeted Iran’s civilian and maritime infrastructure, ports, and vessels. Let me share a few facts that illustrate the gravity of this situation. On 4 March 2026, a U.S. submarine sank the Iranian frigate Dena in international waters in the Indian Ocean, killing more than 100 Iranian sailors. On 19 April 2026, US military forces attacked the Iranian commercial vessels TUSCA. By 23rd May, CENTCOM reported redirecting 100 commercial vessels and disabling four in enforcing the blackout. On 23rd July, U.S. forces attacked two Iranian search and rescue vessels, Nargh-e-15 and Nargh-e-16, in Iran's territorial waters while they were engaged in humanitarian operations. Moreover, in continuing its act of aggression, the United States imposed a blockade of all maritime traffic entering and leaving Iranian ports since 12 April 2026. Mr. President, The maritime blockade and its military enforcement, in the context of the ongoing U.S. aggression against Iran, constitute a flagrant violation of Iran’s sovereignty and territorial integrity, a grave breach of Article 2, paragraph 4 of the UN Charter, which prohibits the threat or use of force against the territorial integrity and political independence of any state. Furthermore, the US blockade threatens civilian access to food, medicine, fuel, and other essential supplies and impose collective punishment and deprive them of essential needs indispensable to their survival. Mr. President, Iran's measures are defensive and lawful. As a coastal state, Iran has the legitimate right under international law to take all necessary and appropriate measures to protect its sovereign rights, its territorial integrity, its people, and its vital national interest against the U.S. ongoing threat or aggression. Iran demands full accountability for these severe violations and for damage and suffer caused to civilians. The Security Council must not remain silent in the face of these violations. It must clearly call on the United States to immediately cease these unlawful acts. Iran will pursue all available legal avenues to ensure that those responsible are held to account. I thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:02:37]: I thank the representative of the Islamic Republic of Iran for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Indonesia. Indonesia [1:02:47]: Thank you, Mr. President. I'd like to thank Greece for convening this important debate. Today, emerging technologies are changing the equation. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and drones are transforming maritime security. with the risk to turn our oceans into new threats, new theaters of conflicts. Yet, these same technologies also offer powerful tools to secure our seas. From AI-powered vessel tracking to unmanned surveillance, they can enhance maritime safety, strengthen situational awareness, and safeguard freedom of navigations. As the world's largest archipelagic state, Indonesia considers maritime security a national priority. vital to our sovereignty, economic prosperity, and international peace. My delegation therefore emphasizes the pertinence of harnessing technology for security, not insecurity. Against this backdrop, Indonesia underscores three key points. First, evolving threats, adaptive council. Within its mandate, the Security Council should strengthen preventive efforts, anticipate technological risk, and foster concrete international cooperation. Such efforts must take into account the work of the IMO and other relevant organizations, while fully respecting national sovereignty, UNCLOS 1982, and the respective mandates of relevant international bodies. Second, innovation must reinforce, not rewrite, international law. Indonesia attaches paramount importance to international law, including UNCLOS 1982, which encompasses, among others, provisions on maritime zones, sovereignty and sovereign rights, and the rights and obligations of states. In this regard, new technologies must not become new excuses to expand maritime jurisdiction beyond international law, undermine the rights and obligations of states under UNCLOS, or disregard the sovereignty or sovereign rights. We must preserve the balance between navigational rights, coastal state jurisdiction, and legitimate security interests. Equally important, human oversight, accountability, and transparency must remain non-negotiable safeguards. In our region, the cooperative mechanism on the Straits of Malacca offers a practical model for safer navigation, maritime information sharing, and responsible innovation while respecting coastal state sovereignty. Third, inclusive maritime technological transformation. We need stronger international cooperation in technology transfer, capacity building, cybersecurity and maritime information sharing. We also call on shipping industry and technology developers to step up, further investing in cybersecurity, secure technology, and seafarer training. Mr. President, our ambition must be clear: smarter technology, stronger cooperation, and safer navigations. Indonesia stands ready to work with all partners. I thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:05:52]: I thank the representative of Indonesia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of India. India [1:06:01]: Mr. President, at the outset, I wish to thank Prime Minister Mitsotakis for convening this important debate. I also thank the briefers for their valuable insights. India welcomes this opportunity to build upon the discussions co-hosted by our External Affairs Minister Dr. Jaishankar and Foreign Minister Gerapetritis last month. on artificial intelligence and maritime security. Mr. President, oceans are the arteries of global commerce, connecting economies, sustaining livelihoods, and ensuring food and energy security. Their safety and security are indispensable to international peace and prosperity. Emerging technologies are fundamentally transforming the maritime domain. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, satellite-based surveillance, and advanced cyber capabilities offer unprecedented opportunities to strengthen maritime security. Equally, their misuse presents new challenges that demand our collective attention. Allow me to highlight five priorities. First, safeguarding freedom of navigation and maritime commerce. Recent attacks against commercial shipping have demonstrated how disruptions at critical maritime choke points can have consequences far beyond their immediate geography. They threaten seafarers, disrupt supply chains, and disproportionately affect developing countries through higher costs and economic uncertainty. India strongly condemns attacks against commercial vessels and re-iterates the importance of freedom of navigation, unimpeded lawful maritime commerce, and the safety of seafarers in accordance with international law. Second, harnessing technology to strengthen maritime security. AI-enabled analysis of satellite imagery, radar, and vessel tracking data can improve maritime domain awareness, detect suspicious activities, and support search and rescue operations. India's Information Fusion Center, Indian Ocean Region, located near New Delhi, demonstrates a value of cooperation and information sharing in strengthening maritime security. Our approach is guided by the vision of Sagar, security and growth for all in the region. and the broader commitment to inclusive maritime cooperation. Third, addressing emerging technological vulnerabilities. Increasing digitalization and automation also expose ports, vessels, communication networks, and undersea infrastructure to cyber threats. The proliferation of autonomous systems raises complex questions of attribution, accountability, and unintended escalation. We must therefore ensure appropriate safeguards, meaningful human oversight, and clear responsibility in the deployment of emerging technologies. The UN Charter and international law, including the Law of the Sea as reflected in UNCLOS, provide the essential framework for state conduct. Fourth, ensuring equitable access and capacity development. Technological advances must not deepen existing disparities. Developing countries require access to technology, training, and institutional capabilities to secure their maritime infrastructure and participate meaningfully in shaping technological governance. The New Delhi Declaration adopted at the AI Impact Summit hosted by India earlier this year emphasized democratizing access, building trustworthy systems, and ensuring that technological progress benefits humanity as a whole. These principles are equally relevant to maritime security. Fifth, strengthening international cooperation while respecting institutional mandates. The International Maritime Organization and other relevant institutions possess important technical expertise and established responsibilities. Their work must be reinforced, not duplicated. The Security Council should focus on technological developments with demonstrable implications for international peace and security. encouraging practical cooperation, confidence building, and resilience. Mr. President, India has identified AI and maritime security as important priorities for its candidature to the Security Council for 28-29. Our objective is clear. Technology must strengthen human security, not undermine it. It must expand opportunity, not inequality. And it must make our shared maritime commons safer, not more contested. India stands ready to work with all partners towards this objective. Thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:10:31]: I thank the representative of India for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Vietnam. Viet Nam [1:10:39]: Mr. President, Vietnam thanks Chris for convening this timely debate. Emerging technologies are transforming our oceans. Artificial intelligence, satellite observations, and autonomous systems can improve maritime safety and save lives. Their misuse, however, can endanger seafarers, disrupt global supply chains, and increase the risk of miscalculation and escalation. Our shared responsibility is to harness technological advances for peace, security, and sustainable development, ensuring that their use is responsible, grounded in international and guided by relevant norms, standards, and best practice. Vietnam wishes to highlight three priorities: First, international law must remain our foundation. The UN Charter and the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS) must guide the development and use of emerging technologies at sea. UNCLOS establishes the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. We reaffirm respect for the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal States, and freedom of navigation and overflight in accordance with international law, particularly UNCLOS. Disputes must be settled peacefully, without the threat or use of force, and with full respect for legal and diplomatic processes. We propose that relevant international bodies integrate these principles into guidance on emerging maritime technologies alongside effective human oversight, rigorous risk assessment, and clear responsibility. Greater autonomy must not diminish accountability. Second, prevention must translate into practical cooperation. Vietnam's call for stronger cooperation to protect seafarers, commercial shipping ports, and critical maritime infrastructure. We propose establishing or strengthening contact points for timely alerts on cyber incidents and interference with navigation systems, supported by regular joint exercises and emergency communication channels. Such arrangements can help prevent technical incidents from escalating into security crises. Governance: Shipping companies and technology providers should cooperate on secure information sharing and contingency planning consistent with international law. AI and satellite technologies should support early warnings, search and rescue, and marine environmental protection. Third, technological progress must benefit all countries. We call for targeted capacity-building programmes for developing countries, combining training, technical assistance, and access to affordable technologies on mutually agreed terms. Priority should be given to maritime cybersecurity, maritime domain awareness, and emergency response. The Security Council should promote conflict prevention and cooperation within its mandate, draw on relevant expertise, and support the work of IMO and other competent organizations. Regional mechanisms, including ASEAN-LEAD frameworks, can help translate these efforts into practical results. Vietnam stands ready to work with all partners for peace, security, and resiliency anchored in international law. I thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:14:10]: I thank the representative of Vietnam for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Yemen. Yemen [1:14:23]: At the outset, please allow me to extend my deepest appreciation to the Republic of Greece. Thank you for convening this important debate on emerging technologies and maritime security. This comes as fast-paced developments offer opportunities to enhance maritime security. At the same time, they bring increasing threats and challenges to the security of international navigation and safety of critical maritime waterways. We thank the briefers for their valuable briefings that enriched our debate. Developments in the Red Sea and the Bab el-Mandeb over the past years are a clear example of how advanced military technologies, if misused by non-state armed actors, can turn into tools to threaten international peace and security. Iran's continued support for the terrorist Houthi militias, including supplying them with advanced weapons and military expertise, has helped these terrorist Houthi militias to enhance their offensive capabilities and expand the scope of attacks. Ballistic missiles, drones, and booby-trapped naval boats have been used to target commercial vessels and threaten international navigation in the Red Sea, Bab el-Mandeb, and the Gulf of Aden. These attacks have also continued against civilian state institutions and critical infrastructure in Yemen. These attacks also undermine the security of neighboring countries. These attacks did not only endanger the lives of seafarers and crews, but also threatened global supply chains and disrupted international trade. They also posed a threat to food and energy security and caused grave damage to the marine environment. The Houthi attacks led to the sinking of several commercial vessels, including Magic Sea and Eternity Sea. This demonstrates the scale of threats when these military capabilities are exploited to target international navigation. Mr. President, threats to maritime security are not only linked to technological advancement, but also to the misuse and proliferation of these technologies beyond regulatory and legal frameworks landing in the hands of armed groups that use them to carry out cross-border attacks. In this context, we reiterate that the continued access by Houthi militias to advanced weapons, military technologies, their components, as well as dual-use components and military expertise through Iranian support and smuggling networks is a dangerous threat to the effectiveness of the international sanctions regime. This also undermines efforts to promote international navigation and to achieve peace and stability in Yemen and the region. This is why we call for the full and effective implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions, namely resolutions 2140 and 2216. Measures must be strengthened to prevent the illicit flow sale and transfer of weapons, missiles, and drones, and dual-use technologies and military expertise to the Houthi militias in violation of Security Council resolutions. It's important to strengthen cooperation and to promote a better exchange of information between member states and competent international mechanisms. Parties and individuals involved must be held accountable for violating the arms embargo, as well as parties that offer military and technological support for the Houthi militia. Emerging technologies bring new security challenges. At the same time, they offer important opportunities to enhance maritime security by developing surveillance and reconnaissance capabilities, data analytics, and early detection of threats, as well as better protection of ports and critical maritime infrastructure. In this context, we underscore the importance of strengthening international cooperation and partnership with the Government of Yemen as the main national partner to promote maritime security in the Yemeni territorial waters. We call for our support in order to ensure security in the Red Sea and Bab el-Mandeb. This must include technical and technical support and capacity building of coastal guards and national institutions. We call for better early warning and surveillance systems and better coordination to combat smuggling and the flow of technologies and weapons to these militias in full respect of our sovereignty, independence, and territorial integrity. In addition, we call for greater international and regional cooperation, building on existing mechanisms and frameworks, including the Djibouti Code of Conduct, the Jeddah Amendment to the Djibouti Code of Conduct, and the Regional Center for the Exchange of Maritime Information. UN verification and inspection mechanism must be strengthened further, thus ensuring collective response to maritime threats and building the capacity of coastal states to address the risks of the misuse of advanced technology. In conclusion, Mr. President, our experience shows that the proliferation of advanced military technology that fall into the hands of non-state terrorist armed actors is no longer a regional or a national security concern. It is now a direct threat to international maritime security, freedom of navigation, and international trade. To address this challenge, we must not only strengthen international cooperation and put in place necessary safeguards and controls to avert the misuse of these technologies, but this also require the full and effective implementation of relevant Security Council resolutions. In addition, more support must be provided to affected coastal states, mainly Yemen. This will help us develop our national capacity in maritime security. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:20:58]: I thank the representative of Yemen for the statement. I now give the floor to His Excellency Mr. Stavros Lambrinidis, Head of the Delegation of the European Union to the United Nations. EU · EU · Head of Delegation to the UN [1:21:12]: I have the honor to speak on behalf of the European Union and its Member States. The candidate countries North Macedonia, Montenegro, Albania, Ukraine, the Republic of Moldova, Bosnia and Herzegovina, and Georgia, as well as San Marino, aligned themselves with the statement. We commend the Greek Presidency for bringing this vital debate to the Security Council, and we fully share the assessment of the urgency of addressing this topic. The threat environment at sea is evolving quickly. The proliferation and misuse of autonomous and uncrewed systems whether aerial, surface, or submarine, enable state and non-state actors to disrupt freedom of navigation, to target commercial shipping, subsea cables, and pipelines, and to hold global supply chains hostage. Increasing digitization introduces acute cyber vulnerabilities to port operations and critical undersea infrastructure. Incidents affecting maritime infrastructure can also have serious consequences for the maritime environment and coastal communities. These tech-driven disruptions directly threaten international economic stability, energy and food security. They also endanger the life and safety of innocent seafarers, who must remain at the center of our protection efforts. We cannot accept a reality when new technologies are used to bully, intimidate, or disrupt the global commons and to imperil human life and undermine the protection of civilians. Conversely, Mr. President, innovation can be harnessed to protect the global order. When used responsibly, advanced surveillance, AI, drones, advanced sensor, and data sharing act as a powerful tool for security. They allow the international community to monitor the oceans, predict threats, and protect critical infrastructure and trade routes. AI in the maritime sector must remain under human control and in full compliance with international law to harness this positive potential. The EU recalls the universal and unified character of the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, which sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. New and emerging technologies must always respect international law, including international human rights and humanitarian law. Innovation must always remain subject to human oversight and state accountability. On October 12th, the European Union launched a global pledge on maintaining the integrity of the international law of the sea: no fees, no tolls. Together with 62 countries, we firmly reject any unlawful fees, compulsory tolls, or arbitrary restrictions designed to choke strategic international straits. Recent developments in the Strait of Hormuz, in Bab el-Mandeb, and the Black Sea illustrate the urgency of our discussions. Weaponizing global lifelines for political leverage or financial gain is unacceptable. The European Union is translating these principles into political resolve. We are building defensive, non-escalatory capabilities as we invest in cyber-resilient naval capabilities, maritime domain awareness, autonomous underwater and mines countermeasures, advanced sensing, and AI, with a focus on interoperable systems to assure a more comprehensive and effective response to maritime threats. not to project power, but to project and to protect the rule of law. EU naval operations Atalanta in the Western Indian Ocean, Aspides in the Red Sea, and Irini in the Mediterranean, whose mandates now also address shadow fleets, together with our coordinated maritime presence in the Gulf of Guinea, our substantial European contributions to safeguarding freedom of navigation, including against tech-driven violence, and to the safety of seafarers. As emerging technologies rapidly reshape maritime threats, our collective responses must evolve just as quickly. The EU calls on all UN Member States to ensure that the future of maritime security, in its broad sense, is defined by multilateral cooperation, transparency, and technological cooperation to allow for the rapid detection of malicious activities, to facilitate real-time information sharing, to strengthen maritime domain awareness, to build capacity, to prevent escalation, and to enhance the operational resilience of international shipping. In a nutshell, Mr. President, we must ensure that innovation serves as a pillar of global stability, firmly anchored in international law. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:26:26]: I thank His Excellency Mr. Labrinidis for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Armenia. Armenia [1:26:35]: Mr. President, we thank the Presidency of Greece for convening this important debate and commend its continued attention to pressing security issues during its tenure in the Security Council. We also thank today’s briefers for their valuable insights. As oceans and marginal seas cover over 70% of the globe, challenges to maritime safety and security also threaten environmental stability, disrupt supply chains, and increase the cost of essential goods, disproportionately affecting countries in vulnerable and special situations. This includes landlocked and geographically disadvantaged countries, for which freedom of transit and reliable access to international markets are particularly important. For landlocked developing countries such as Armenia, maritime safety is therefore directly linked to economic resilience and sustainable development. In this context, Armenia reaffirms the importance of upholding international law, the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes, and respect for the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Mr. President, against this backdrop, Emerging technologies can play both positive and negative roles, either strengthening resilience or amplifying existing risks. Their impact on maritime safety will depend on how responsibly they are developed, deployed, and governed. Emerging technologies, including AI, must serve people, enhance human capabilities, and create new opportunities for development and international cooperation. In the maritime domain, artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, and advanced data analytics can strengthen early warning and enhance the safety of navigation. Many aspects of our lives could increasingly be delegated to AI, but technology cannot replace diplomacy, political negotiation, trust building, and peace building, legitimate political processes, and people-to-people contacts. The use of emerging technologies must remain consistent with international law and the principles of accountability and human responsibility. Mr. President, Armenia is committed to contributing to the development and responsible governance of emerging technologies. We are expanding access to high-performance computing resources to support research, innovation, and national AI capabilities. We emphasize the importance of strengthening international dialogue on the responsible development and use of emerging technologies, including through practical frameworks that promote transparency, accountability, and cooperation. Armenia stands ready to work with all international partners to ensure that technological progress serves as an instrument of resilience, cooperation, and peace, rather than a source of new instability and insecurity. Thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:29:37]: I thank the representative of Armenia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Romania. Romania [1:29:45]: Thank you, Mr. President, and I want to congratulate the Greek presidency for organizing such a debate. Romania joined the EU statement, and I'll make some additional points. Freedom of navigation and maritime security are under unprecedented pressure worldwide. Emerging technologies can amplify and diversify maritime security challenges, but they can also offer innovative ways and rapid responses to tackle the same challenges. We are faced with a wide spectrum of expanding maritime insecurity, from the Red Sea and the Strait of Hormuz to the Black Sea, targeting the choking of critical sea lanes, attacks on commercial shippings, seafarers, and port infrastructure, threats to submarine cables and offshore installations, unsafe and illicit shipping practices, including the use of shadow fleets. In my own region, maritime security in the Black Sea has been severely altered as a result of Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine. We have brought to the attention of this Council several times of such incidents. The increasing number of attacks against commercial ships in Romania's territorial waters, as well as in our exclusive economic zone, represent an irresponsible behavior in total disregard of the international law. The Black Sea has become a hotspot for various types of attacks. mines and incidents involving drones, affecting strategic ports and large-scale energy projects. The Prime Minister of Greece spoke about some relevant developments in this statement earlier this morning, Mr. President. And this is part of a sophisticated spectrum of hybrid actions, including airspace and maritime insecurity, disinformation, cyberattacks or sabotage that seek to impact below the threshold and to erode resilience and trust within our societies. The recent sabotage act on a state-owned industrial facility in Romania, perpetrated by a Russian coordinating network, exposed three days ago by Romanian specialized agency, is a clear example of these hybrid tactics. While we have seen a deliberate escalation in Russia's actions during the past month, the last two weeks brought a sudden surge in attacks on commercial ships in or near Romanian territorial waters, and fatalities among seafarers have risen sharply. The attacks continue. Despite Romania's diplomatic demarches towards the Russian Federation, we have witnessed seven attacks on merchant ships in the last 10 days. We strongly condemn continued and intensified strikes on Ukraine's ports and commercial shipping on the Danube and in the Black Sea, and we call for the restoration of the freedom of safety and safety of navigation in the Black Sea, for responsibility and accountability, and full respect of international law, including UNCLOS. The protection of critical infrastructure of the Black Sea represents a strategic priority for the economic and energy security of the countries in the region, and requires complex measures of maritime surveillance, cybersecurity, and international cooperation to secure the integrity of essential infrastructure, such as pipelines, submarine communication cables, and offshore energy projects. The use of advanced artificial intelligence represents a strategic pillar for the optimization of naval space surveillance. efficient border management, and prompt counteraction of emerging asymmetric threats. We made progress on the establishment of an EU maritime security hub at the Black Sea that is designed to enhance situational awareness, including through real-time data transmission from remotely piloted aircraft systems and coordination in preventing threats. As a result of the EU Maritime Security Strategy and in partnership with the European Maritime Safety Agency, We use satellite imagery and AI expert tools and algorithms to enhance situational awareness and neutralize the risk associated to ships that have hidden identities and to provide early warnings regarding unmanned surface vehicles. And given the complex landscape of modern maritime security, integrating AI-based solutions warrants a pragmatic approach. particularly to enhance the processing and synthesis of large volumes of data. It remains essential that decision-making, sovereignty, and analytical evaluation remain the responsibility of human operators, with technology serving primarily as an advisory support tool rather than a substitute for human judgment. Thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:34:03]: I thank the representative of Romania for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Italy. Italy [1:34:12]: Mr. President, Excellencies, I thank the Greek Presidency for convening this meeting. Italy aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union and would like to add a few remarks in its national capacity. Maritime security is essential to international peace, global trade, and protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Emerging technologies developing at an unprecedented speed are transforming the maritime domain, offering significant opportunities to strengthen security in this field. At the same time, opportunities do not come without risks. Cyberattacks, The misuse of unmanned systems and interference with navigations and communications networks pose growing risks to the safety of shipping, freedom of navigation, and critical infrastructure, disrupting the access to resources and the well-being of societies. Addressing these challenges effectively requires a collective effort from all of us together. Mr. President, Italy considers maritime security and mindful use of emerging technologies as national strategic priorities. Harnessing these technologies responsibly requires a human-centric, multi-stakeholder, and innovation-led approach, grounding transparency, safety, security, and accountability. We are translating these principles into concrete action, combining the protection of critical undersea infrastructure with technological innovation and operational engagement. Our technological and shipbuilding excellence supports the development of advanced naval capabilities, contributing to our Navy's engagement in international maritime operations. Through Operation Secure Seabeds, we also help protect critical undersea infrastructure, while cooperation with cable operators supports joint monitoring and coordinated procedures. In Italy, the United Nations Underwater Dimension Hub brings together the Navy, industry, and research to develop innovative underwater technologies and strengthen the protection of critical infrastructure. Italy's engagement in EU NAVFOR Aspides in the Red Sea, Irene in the Mediterranean Sea, Atalanta off the coast of Somalia and Gabina in the Gulf of Guinea further reflects our commitment to safeguarding freedom of navigation and regional maritime stability. Mr. President, protecting critical maritime infrastructure requires a comprehensive approach across the entire resilience cycle: prevention, detection, response, and recovery. This means addressing deliberate interference, accidental damage, and natural hazards alike, while ensuring diversified routes, secure landing facilities, and timely access to repair capabilities. No state or operator can meet these challenges alone. Italy therefore calls for stronger, broader cooperation among coastal states, infrastructure operators, and international organizations in the field of technology, industry, research. Investing in the integration of these technologies with traditional naval capabilities is essential to addressing emerging threats effectively. In this context, we also support initiatives in the framework of the UN on emerging technologies. The global dialogue on AI governance and the independent international scientific panel on AI can help all states share good practices and better understand technological opportunities and risks. Capacity building and interoperable standards are essential to ensure that developing countries can benefit from these technologies and bridge existing digital divides. Finally, ITRE firmly promotes a human-centred and legal approach to the development and governance of these technologies. As the Greek Presidency has highly rightly recalled, technological change does not occur in a legal vacuum. International law, including the principle enshrined in UNCLOS, must remain our compass, alongside security by design, meaningful human oversight, and clear accountability for developers and users. Automation should serve as a tool to support human action and decision-making, while preserving human oversight, accountability, and full respect for international law. Italy stands ready to work with all partners to ensure that technological progress strengthens maritime security, reinforces international cooperation, and serves the benefits of all. I thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:38:03]: I thank the representative of Italy for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bulgaria. Bulgaria [1:38:11]: Thank you, Mr. President, dear colleagues. I would like to begin by thanking Greece for organizing today's meeting at this critical juncture for the global maritime security. Bulgaria aligns itself with the statement delivered by the European Union. As a Black Sea littoral state, Bulgaria has a direct national interest in maintaining freedom of navigation and maritime security. Resilient maritime routes are essential not only for regional and sub-regional stability and security, but also for the global economic connectivity, energy security, and food supply chains. Russia's war of aggression against Ukraine has severely undermined security in the Black Sea. The serious and immediate implications of the recent attacks against merchant vessels in the Black Sea including in our exclusive economic zone and in close proximity to our coastline, last only yesterday morning, demonstrate how the malicious use of emerging technologies, including unnamed systems, can endanger civilian shipping, threaten the lives of safe errors, create environmental risks, and wider risk for the regional and international security. Bulgaria calls for stronger international cooperation to prevent further attacks, improve maritime security, and address the implication of emerging technologies for international peace and security. We stand ready to work with the United Nations, the International Maritime Organization, the European Union, NATO, and our regional partners towards these objectives. We reiterate our firm stand that the attacks against civilian vessels, the indiscriminate use of naval mines, and other unlawful interference with navigation are unacceptable. The rapid development of emerging technologies must not outpace existing legal frameworks. In exclusive economic zones, freedom of navigation and the coastal state's right Rights in Jewish Dickson under UN clause must be fully respected. The UN Charter and UN clause must remain central to international efforts to protect civilian shipping and human life. Bulgaria believes that emerging technology should strengthen maritime security, not become instrument of destabilization. The Security Council has an important role in monitoring these technological threats, promoting norms for responsible artificial intelligence and autonomous system use, and addressing the implications of these developments for international peace and security, in close cooperation with the International Maritime Organization and other relevant bodies. Technological innovation in the maritime domain must remain firmly anchored into international law, particularly the UN Charter and UNCLOS. The increasing use of artificial intelligence and autonomous systems must not undermine compliance with existing international legal obligation or blur the lines of responsibility and accountability. Bulgaria sees significant potential in the responsible use of artificial intelligence satellite monitoring and advanced data analysis to enhance maritime domain awareness, identify emerging threats, protect critical maritime infrastructure, and support the protection of maritime environment. At the same time, cyber attacks on port, hostile interference with navigation signals, and misuse of unmanned system pose risk to civilian shipping and critical maritime infrastructure. The effective use of these technologies must be accompanied by appropriate safeguards, reliable and verifiable information, cybersecurity, and effective human oversight. Bulgaria welcomes the IMO adoption of the non-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships, the MASS Code. and as an important step towards the safe, secure, and responsible integration of autonomous technologies into international shipping. Our objective must be clear, Mr. President: safer seas, more resilient maritime infrastructure, and a secure maritime environment in which innovation contributes to peace, stability, and prosperity. Thank you, President. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:42:59]: I thank the representative of Bulgaria for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Lithuania. Lithuania [1:43:09]: Thank you, Mr. President. At the outset, I would like to thank Greek Presidency for opening this important debate to wider membership. Lithuania aligns with the EU statement, and I will deliver additional remarks in the national capacity. In maritime domain, today we are faced with two. Intertwining challenges: the importance of handling emergency, emerging new technologies, and addressing energy and food insecurity, both. Used to pursue aggression and disruption of world supply chains. We witnessed that in the Strait of Hormuz, the Black, and Red Seas, also in the Baltic and Nordic Seas, where illegal shadow fleet operating in support of Russia's war machine poses great threat to navigational safety. Critical undersea infrastructure, and the maritime environment. Critical systems such as the Global Navigation Satellite System and the Global Maritime Distress and Safety System are increasingly targeted. Originating from Russia, Global Navigation Satellite System interference in European waters, particularly in the Baltic Sea, places all vessels at risk. Mr. President, first and foremost, we must stand in unity against. All aggression or terror, be it in Hormuz Strait, Black Sea, or Bab al-Mandab Strait. I would like to express our solidarity with Romania and Bulgaria in the light of recent attacks against their vessels. Any ceasefire needs to include maritime infrastructure and shipping lanes. Also, the relevant decisions, including the UN Security Council resolutions, need to be implemented in Hormuz and the Red Sea. Secondly, all states must recommit to the principle of the UN Charter and uphold their obligations under international law, including. The Law of the Sea. Thirdly. The International Maritime Organization should advance existing measures by strengthening oversight of shadow fleets. Such fleets are operating to circumvent sanction regimes, usually under false or unknown flags. And in violation of international maritime law. Mr. President, the freedom of navigation, as reflected in the United Nations Convention. On the Law of the Sea, must be respected by all States. This principle cannot be invoked to conceal conduct that threatens maritime safety or undermines international law. Lithuania calls to address these threats by enhanced information sharing, stronger coordination, and sustained international cooperation. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:46:06]: I thank the representative of Lithuania for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Australia. Australia [1:46:14]: Thank you, President, and let me commend Greece’s leadership on maritime security during your presidency. For Australia as a major maritime nation, we rely heavily on a free, open, and secure maritime domain, managed in accordance with international law. We welcome the focus of today’s debate, and we agree that technology is a transformative force in maritime security. that technology will generate new opportunities while introducing evolving security challenges, and this is a matter of concern squarely within the purview of the Security Council. Our response to these challenges must be anchored in agreed rules and norms. It's imperative that parties respect international law, including international humanitarian law, in the use of new and emerging technologies. And we must leverage existing multilateral processes to agree norms and clarify how rules apply to new behaviours in novel situations. We're pleased to have contributed to the meaningful progress on regulation of autonomous weapon systems under the Certain Conventional Weapons in September. And we hold high ambitions for the role of the United Nations new global mechanism to deliver practical outcomes on responsible state behavior in cyberspace. Investing in these and other processes can deliver security dividends in all domains, including maritime. President, global cooperation on responding to all maritime threats, including those involving technology, must be anchored in the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. UNCLOS sets out the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. Australia is deeply concerned that so often reality does not reflect these rules, that we see countries pursue claims or engage in activities in the maritime domain that are inconsistent with international law. that we are confronted with the use of advanced weapons or autonomous and remotely operated systems that are destabilizing and unsafe. We oppose behavior that risks miscalculation and escalation in the South China Sea. We call for de-escalation and an end to the conflict in the Middle East. We want to see the Strait of Hormuz and the Bab al-Mandab Strait fully reopened. And we want an end to damage to undersea cables in the Indo-Pacific and in the Baltic. President, while technology presents challenges to maritime security, it also offers opportunities to strengthen resilience and enhance economic opportunity. Australia is investing in supporting our regional partners to meet maritime challenges. And in doing so, we are embracing the opportunities that novel technologies offer. In the Pacific, we are providing satellite data and building greater analytical expertise through the Pacific Islands Forum Fisheries Agency, which delivers fisheries maritime domain awareness training and intelligence analysis support to the region. In Southeast Asia, we're harnessing cutting edge reef scan technology to protect corals, enhance maritime domain awareness, and support sustainable marine resource management. And in the Indian Ocean, we are supporting regional responses to emerging threats by facilitating regional capacity development on emerging technologies and tools for regional information sharing, including for vessel detection and underwater domain awareness. As we confront new and ongoing challenges, it is vital that we act and lift our voices in support of existing legal frameworks, particularly UNCLOS, to shape the maritime domain we want: oceans, seas, and waterways where all countries can cooperate, trade, and thrive. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:50:21]: I thank the representative of Australia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Slovakia. Slovakia [1:50:30]: Thank you, Mr. President. Let me begin by thanking the Greek presidency for bringing this important and timely issue before the Security Council. First of all, Slovakia is not a maritime power. We are a landlocked country, and maritime security is not our traditional area of expertise. Yet, recent developments have made one thing increasingly clear. The security implications of emerging technologies extend far beyond national borders and cannot be confined to any single region or group of countries. Maritime security is therefore an integral part of international peace and security. Mr. President, drone attacks and cyber operations targeting maritime transport can disrupt global trade, destabilize supply chains, and threaten energy and food security. Their consequences are felt not only at sea, but also by economies and societies around the world. We believe that the growing use of artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and other emerging technologies in the maritime domain deserves the attention of this Council. The role of this council is twofold. First, to help prevent and mitigate the risks these technologies may pose, and second, while promoting their responsible use, to strengthen the security of individuals and the international community. Mr. President, allow me now to highlight our three practical priorities. First, prevention and preparedness. We should strengthen information sharing and early warning mechanisms, including cooperation between states, relevant UN bodies, and the maritime industry to detect and respond to emerging threats. Second, responsible innovation. The deployment of AI and autonomous systems should be guided by the international law, appropriate human oversight, clear lines of responsibility, and effective safeguards against misuse and unintended escalation. And finally, third, capacity building. We must ensure that developing countries have access to the expertise, technology, and training needed to strengthen their maritime security, rather than allowing technological progress to widen existing gaps. Finally, Mr. President, Slovakia is preparing for a possible term on the Security Council in 28-29. If elected in June, we would welcome the opportunity to build on the Council's work and contribute to practical solutions at the intersection of emerging technologies and international peace and security. I thank you very much for your attention. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:53:41]: I thank the representative of Slovakia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Spain. Spain [1:53:51]: President, I would like to thank the Greek Presidency for convening this debate on emerging technologies and marine security implications for peace and security. This is a particularly relevant issue at a time when scenarios and threats are evolving at an unprecedented pace, putting stability, prosperity, sustainable development, and food security at risk. For Spain, as a maritime Euro-Atlantic and Mediterranean nation with a global outlook, maritime security constitutes a fundamental priority of our foreign and security policy. We are a country firmly committed to the global public good of freedom of navigation, a country that supports effective multilateralism and contributes significantly to international initiatives such as Operation Atalanta. the coordinated maritime presences both of the European Union. New technologies are profoundly transforming the marine environment, creating opportunities to strengthen our security, but also generating new threats. They represent one of the greatest challenges and opportunities of our time. Finding collective responses requires responsible innovation, advanced diplomatic action, and international cooperation, and scrupulous respect for international law, including IHL and the principles of the UN Charter. Spain is concerned by the proliferation of unmanned systems, whether aerial, surface or underwater. These capabilities, increasingly accessible and sophisticated, may be used to interfere with freedom of navigation, attack critical infrastructure, or destabilize strategically important maritime areas. When these technologies fall into the wrong hands, they increase risks to international security and to the protection of those who work at sea. Of particular concern is the vulnerability of critical subsea infrastructure. Telecommunications cables and underwater energy infrastructure are essential to the functioning of our economies and societies. Their protection must become a shared responsibility of the international community, and is also an opportunity for public-private cooperation. The ability to detect, prevent, and respond to possible acts of sabotage or interference is now more important than ever. At the same time, the growing digitalization of the maritime sector is creating new dependencies, new vulnerabilities. Ports, logistics networks, and navigation systems are increasingly becoming targets of cyber threats. A cyber attack against port infrastructure or maritime management systems can have immediate consequences for global supply chains, international trade, and the economic security of numerous countries. Artificial intelligence, when applied responsibly, can improve maritime surveillance, strengthen situational awareness, optimize the protection of critical infrastructure, and support efforts to combat illicit activities such as piracy, drug trafficking, or illegal fishing. Spain considers it essential that the development and use of artificial intelligence in the maritime domain always remain under effective human control and be conducted in accordance with international law. Technological innovation must never diminish the responsibility of States nor erode the fundamental principles that govern our international relations. Here we reiterate the importance of the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea as the universal legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas. The appearance of new technologies does not alter the rights and obligations established under international law or the principles of the UN Charter. Freedom of navigation, maritime security, and the protection of critical infrastructure must remain non-negotiable principles. Spain believes that no nation can face these challenges alone. It is essential to strengthen international cooperation, information sharing, capacity building, and interoperability among partners and regional organizations. We must also support those states with fewer resources to address increasingly complex technological threats. Spain, as a member of the EU, advocates maritime governance based on international law, cooperation, and responsibility, and actively participates in EU naval missions. As a country firmly committed to multilateralism, Spain will continue contributing to collective efforts aimed at strengthening maritime security, protecting international trade routes, and ensuring the resilience of critical infrastructure against emerging threats, so that seas and oceans can continue to be spaces of connection, prosperity, and stability. New technologies will continue transforming the maritime domain over the coming decades. Our challenge is not to slow innovation, but to ensure that it is used in the service of peace, security, and sustainable development. Thank you very much. Greece · President of the Security Council [1:58:30]: I thank the representative of Spain for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Philippines. Philippines [1:58:40]: Thank you, Mr. President. The Philippines commends Greece for its sustained leadership in advancing maritime security in the Council. Security at sea is integral to international peace and security. A longer version of our statement will be shared with the Council. For the Philippines, an archipelagic state and a major provider of the world's seafarers, the opportunities and the risks presented by emerging maritime technologies are both immediate and consequential. Artificial intelligence, satellite monitoring, autonomous systems, and advanced sensing capabilities can strengthen maritime domain awareness, early warning, and rescue. Yet their misuse can disrupt trade, endanger navigation, and coastal communities, damaged marine ecosystems, and heightened risks of escalation. Our response was grounded on three principles: international law, in particular the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea; human security; and inclusive cooperation. First, technological innovation must reinforce international law, not circumvent it. The UN Charter and UNCLOS remain fundamental. UNCLOS establishes the legal framework within which all activities in the oceans and seas must be carried out. Technological advances cannot create new maritime entitlements or justify coercion. Transparency can promote accountability and peaceful disputes settlement. Secondly, technology must serve people with appropriate safeguards and human oversight. In launching the Philippine ASEAN Chairmanship for 2026, President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr. identified AI applications in early warning, maritime domain awareness, and humanitarian assistance and disaster response. Their responsible use requires effective human oversight. I also wish to highlight the Manila Declaration on Seafarers' Human Rights, Safety, and Well-being, and encourage member states to endorse it. Seafarers must remain at the center of maritime security. Thirdly, technological progress must benefit all states. The Philippines calls on the Council to remain proactive amidst fast-paced developments in artificial intelligence. Developing and archipelagic states need access to maritime information, technical expertise, and capacity building. Cooperation among states, the IMO, industry, and other stakeholders is essential. The growing use of maritime autonomous surface ships and AI in warfare further underscores the need to safeguard seafarers and non-combatants at sea. Mr. President, the Security Council should reinforce these efforts by promoting cooperation, addressing threats to international peace and security, and support the competent international organizations within their respective mandates. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:01:35]: I thank the representative of the Philippines for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Brazil. Brazil [2:01:44]: Mr. President, I thank Greece for convening this timely debate. Brazil has an extensive coastline and a strong maritime tradition. For Brazil, the security of oceans and seas is essential to international peace, sustainable development, inclusive growth, and global prosperity. Emerging technologies are profoundly transforming the maritime domain. Artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced surveillance capabilities offer unprecedented opportunities to improve maritime safety, environmental protection, and the prevention of transnational crime. Yet, these same technologies introduce new vulnerabilities, including cyberattacks against critical infrastructure, the proliferation of unmanned weapon systems, and heightened risks of unintended escalation. Mr. President, international law must remain the foundation of maritime security. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea provides the legal framework for activities in oceans and seas, and clearly protects the freedom of navigation in international waters. Technological innovation cannot justify departures from established international obligations, including respect for sovereignty, freedom of navigation, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Respect for international law is the safeguard against chaos. Without it, the international system would be shaped by violence, instability, and the pursuit of narrow and fleeting interests. The militarization of emerging technologies must not become another driver of strategic competition. Brazil emphasizes the importance of meaningful human control over autonomous weapons systems and accountability for their use in accordance with international law. New technologies can serve as powerful catalysts for enhanced international cooperation in support of prevention and capacity-building efforts. Nevertheless, their use must not deepen existing technological divides. Developing countries face significant technological disparities that may undermine their ability to protect maritime infrastructure and address evolving threats. We must promote technology transfer, information sharing, and technical assistance while ensuring equitable access to the peaceful applications of emerging technologies. Brazil attaches great importance to regional cooperation as a means of promoting a peaceful maritime domain. The South Atlantic Zone of Peace and Cooperation demonstrates the value of this approach, helping preserve the South Atlantic as a zone of peace and cooperation, free from destabilizing military presences and geopolitical competition. This guided Brazil to propose the successful negotiation of a convention on the protection of the maritime environment in the South Atlantic area encompassed by ZOPACAS, now open for signature of members of the zone. Multilateral responses must respect institutional mandates. The International Maritime Organization has a central role in developing international standards for maritime safety and security, including autonomous shipping. The Security Council should complement the work of specialized organizations, focusing on threats that directly affect international peace and security. Mr. President, targeted responses alone cannot ensure lasting maritime security. Insecurity at sea is a consequence of broader political and military tensions on land. Avoiding disruptions to navigation also requires general and permanent respect for the obligations set in our Charter and preventing and resolving conflicts through diplomacy, dialogue, and the peaceful settlement of disputes. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:05:49]: I thank the representative of Brazil for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Trinidad and Tobago. Trinidad and Tobago [2:05:58]: Thank you, Mr. President. Please permit me to commend Greece on a so far successful presidency, and to your entire team for your exemplary leadership. I also extend gratitude to the expert briefers for their insightful analysis and thought-provoking perspectives. As a small island developing state situated at the crossroads of major routes in the Caribbean, Trinidad and Tobago underscores the inextricable links between maritime security national security, economic prosperity, and the sustainable development of our region. Our maritime space is a vital conduit connecting our nation into regional and global markets, supporting trade, livelihoods, and economic growth. It is, quite simply, the lifeblood of our nation. For these reasons, as a maritime state with an import-dependent economy, A reality shared by many countries represented here, Trinidad and Tobago is deeply concerned by unprovoked and unjustifiable maritime blockades and continued violations of international law. My government condemns such actions and reiterates its call for the unimpeded passage of maritime navigation. Mr. President, my government recognizes the immense transformative potential of emerging technologies. and their significant impact. It is for this reason that Trinidad and Tobago has identified artificial intelligence and global security as one of its priorities during its upcoming term on the Security Council. We, however, believe that its use must take place in a responsible manner for the benefit of humanity and not the reverse. Undoubtedly, the application of artificial intelligence to maritime capabilities including satellite surveillance, unmanned systems, and advanced data analytics, offers significant opportunities to enhance maritime domain awareness, safeguard seafarers and critical maritime infrastructure, and strengthen our collective capacity to detect, prevent, and respond to illicit activities at sea. The Trinidad and Tobago Defence Force has begun integrating tools enabled by artificial intelligence and supported by machine learning into its maritime domain awareness architecture, and these technologies support the analysis of vessel movements, anomaly detection, geospatial assessments, and the interpretation of satellite, aerial, and other imagery. They enable the transformation of large volumes of data into timely, reliable, and actionable intelligence, supporting more effective deployment of limited operational assets. We are of the view that creating a predictable maritime environment by incorporating radar information, historical activity patterns, geospatial data, and environmental conditions, authorities can shift from a predominantly reactive approach to a more predictable, intelligence-led types of operations. Mr. President, for the Caribbean, where vast maritime aspects often exceed national capacities for monitoring and enforcement, these innovations can be transformative in combating transnational organized crime and other illicit maritime activities, protecting our critical maritime infrastructure, and improving search and rescue operations. In this context, Trinidad and Tobago asserts that partnerships are indispensable. Effective maritime security depends upon robust regional and international cooperation, information sharing, and public-private collaboration. Partnerships with institutions such as CARICOM IMPACS and the Regional Security System, and frameworks such as the Caribbean Maritime Security Strategy contribute significantly to strengthening collective maritime awareness and operational coordination. Trinidad and Tobago firmly believe that technology must remain an enabler, not substitute, for sound judgment, professional expertise, and lawful decision making. AI generated output should not automatically be regarded as evidence of criminal activity or solely direct operations. They must be validated by trained personnel and integrated into established operational legal frameworks. In closing, As emerging technologies continue to reshape the maritime domain, the international community must carefully navigate the delicate balance between managing their inherent risks and harnessing their immense potential. These seas are too vast and important for countries to act unilaterally. We must act in concert with the right partners. Our collective responsibility is therefore not to resist technological progress, but to ensure that it is guided by international law informed by multilateral cooperation, and deployed in a manner that promotes stability, inclusivity, and sustainable development for all. I thank you, Mr. President. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:11:23]: I thank the representative of Trinidad and Tobago for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Kyrgyz Republic. Kyrgyzstan [2:11:33]: Mr. President, I thank the Greek Presidency for organizing this debate on emerging technologies and maritime security. Today's debate reflects changes already taking place in international shipping. Digital systems increasingly cannot connect ships, ports, and land roads. Reliable connections are vital for people's safety and the smooth flow of trade. This makes new maritime technologies relevant to all states, including landlocked countries like Kyrgyz Republic. Artificial intelligence helps analyze large amounts of information and detect early signs of danger. Satellite systems help track ships, maintain communications, and speed up search and rescue operations. These capabilities offer many opportunities for cooperation. We must also address vulnerabilities in connected systems, data manipulation, and the misuse of autonomous systems. Clear rules are needed for these technologies to deliver benefits. Decisions must rely on accurate data, and AI forecasts must be checked. Users must understand the limits of automated recommendations. When lives are at stake, people must be able to intervene, and responsibility must be clearly defined under applicable law. Autonomous systems need protection against unauthorized interference and loss of control. Ports, navigation, and communication networks including undersea cables, need backup systems and the capacity to recover after a failure. This requires cooperation among states, port operators, shipping companies, and technology developers. This work must remain grounded in the UN Charter and international law, including the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea, respect for human rights, and compliance with international humanitarian law in armed conflict. Mr. President, for the Kyrgyz Republic, this issue has direct practical importance. We are landlocked, but our trade depends on reliable maritime transport, and it links to land roads. Kyrgyz freight carriers use the Caspian Road through the ports of Turkmenbashi and Alat. Delays at any point affect delivery times and costs. Kyrgyzstan acceded to the UN Convention on the Law of the Sea in 2025, and in 2026, We adopted our Merchant Shipping Code and the law on accession to 14 maritime conventions, reinforcing our commitment to the international legal framework for maritime activities. We want landlocked countries to take part in maritime security cooperation and benefit from it. We therefore propose joint efforts on early warning of transport risk and support for assessing vulnerabilities in supply chains. Access to this information would help our countries anticipate disruptions and consider alternative routes. Technical assistance and training are essential to support this work. A practical step could be a broader technical briefing with the International Maritime Organization, the International Telecommunication Union, and the private sector. It could address the needs of landlocked countries and support available through existing programs. Within its mandate, the Security Council can help advance discussion on how technological risks affect international peace and security and help prevent unintended escalation, drawing on the expertise of relevant organizations. The Kyrgyz Republic is ready for constructive dialogue with all interested states to develop practical approaches. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:15:00]: I thank the representative of the Kyrgyz Republic for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Kuwait. Kuwait [2:15:11]: In the name of God, Mr. President, at the outset, I would like to thank the friendly Hellenic Republic for convening this debate at such a timely moment. We express our appreciation for the presidency of His Excellency Prime Minister Mr. Kyriakos Mitsotakis. I also thank the briefers for their valuable insights. Mr. President, Maritime security is no longer what it was a few years ago. Threats that were once limited to piracy and direct attacks on vessels have now expanded to include drones, autonomous systems, and cyberattacks targeting ships, ports, and navigation and communication networks. While these technologies have opened broad horizons for for improving the efficiency and safety of maritime transport. They have also enabled state and non-state actors to threaten international navigation at relatively low cost and with consequences that may extend beyond the borders of countries and regions. What makes the situation even more dangerous is that the targeting of a commercial vessel or the disruption of a maritime passage does not end with the affected ship or waterway. Its consequences reach global supply chains, affect energy and food prices, and undermine economic stability. Developing countries that rely heavily on maritime trade are often the most affected. Therefore, the security of maritime routes is not solely a matter for coastal states. It is a shared international responsibility directly linked to the maintenance of international peace and security. Mr. President, as a country located in the Arabian Gulf region, the State of Kuwait is acutely aware of the magnitude of these challenges and their implications. This year, our region witnessed unlawful Iranian attacks targeting the territories and vital facilities of the Member States of the GCC and Jordan, including the State of Kuwait. There were also attacks against oil tankers and vessels, including Kuwaiti ships, which threatened the safety of navigation in strategic maritime waterways. These incidents demonstrate how the use of modern technologies, particularly drones and advanced missiles, in military attacks have transformed maritime threats into a direct danger to national security and the stability of the global economy. Accordingly, the State of Kuwait reiterates the importance of the full implementation of Security Council Resolution 2817. and the need to put an end to all attacks and threats that obstruct lawful transit passage and freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz or undermine maritime security in the Bab el-Mandab Strait. We emphasize that the protection of these waterways is a collective responsibility with no room for selectivity or double standards. standards. Mr. President, we believe that addressing these challenges requires a comprehensive approach based on three pillars. First, commitment to international law, foremost among them the Charter of the United Nations and the relevant provisions of UNCLOS. This would ensure that emerging technologies are not used in ways that undermine state sovereignty or maritime safety. Second, expanding international cooperation, the exchange of information and expertise, and the development of the technical capacities necessary to protect ships, ports, and maritime infrastructure from cyber attacks and other non-traditional threats. Third, supporting the role of the IMO, strengthening the capacities of developing countries, and ensuring the safe and responsible use of autonomous systems, while maintaining human responsibility and accountability as an indispensable principle that cannot be compromised. Mr. President, we cannot discuss emerging technologies without addressing artificial intelligence, which represents one of the most prominent and consequential aspects of this transformation. On the one hand, it offers promising opportunities for maritime security by improving risk monitoring and forecasting, enhancing navigational safety, increasing the efficiency of port and vessel traffic management, and reducing accidents and losses. On the other hand, it carries risks that must not be underestimated. It may be employed to conduct more sophisticated cyber attacks, to operate autonomous systems without any effective human oversight, or to disseminate misleading information that disrupts navigation and fuels tensions. Therefore, the rapid pace of this technological development must be accompanied by clear international frameworks and responsible regulations that enable us to benefit from its enormous potential while simultaneously minimizing the risks of its misuse. Technological advancement should not outpace the international community's capacity to regulate and govern it. In conclusion, Mr. President, the State of Kuwait affirms that technological progress should serve as a means for enhancing security and stability, not as a tool for expanding conflicts or threatening international trade. The success of the international community should not be measured only by its ability to keep pace with technological development, but also by its ability to prevent its misuse, to protect lives and maritime routes, and to ensure that the seas, which have historically connected peoples and contributed to economic growth, do not become new arenas of conflict. Thank you, President. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:22:07]: I thank the representative of Kuwait for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Germany. Germany [2:22:16]: Thank you, Mr. President, and thanks to Greece for putting on this topic. It's an important one, and I would also like to thank the briefers. Germany aligns itself, of course, with the EU statement. Out of all the briefings and the statements today speaks a clear message. which is that maritime security is under enormous pressure. The threats are manifold, and they've been mentioned in great number today. We face threats to shipping, for example, in the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandab. We also see risks posed by substandard fleets that undermine safety, environmental protection, and compliance with international law. And all of this is very significant because our economies depend on safe and reliable maritime connections. Disruptions along strategic sea routes can have far-reaching consequences, and we see them today for livelihoods, economic stability, and security. And therefore, we support all UN efforts, and among others, the UN task force set up to mitigate risks in the Strait of Hormuz. Mr. President, allow me to offer three brief reflections on further challenges to maritime security, including relating to emerging technologies. First, as we've heard, new technologies such as artificial intelligence can help us address threats to maritime security, for example, by strengthening our maritime situational awareness in order to detect suspicious vessel movements, potential threats to critical infrastructure, just to name a few. The opportunities of specifically AI come with risks that we need to address together. In his speech to the General Assembly, Foreign Minister Wadeful called for an inclusive and accountable AI governance framework with common safety standards. In regard to the maritime domain, it is in the interest of the international community to ensure that AI serves as a tool for stability and safety. Secondly, Maritime security is about more than just keeping shipping lanes open. It is also about protecting the critical infrastructure beneath the surface. Submarine cables carry around 99% of intercontinental internet traffic. They are the invisible nerves of our global digital connectivity, yet they remain vulnerable to accidental damage, sabotage, and to hybrid threats. Protecting this infrastructure must be an integral part of our approach to maritime security. We believe that the Security Council and the General Assembly should address this issue more systematically within their respective mandates. Thirdly, let us not forget, technological innovation must go hand in hand with respect to international law. Whether autonomous vessels or underwater drones, New technologies at sea must operate in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea. Mr. President, colleagues, in concluding, I would like to stress that we are convinced that by harnessing new technologies within a framework of shared responsibility and by bolstering international cooperation, we can build resilience, we can prevent further disruption and strengthen maritime security, but we need to muster the political will to do so. I would like to underline that Germany remains firmly committed to these efforts, and we will do our utmost to turn our shared objectives into action. Thank you very much. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:25:53]: I thank the representative of Germany for this statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Zimbabwe. Zimbabwe [2:26:02]: Thank you, Mr. President. We commend the Greece Presidency for bringing this critical issue before the Council, and we thank the briefers for their valuable insights. The world's oceans are vital arteries of international trade, economic prosperity, and global connectivity. Their security is therefore inseparable from international peace and security. Emerging technologies are transforming the maritime domain, offering unprecedented opportunities to improve surveillance, navigation, early warning, and the protection of critical infrastructure. Yet these same technologies, when misused, can expose shipping, ports, seafarers to increasingly sophisticated threats, including cyber attacks, manipulated navigation systems, and malicious autonomous operations. Our collective challenge is to ensure that technological innovation becomes an instrument of maritime security rather than a new frontier of insecurity. For landlocked developing countries such as Zimbabwe, maritime security is equally consequential. Disruptions at sea reverberate along transit corridors, increase trade costs, and impede access to essential goods. Secure maritime routes are therefore indispensable to the economic resilience and development aspirations of coastal and landlocked developing countries. Mr. President, Zimbabwe wishes to emphasize three priorities. First, international law must remain the foundation of maritime security. The United Nations Charter and the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea provide the essential legal framework governing maritime activities. For landlocked developing countries, the provisions of Part 10 of the convention concerning access to and from the sea and freedom of transit are particularly significant. In presidential statement, 2021/15, the Security Council reaffirmed the importance of the applicable international legal framework and strengthened cooperation in addressing maritime threats. As technologies evolve, their application must remain firmly anchored in international law, supported by robust cybersecurity safeguards, appropriate human oversight, and clear signs of accountability. Second, International and regional cooperation must keep pace with evolving maritime threats. Resolution 2722 of 2024, addressing attacks against commercial shipping in the Red Sea, underscored the importance of safeguarding navigational rights and freedoms, exercising restraint, and pursuing diplomatic solutions to prevent further escalation. Zimbabwe reiterates that the safety of seafarers in commercial vessels must be protected. At the same time, lasting maritime security requires sustained diplomatic engagement to address the conflicts and instability that fuel threats to international shipping. In Africa, resolution 2634 of 2022 provides an important foundation for combating piracy and armed robbery at sea in the Gulf of Guinea. including through the Yaounde architecture. These regional arrangements must be strengthened through improved maritime domain awareness, timely intelligence sharing, early warning capabilities, and coordinated responses. Emerging technologies can be powerful enablers of these efforts, provided their deployment reinforces African ownership and regional cooperation. Cooperation must also extend beyond coastal states to encompass land-locked countries whose economic security depends on reliable maritime access and resilient transport corridors. Third, technological advancement must be accompanied by equitable access and meaningful capacity building. Presidential statement 2024/6 recognized both the opportunities and risks associated with scientific and technological developments, while underscoring the importance of capacity building and voluntary technology transfer on mutually agreed terms. These commitments must translate into practical support for developing countries, particularly in strengthening cybersecurity. modernizing maritime infrastructure, developing technical expertise, and improving access to relevant technologies. The private sector, including the maritime and technology industries, also has an important responsibility to promote secure system design, share information on emerging threats, and cooperate with states in the International Maritime Organization in strengthening maritime safety and cybersecurity standards. Mr. President, The Security Council must remain attentive to emerging technological threats wherever they endanger international peace and security. In doing so, it should complement and reinforce the work of the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and relevant regional mechanisms consistent with respective mandates. The seas connect our economies, sustain livelihoods, and underpin global prosperity. Their security is a shared responsibility, and their protection demands collective resolve. Technological progress should bring nations closer to safer seas, not expose them to greater peril. Our task is to ensure that innovation saves peace, that cooperation strengthens security, and that no country, coastal or landlocked, is left behind. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:32:07]: I thank the representative of Zimbabwe for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Qatar. Qatar [2:32:17]: Mr. President, at the outset, I would like to thank the friendly Hellenic Republic for convening this important debate. We welcome His Excellency the Prime Minister of Greece. And I would also like to express our appreciation to the briefers for their valuable contributions. Mr. President, the State of Qatar attaches the utmost importance to maritime security as a fundamental pillar of international peace and security. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, and advanced surveillance capabilities, offer significant opportunities to enhance maritime safety. At the same time, their misuse poses serious challenges to commercial shipping, critical maritime infrastructure, and the safety of seafarers. Mr. President, Developments in our region this year have demonstrated the grave consequences of threats to maritime security and freedom of navigation, especially in the Strait of Hormuz. The State of Qatar has condemned the Iranian attacks targeting our territorial integrity and sovereignty, as well as those of sister countries in the region. We have stressed the importance of fully complying with international law and Security Council Resolution 2817, including provisions relating to navigation rights and freedoms under international law. We renew our categorical rejection of using the Strait of Hormuz as a means of pressure and call for its reopening without conditions. Freedom of navigation and the right of transit passage through this vital waterway, according with international law, is a well-established principle that is not subject to negotiation. Qatar continues its intensive efforts alongside the Islamic Republic of Pakistan within the framework of mediation between the U.S. and the Islamic Republic of Iran, with the aim of bringing viewpoints closer together and reaffirming our commitment to peaceful resolution. We believe that the responsible use of emerging technologies requires, first, full consistency with international law, particularly the UN Charter and UNCLOS. Second, it requires appropriate safeguards, effective human oversight, and clear accountability. Third, the strengthening of cybersecurity, the protection of maritime navigation and communication systems, and cooperation in information sharing and early warning. Fourth, ensuring that developing countries benefit equitably from technological advances. through technical assistance, capacity building, and partnerships with the private sector and maritime transport industry. We emphasize that the Security Council, within its mandate and building upon the presidential statement of August 2021 and presidential statement of October 2024 concerning scientific development, plays an important role in addressing these challenges. The credibility of the Council depends on implementing its resolution and adopting a consistent, non-selective response to threats against maritime security. The State of Qatar continues its active participation in the works of the IMO, including the meetings of the Maritime Safety Committee. We have emphasized the importance of ensuring the safe movement of commercial vessels through the Strait of Hormuz and adjacent areas, and our support for international efforts to assist ships and seafarers affected at sea. In conclusion, we reaffirm that maritime security should remain at the heart of our collective efforts. Technological innovation should be a force that strengthens rather than undermines international peace and security. Thank you, President. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:35:32]: I thank the representative of Qatar for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Burundi. Burundi [2:35:41]: Mr. President, Burundi welcomes the convening of this high-level open debate on emerging technologies and maritime security, implications for peace and security. We wish to thank the Greek Presidency of the Security Council for inscribing this important issue on our agenda. As a landlocked developing country, Burundi attaches particular importance to maritime security, the safety of international trade routes, and the resilience of global supply chains. Although they do not have direct access to the sea, landlocked countries directly depend on maritime ports, transit corridors, and international logistics networks in order to access global markets. On this note, Burundi believes that maritime security is a collective responsibility. The challenges that it throws up stretch far beyond borders, the borders of coastal states, and impact the entire international community. Fast-paced progress on AI, autonomous systems, drones, digital technologies offer up significant opportunities for improving maritime surveillance, strengthening the safety of navigation, preventing threats against critical infrastructure as well. Nonetheless, their malicious use, cyberattacks, and disruptions to port and logistics systems can hinder trade, compromise the security of supply, as well as have serious consequences for landlocked developing countries. Confronted with these challenges, my delegation would like to make the following points. These are priorities for us. First, promoting the peaceful, safe, and responsible use of emerging technologies. Burundi would like to underscore the need to ensure that technological progress continues to contribute to preventing threats, protecting maritime infrastructure, and the safety of seafarers in accordance with international law. Appropriate human oversight and tailored safeguards must go hand-in-hand with the development and use of autonomous systems. Second, strengthening international cooperation on prevention and cybersecurity. The protection of maritime routes should go hand-in-hand with enhanced cooperation between coastal states, transit countries, and landlocked states. Information sharing, early warning systems, and the coordination necessary to tackle technological incidents are essential if we are to limit disruptions to international trade and to bolster the resilience of logistics chains. Third, guaranteeing inclusive capacity building. My delegation would like to insist on the importance of allowing developing countries, especially landlocked ones, to access knowledge, training, technical assistance, and affordable technologies. These are necessary for us to respond to emerging threats. Gaps in technological capacity should not pose an additional obstacle to their participation, our participation in international trade, nor to our economic development. Fourth, safeguarding an international framework underpinned by law and multilateralism, the UN Charter, the UNCLOS Convention, and other applicable international Legal rules should guide state action. Burundi encourages an approach rooted in dialogue, prevention, responsibility, and cooperation, so that new technologies contribute to building mutual trust and international stability. Fifth, strengthening the consideration afforded to landlocked states in maritime security initiatives. The impacts of maritime disruptions reverberate far beyond coastal areas. Therefore, it is necessary to factor in the needs of landlocked countries in cooperation mechanisms, capacity-building initiatives, as well as international reflection on the resilience of transit corridors as well as supply chains. Burundi believes that the International Maritime Organization, the United Nations, regional organizations and other relevant partners have an important role to play within the scope of their respective mandates, a role to play in promoting effective and inclusive governance over challenges linked to emerging technologies in the maritime domain. Cooperation between governments, the private sector, the maritime industry and technology actors should also be encouraged so as to convert the opportunities offered by innovation into concrete dividends for our collective security as well as sustainable development. For Burundi, the main challenge lies in ensuring that emerging technologies strengthen maritime security, support the continuity of international trade, and contribute to shared prosperity without heightening inequality between states. Without a doubt, maritime security is not simply a matter for states which have direct access to the sea. It also affects landlocked states, the development, the economic competitiveness, and the market access of which hinge on the security and fluidity of international commerce. Burundi thus reaffirms our commitment to multilateralism, international cooperation, as well as to an inclusive approach to maritime security. All of the above in the service of peace, stability, and sustainable development for all. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:40:56]: I thank the distinguished representative of Burundi for that statement. To the representative of Timor-Leste. Timor-Leste [2:41:05]: Madam President, Timor-Leste thanks Greece for convening this important debate and appreciates the briefers' insights. As a coastal and island nation, Timor-Leste regards maritime security as essential to its sovereignty, development, and resilience. Situated near key maritime routes connecting the Indian and Pacific Ocean, we understand that maritime security contributes to wider regional stability. Emerging technologies, including artificial intelligence, satellite surveillance, and autonomous systems, offer opportunities to strengthen maritime monitoring, early warning, and the protection of critical infrastructure. For Timor-Leste, these technologies can help combat illegal fishing, detect illicit activities, support search and rescue operations, and protect marine resources. However, their effectiveness depends on adequate technical capacity and trained personnel. Madam President, technological progress also presents new risks. Cyber attacks targeting ports, navigation systems, offshore installations, and maritime communications infrastructure can disrupt trade, connectivity, and essential services. The misuse of autonomous systems further raises concerns about maritime safety, responsibility, and unintended escalation, underscoring the need for appropriate safeguards and human oversight. Therefore, protecting submarine communications infrastructure is increasingly important. Our country's planned international submarine fiber optic cable connecting Timor-Leste with its immediate northern neighbor represents a significant investment in digital connectivity and national development. It also highlights the growing security implications of critical infrastructure beneath the sea. While submarine cables facilitate communications, economic activity, and access to essential services, they are also vulnerable to accidental damage, deliberate interference, and cyber threats affecting the supporting systems. Protecting such infrastructure requires stronger maritime awareness, cybersecurity, international cooperation, and measures to ensure the resilience and continuity of essential communications. We must therefore emphasize three priorities. First, strengthening international and regional cooperation, particularly through information sharing, maritime surveillance, cybersecurity, and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Our regional, such as cooperation such as ASEAN and other regional partnerships provide valuable framework for addressing shared maritime security challenges. Second, ensuring equitable access to technology and capacity building. Developing countries, particularly STC, LDCs, and seats like mine, need technical assistance, specialized training, and stronger institutional capacity to respond effectively to emerging threats and protect their maritime and digital infrastructure. Third, upholding international law and responsible innovation. Emerging maritime technologies must be developed and used consistently with the UN Charter and UNCLOS. We also support the International Maritime Organization's work on maritime safety and technological safeguards. Madam President, the Security Council should remain attentive to emerging maritime threats affecting international peace and security, including risks to critical submarine infrastructure, while complementing the work of specialized organizations and respecting their respective mandates. For Timor-Leste, the real measure of progress is not how advanced maritime technologies become, but whether countries can use them effectively to protect their waters, safeguard critical infrastructure, preserve lives, and contribute to regional stability. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:44:54]: I thank the representative of Timor-Leste for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands. Netherlands (Kingdom of the) [2:45:05]: Thank you, Madam President. And I'd like to start by thanking Greece for the initiative in bringing this important topic to the agenda of the Security Council. The Kingdom of the Netherlands aligns itself with the statement of the European Union. Emerging technologies are reshaping maritime security, naval operations, trade routes, and critical underwater infrastructure today. In this new reality, the Council has a responsibility to ensure that innovation at sea serves peace, not instability. And I would like to make three points. First, freedom of navigation is a top priority. The importance of the principle of the international law of the sea, as reflected in UNCLOS, cannot be overstated. It is non-negotiable. Disruptions in vital waterways threaten freedom of navigation, global supply chains, food security, and the flows of humanitarian goods and energy. Protecting maritime traffic and critical underwater infrastructure across all waterways is therefore essential. Sustaining global maritime security against all threats requires concerted action by the Council and all UN Member States. Second, we must address the risk of escalation driven by technology. New technologies can make the seas safer, help avoid accidents, and reduce human error. At the same time, they also introduce serious risk for international security. Autonomous and remotely controlled systems can behave unpredictably underwater and at sea, especially when control and human judgments are limited. Misunderstandings, false or manipulated data, combined with reduced time for human assessment, can complicate decision making in sensitive circumstances. Quantum technologies may undermine traditional deterrence and defense, for example, by detecting nuclear submarines and breaking the encryption of military and diplomatic communication. Together, these developments increase the risk of unintended escalation and complicate crisis management between states. Third, we therefore need strong international cooperation, including at the UN. The Kingdom of the Netherlands calls on all UN member states and the Council to prevent escalation by keeping emerging technologies under control and under human judgment. by respecting international law and ensuring clarity on state responsibility. The United Nations should be a platform for cooperation on these technologies, where we agree on common standards and protect maritime security. In conclusion, the Kingdom of the Netherlands remains committed to working with the Council, UN Member States, and all other relevant stakeholders to advance maritime security and responsible development and use of emerging technologies. I thank you very much. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:48:13]: I thank the representative of the Kingdom of the Netherlands for her statement, and I now give the floor to the representative of Japan. Japan [2:48:23]: Thank you, Madam President. We express our gratitude to Greece for convening this open debate. Emerging technologies are rapidly redefining maritime security. By harnessing AI, satellite constellations, and open sensors, we can dramatically enhance navigation systems and strengthen maritime domain awareness capabilities. These technologies can strengthen protection of maritime transportation and critical infrastructure, such as undersea cables and offshore energy facilities, while also addressing shadow fleets and IUU fishing. On the other hand, Emerging technologies can also facilitate sophisticated cyber attacks and unmanned weapon systems. Therefore, these technologies must be used responsibly. Madam President, to promote the responsible use of technologies in the maritime domain, Japan has been focusing on two aspects. international technical cooperation, and international discussions on responsible AI governance. Regarding technical cooperation, securing a free and open maritime order requires the timely and responsible deployment of emerging technologies to protect our waters, secure shipping and seafarers, and safeguards critical undersea infrastructure. Guided by the updated Free and Open Indo-Pacific, Japan continues to share the benefits of maritime technology and information with coastal states through collaborations like in the Pacific Partnership for Maritime Domain Awareness and capacity building efforts in the region. We are working together to keep global sea lanes safe, secure, and open. Regarding the international discussions on AI governance, Japan is at the forefront through the Hiroshima AI process and its friends group. establishing the world's first international framework of principles and code of conduct to govern advanced AI. In parallel, Japan has been working with the international community to co-create a safe, secure, and trustworthy AI ecosystem, and will enhance cooperation on safety and security to respond to the risk of highly capable. Frontier AI model. The use of AI in the maritime domain should not be excluded from our discussion on AI governance. Madam President, Japan also welcomes the Security Council's role in addressing the implications of emerging technologies for maritime security. Within its mandate, the Council can play a pivotal role by discussing the impact of dual-use maritime technologies on international peace and security in collaboration with relevant specialized bodies like the IMO. In concluding, Japan remains committed to active and constructive engagement in international cooperation and discussions on emerging technologies and maritime security. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:52:28]: I thank the representative of Japan for his statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Bangladesh. Bangladesh [2:52:37]: Madam President, I thank you for convening this high-level open debate on the important nexus between emerging technologies, maritime security, and international peace and security, particularly highlighting the safety of seafarers. Madam President, the security and resilience of international shipping are directly connected to international peace and security, global trade, and economic development. As a major coastal state with a vast maritime domain and a source of skilled seafarers for global shipping, Bangladesh has a direct stake in safe and secure international navigation. This concern ships, trade routes, as well as the lives and livelihoods of those who keep global commerce moving. Madam President. AI-enabled early warning systems, satellite surveillance, and advanced navigation technologies can detect emerging threats and keep the maritime infrastructure safe. However, cyber attacks, navigation interference, and the misuse of unmanned systems can create serious vulnerabilities, putting civilian crews at grave risk. Bangladesh knows the human cost of this, as in 2024, 23 Bangladeshi seafarers aboard MV Abdullah were held hostage. Therefore, we urge that the deployment of these new takes must be guided by safeguards, human oversight, and accountability. Madam President, technological innovation should contribute to international peace and security, including maritime security. We would like to underline a few points in this regard. First, Bangladesh underscores the importance of upholding UNCLOS and the UN Charter to strengthen maritime cooperation. Information sharing, responsible use of emerging techs, equitable access to this tech, and capacity building are some of the key pillars for this cooperation. Moreover, support for the specialized mandates of the IMO and other relevant organizations must be provided. Second, states, the IMO, ship owners, and technology providers must work together to strengthen maritime cybersecurity, share threat information, and protect seafarers. We must prevent emerging technologies from intensifying arms races or maritime tensions. Third, most importantly, developing countries, including LDCs like Bangladesh, must have equitable access to maritime technologies, cybersecurity capabilities, and training to prepare their seafarers for an increasingly automated shipping industry. In conclusion, Bangladesh calls for stronger international cooperation and proactive role of Security Council to protect seafarers, facilitate safe crew changes, and ensure timely rescue and repatriation, particularly during maritime emergencies. Bangladesh stands ready to work with all partners for safer oceans and secure navigation. I thank you, Madam President. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:55:47]: I thank the representative of Bangladesh for her statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Fiji. Fiji · PSIDS [2:55:55]: Thank you, Madam President, and members of the Council. Fiji is honoured to speak on behalf of the Pacific Small Island Developing States. We thank Greece for convening this briefing and for carrying maritime security through both of its presidencies. As we said in this chamber in May last year, the Pacific holds a comprehensive concept of security, from the Bikitau Declaration to the Bouai Declaration and the Blue Pacific Ocean of Peace Declaration. Last month in Palau, our leaders endorsed the Pacific Digital and Artificial Intelligence Technology Principles, the region's first collective position on AI. AI must remain human-centered, inclusive, and aligned with Pacific values. It must narrow, not widen, inequalities. Its governance must ensure transparency, accountability, safety, and meaningful human oversight, and it must safeguard our languages, cultures, traditional knowledge, and digital sovereignty. Our leaders also reaffirmed that technology must be used responsibly and for peaceful purposes. For a region bound to the ocean, these commitments must hold at sea. Our threats at sea are persistent: illegal fishing, drug, and human trafficking, environmental crimes, all compounded by sea level rise. Emerging technologies add new dimensions. Ports, shipping, and undersea cables are exposed to cyber threats. Autonomous systems compress decision time and heighten the risk of miscalculation. With every Forum member now connected to undersea cables for the first time, protecting this infrastructure is of direct importance to our people. Technology also offers opportunity. Satellite surveillance and vessel tracking already strengthen maritime domain awareness through the Forum Fisheries Agencies and the Pacific Fusion Centre, and our leaders have agreed in principle to the Wanga Moana concept to deepen intelligence sharing against transnational organised crime. We ask the Council and the international community to support us in five ways. First, maritime security responses, including those using new technologies, must be inclusive of small island states. Second, adherence to UNCLOS and respect for the sovereignty and jurisdiction of all states, including our maritime zones, which must be preserved notwithstanding sea level rise. Third, scaled-up support for maritime domain awareness and enforcement technologies, on terms that preserve human oversight, respect our data sovereignty, protect undersea cables, and do not shift a disproportionate burden onto small island states. Fourth, stronger law enforcement and justice system through training and cross-border information training. Fifth, alignment of international and regional initiatives to avoid duplication. Madam President, the The Pacific may be vast and dispersed, but we remain united. We stand ready to work with all partners and the Council so that our ocean remains a space of safety and cooperation. I thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [2:59:37]: I thank the representative of Fiji for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Malaysia. Malaysia [2:59:45]: Madam President, Malaysia thanks Greece for convening this timely debate and the briefers for their insights. As a littoral state bordering the Strait of Malacca. Malaysia has a significant stake in ensuring safe, secure and uninterrupted maritime traffic. Emerging technologies can strengthen maritime security, but their misuse may threaten shipping, critical infrastructure and seafarers, with consequences for global trade, energy and food security. In this regard, Malaysia wishes to highlight three points. First, respect for international law must remain the foundation of our response. The 1982 UNCLOS provides the overarching legal framework for all activities in the oceans and seas. Malaysia reaffirms the importance of maritime safety and security, navigational rights and freedoms, and respect for the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction of coastal states. in accordance with international law. Accordingly, the development and use of AI-enabled and autonomous systems must comply with applicable international law, with human responsibility and control preserved. Second, technological innovation should strengthen maritime safety and resilience. AI-enabled analysis, satellite technologies, and information sharing can enhance maritime awareness, early warning, and responses to threats. Ships, ports, and navigation systems must also be protected against cyber risks. Malaysia recognises the important role of the International Maritime Organization in developing international standards and regulatory frameworks for maritime safety and security. The recent adoption of the non-mandatory International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships is an important development in addressing emerging maritime technologies, opportunities and challenges. Third, practical regional cooperation offers valuable lessons. Malaysia works closely with Indonesia and Singapore through the Cooperative Mechanism between Littoral States and User Straits, User States on Safety of Navigation and Environmental Protection in the Straits of Malacca and Singapore. Established in 2007, the cooperative mechanism is the first practical implementation of Article 43 of UNCLOS and remains a key platform for keeping the straits safe, open, and clean, bringing together the three littoral states user states, the shipping industry, and other stakeholders. This mechanism shows that sustained coordination and information sharing, supported by emerging technologies, capacity building, technical assistance, and industry partnerships, can strengthen maritime security, particularly for developing countries. Madam President, seafarers must remain at the centre of our efforts. As one of the littoral states of the Strait of Malacca, Malaysia remains unwavering in ensuring that seafarers transiting our waters receive timely medical assistance, crew change facilitation and humanitarian support without hesitation or delay. Seafarers are the backbone of maritime global trade. Therefore, technology should ultimately serve people by protecting lives, sustaining trade, and reducing risk of escalation. As a State Party to the 1982 UNCLOS, Malaysia remains steadfast in upholding the principles and provisions of the Convention. Malaysia remains committed to its obligations under IMO and to advancing navigational safety and the freedom of navigation for the benefit of the international community. Thank you. Greece · President of the Security Council [3:04:04]: I thank the representative of Malaysia for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Venezuela. Venezuela (Bolivarian Republic of) [3:04:14]: Thank you very much, Madam President. We would like to thank Greece for convening this important debate. and for promoting a timely reflection on the implications of emerging technologies for maritime security and, by extension, for international peace and security. This discussion is particularly relevant at a time when technological transformation is profoundly changing navigation, the management of maritime spaces, the protection of critical infrastructure, and international trade. The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela recognizes that artificial intelligence, autonomous systems, remote sensing, satellite capabilities, advanced data analytics, and digital cartography offer significant opportunities to strengthen maritime security. These tools improve situational awareness, optimize search and rescue operations, and contribute to combating complex threats, such as illegal, unreported, and unregulated fishing, as well as other illicit activities. However, these advances also pose significant challenges. The proliferation of autonomous systems, cyber threats against ports and navigation systems, as well as the possible use of these capabilities for military or coercive purposes, may increase the risk of incidents, miscalculations, and unintended escalations that affect regional and international stability. For Venezuela, maritime security cannot be understood solely from a reactive perspective. It must be conceived as a comprehensive policy aimed at prevention, the protection of human life at sea, international cooperation, scientific development, the strengthening of institutions, and the peaceful use of technology. Technological innovations must contribute to the protection of peoples, the security of maritime routes, the preservation of the marine environment, and the promotion of inclusive economic development. We also consider it essential to prevent innovation from deepening existing gaps. All States should have access under equitable conditions to the peaceful applications of new technologies, as well as to the capabilities necessary to strengthen their national development. In this regard, Venezuela highlights the importance of scientific and technical cooperation as a tool for fostering trust, sustainable development, and collective security in the maritime domain. The training of specialists, the exchange of hydrographic information, and the strengthening of national capacities constitute essential elements for a more inclusive and effective maritime security architecture. Our country is advancing modernization processes, including progress in the automation of vessel traffic services, the deployment of real-time sensors, and the standardization of nautical cartography under the international standard S-100. We also promote South-South cooperation and triangular cooperation for the exchange of experiences and the development of capacities. We are pleased to report that the National Assembly of Venezuela has approved accession to Annex VI of the MARPOL Convention, an important step toward the technological modernization of our merchant fleet and compliance with environmental and climate commitments. Likewise, Venezuela is in an advanced stage of formal accession to IALA, with the objective of strengthening operational exchange. Finally, recalling that Venezuela is not a party to UNCLOS, we reiterate the importance of specialized organizations such as the International Maritime Organization, IMO, the International Hydrographic Organization, and the International Organization for Marine Aids to Navigation. in the development of international standards and the strengthening of technical cooperation. We reaffirmed that the work of the Security Council should complement the mandates of these technical bodies. Only through inclusive efforts based on respect for international law will we be able to build a more effective, peaceful, and truly universal maritime security architecture? Thank you very much. Greece · President of the Security Council [3:09:00]: Representative of Venezuela for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Türkiye. Türkiye [3:09:08]: Madam President, Türkiye thanks the Greek Presidency for convening this timely debate. As a maritime country, we attach great importance to freedom of navigation, the rule of law at sea and the peaceful use of the seas and oceans. Emerging technologies can strengthen maritime domain awareness, search and rescue, navigation safety, and the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Artificial intelligence, satellite imagery, and advanced monitoring systems offer important opportunities. Yet, cyberattacks, interference with navigation and communication systems, and misuse of autonomous technologies also pose risks of disruption and unintended escalation. Their development and use must remain consistent with applicable international law, including the UN Charter, and where relevant, international humanitarian law. Meaningful human oversight, accountability, and appropriate safeguards are essential. Protecting submarine cables, pipelines, and ports and preventing the diversion of dual-use technologies to non-state actors require effective international cooperation. Türkiye remains committed to an approach that harnesses innovation and keeps our seas safe, secure, and open. Madam President, We had not intended to turn this debate on emerging technologies into an argument over maritime boundaries. Yet, the allegations made by the Prime Minister Mitsotakis require a response. This Council is not a maritime delimitation tribunal. A map can illustrate a claim, but it cannot adjudicate one. The Türkiye-Libya Memorandum of Understanding between the two sovereign states is in force since 2019. The recent parliamentary action in Libya does not alter this fact. but it reflects the strong support of the Libyan people to this MOU. Political declarations, however, issued collectively, are not judicial decisions and have no effect on the free will of a sovereign state. Turkey and Libya are two sovereign states, each entitled to conclude international agreements. That sovereign prerogative cannot be denied merely because a third state contests the delimitation or disagrees with its outcome. Türkiye-Libya Memorandum regulates maritime delimitation between its parties. It does not determine or prejudice the rights of states that are not party to it. This is precisely the principle Türkiye has consistently upheld with regard to other maritime arrangements. They cannot be invoked against Türkiye or used to diminish its continental shelf rights. Competing maritime claims must be addressed through dialogue and equitable delimitation, not by questioning the sovereign capacity of states to conclude agreements. His Excellency Prime Minister Mitsotakis claims that the Memorandum defies geography and areas and erases Aegean islands. Türkiye does not question the existence, population, or sovereignty of those islands. The legal issue is different. It is the effect to be given to the islands when delimiting overlapping maritime claims. International jurisprudence does not grant every island automatic full effect regardless of coastal configuration and relevant circumstances. As Turkey explained in its letters in 2020, the governing objective is an equitable solution, taking into account all the special and relevant circumstances, including the length and direction of the relevant costs. While Turkey acknowledges UNCLOS as an important instrument, it is not a party to it. The Convention is neither universal nor exhaustive, and not every provision invoked against a non-party can simply be presumed to constitute binding customary law. Turkey respects applicable international law, including customary rules, were established and remains committed to equitable delimitation through negotiations. This is not a rejection of the law of the sea. Our position rests on applicable international law and equity. Madam President, our preference remains dialogue, not exclusion. As President Erdoğan reaffirmed before the General Assembly just last month, we wish to see issues in the Aegean Sea and the Eastern Mediterranean resolved on the basis of good neighborly relations and in accordance with international law. He reiterated that our proposal for an Eastern Mediterranean conference would help establish common ground. We are ready to engage in this regard constructively, on the understanding that an inclusive and lasting approach must also take account of the legitimate rights and interests of Turkish Cypriots and the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus. Türkiye’s commitment to multilateral maritime security is demonstrated in practice. The Black Sea Mine Countermeasures Task Group, established by Türkiye, Bulgaria and Romania, is a practical example. We welcome the work to expand its scope to include the protection of critical undersea infrastructure. Türkiye has also contributed naval vessels of UNIFIL’s Maritime Task Force, assisting the Lebanese Navy in securing Lebanese waters. Turkish and Greek naval units have served side by side under the United Nations flag. Türkiye has also contributed to international counter-piracy efforts of Somalia, including through the Combined Maritime Forces. Our navies have shown effective cooperation under a United Nations mandate, so should our diplomacy be capable of addressing differences without turning them into disputes. Maritime security is not served by portraying unresolved delimitation questions as a hostility. Yes, geography cannot be rewritten, but neither can international law be reduced to a map or a slogan. Türkiye stands ready for meaningful negotiations, guided by equity, mutual respect, and good neighborliness. I thank you again. Greece · President of the Security Council [3:16:18]: I thank the representative of Türkiye for the statement. I now give the floor to the representative of Argentina. Argentina [3:16:28]: Madam President, Ambassador Gladia Walter, first of all, Let me say that the Argentine Republic wishes to thank Greece for organizing this open debate, which provides a valuable opportunity to reflect on the challenges posed by new technologies to maritime security and their implications for international peace and security. The sea connects far more than it divides. Its waters carry goods, energy, and food, as well as an essential share of global trade and prosperity. For this reason, ensuring the security of maritime routes is a shared responsibility that requires cooperation and full respect for international law. Madam President, Argentina attaches particular importance to maritime security due to its geographical location, its proximity to one of the world's principal inter-oceanic passages, extent of its maritime coastline and the fact that approximately 90% of the volume of its foreign trade is transported by maritime and river routes. In this regard, Argentina has assumed the international responsibility of providing search and rescue services in an extensive region of the South Atlantic and Antarctic waters, covering approximately 14.6 million square kilometers. in accordance with the 1979 International Convention on Maritime Search and Rescue. My country recognizes the valuable opportunities offered by emerging technologies to improve navigational safety, prevent incidents, and strengthen search and rescue operations. However, These advances also present new legal and operational challenges that require a coordinated response from the international community. In this regard, my country would highlight the central role of the International Maritime Organization and takes note of the recent adoption of the International Code of Safety for Maritime Autonomous Surface Ships (MAS Code). Which is non-binding in nature, Argentina considers that the development of new technologies must take place in conformity, full conformity with international law, particularly the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea, and must not be used to block maritime circulation or impede trade. Within this framework, it is essential to preserve the responsibilities of the flag State and the ship's captain, as well as to ensure that there is at all times a clearly identifiable authority responsible for the vessel's operation. The growing autonomy of vessels raises questions regarding the exercise of rights traditionally associated with ships operating under the control of a crew. including freedom of navigation, innocent passage, and transit passage. In my country's view, the potential application of these rights to unmanned vehicles or vessels operating without effective human control must be examined with particular caution. In particular, their automatic application to systems with higher levels of autonomy should not be presumed until a specific regulatory regime has been established that takes into account their characteristics and associated risks. Consistent with this position, Argentina has informed the International Maritime Organization that it reserves the right to regulate, in accordance with international law, the entry of such vessels into waters under its jurisdiction, and it is currently examining the development of a national regulatory framework on the matter. Madam President, technological innovation should contribute to strengthening maritime security without weakening the legal principles on which it was founded. Technology should not either dilute the responsibilities of those who navigate. On the contrary, it can positively transform the way that we navigate and conduct trade, bringing prosperity to all corners of the planet with the contribution of the private sector. The Argentine Republic therefore reaffirms its commitment to safe navigation, international cooperation, and full respect for international law. Thank you very much. Greece · President of the Security Council [3:20:48]: I thank the representative of Argentina for your statement. Greece · Representative; President of the Security Council [3:20:54]: In my capacity as representative of Greece, I would like to make a further statement in response to the remarks made by the representative of Türkiye. As Prime Minister Mitsotakis stated earlier today, Greece categorically rejects the so-called Türkiye-Libya Memorandum on Maritime Delimitation. It defies both geography and international law. The memorandum is therefore illegal under international law, and its recent purported ratification by the Libyan House of Representatives can neither confer any legal effect upon it or alter its legal character as being null and void. It thus produces no legal consequences. Turkey and Libya have neither adjacent or opposite coasts capable of generating a common maritime boundary. It entirely disregards the presence of numerous Greek islands, including Crete and the Dodecanese Islands, and their entitlements to generate maritime zones beyond the territorial sea. strongly supports the importance for the respect of the sovereignty, sovereign rights, and jurisdiction that each state has over its maritime zones, including those generated by islands in accordance with the United Nations Convention on the Law of the Seas. Greece supports cooperation and the conclusion of agreements with neighboring states on the basis of the law of the sea as reflected in UNCLOS and in good faith. Geography cannot be refashioned, it's not a slogan. Nor can an agreement between two states prejudice the sovereign rights of a third state. Colleagues, international law cannot be selectively applied to accommodate unilateral claims. Greece remains firmly committed to the peaceful settlement of maritime disputes in accordance with international law, as reflected in UNCLOS, as demonstrated by our maritime delimitation agreements with Italy and Egypt. Respect for international law is not a matter of political convenience. It is a fundamental requirement for international peace and security. In concluding, I would like to note that this is an open debate on maritime security. Respect for the law of the sea lies at the heart of it. Recalling the rules that govern our seas is not a misuse of the Council. It is the very purpose. I thank you. I resume my function as President of the Council. The representative of Türkiye has asked for the floor to make a further statement. I give them the floor. Türkiye [3:24:10]: Madam President, thank you very much for giving me the floor again for right of reply. Indeed, I will not return to the content of the issue. You repeated almost the statement by Prime Minister. I replied to them. The problem here is that Greece determined the title of this debate, emerging technologies and maritime security. But unfortunately, Prime Minister Mitsotakis, with all due respect, and you, concentrated on delimitation of maritime areas, which is irrelevant to the maritime security and emerging technologies. I wish Prime Minister had focused on the essence of the issue, maritime security and emerging technologies, as all other delegations did. Then I will not return to the content. So, Turkish-Greek dispute or difference of understanding interpretation is clear. I think it is not the issue of the Security Council here. It requires meaningful negotiations. Hopefully, we can do it soon, sooner than later. Thank you. Greece · Representative; President of the Security Council [3:25:27]: I thank the representative of Türkiye for the statement. I shall now make a statement, the last one, if you allow me, replying to the representative of Türkiye. Greece has consistently sought good neighborly relations with Turkey. based on mutual respect, international law, and the principles of the United Nations Charter. We remain committed to the dialogue and the peaceful settlement of the disputes, but meaningful dialogue requires respect for international law, sovereignty, and sovereign rights. I thank you. I resume my function as President of the Council. There are no more names inscribed on the list of speakers. The meeting is adjourned.