UNIDIR’s Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026 (#AISE26) will bring together a wide range of stakeholders – including diplomats, policymakers, academia, civil society, industry and research laboratories – to examine the implications of artificial intelligence (AI) for international peace and security.
With AI systems rapidly evolving, their governance sits at the forefront of global policy agendas. AI is no longer a frontier question: its development, deployment and use actively shape national, regional and global security environments. As such, policymakers and regulators increasingly recognize the need for shared understandings, norms, coordinated approaches and cross-border cooperation.
Recent milestones – including General Assembly resolution 79/239, the Secretary-General’s report on AI in the military domain and resolution 80/58 – mark a shift toward implementation, practical measures and sustained engagement among States and stakeholders. As innovation accelerates across governments, industry and research institutions, aligning technological development with policy frameworks has become essential. The coming years will be pivotal in defining the trajectory of AI governance in the security domain and ensuring it remains grounded in international law, existing norms and responsible practice.
In this context, UNIDIR is convening the Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2026. Building on the success of last year’s inaugural event and the ongoing work of the Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics, the conference will bring together diplomats and policymakers, as well as experts from the military, industry, academia, civil society and research labs. Together, the multi-stakeholder community will address the complex implications of AI for national, regional and global security and resilience. The conference will be held consecutively to the 2026 informal exchanges on AI in the military domain in Geneva, pursuant to resolution 80/58.
Call for abstracts
UNIDIR invites abstract submissions for poster presentations, demonstrations, thematic deep-dives and lightning talks aligned with one of the following themes:
- Technology: Technological solutions that support the governance of AI, security and ethics.
- Governance: Policy and governance approaches to AI, security and ethics.
- Use-cases: Concrete examples and best practices demonstrating the operationalization of AI, security and ethics.
Abstracts must be submitted by Monday, 6 April.
Selected abstracts will contribute directly to the conference’s programme, helping shape forward-looking discussions and actionable outcomes. UNIDIR will select one outstanding abstract per theme; the authors will be invited to present their work at the conference in Geneva, all expenses covered.
Agenda
The full programme and speakers’ information will be shared in due course.
When and where
Thursday, 18 June and Friday, 19 June 2026 | In person at the Palais des Nations, Geneva, and online.
RSVP
Registration opening soon.
Further information
For any questions, please contact Yasmin Afina at yasmin.afina@un.org.