As artificial intelligence (AI) becomes increasingly embedded in security and defence, the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) will convene its Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics on 18-19 June 2026 at the Palais des Nations in Geneva and online.
Held under UNIDIR’s Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics initiative and co-sponsored by Microsoft, the conference will bring together diplomats, policymakers, military officials, industry leaders, researchers and civil society to examine how AI is already shaping security – and what this means for global governance.
The conference takes place at a critical moment as governments move from conceptual discussions towards implementation. Advances in AI capabilities, coupled with growing international attention to its security implications, are accelerating efforts to develop shared approaches to risk management, accountability and international cooperation.
The challenge before us is no longer whether AI will influence international peace and security, but how we shape that influence. The pace of technological change is outstripping many existing governance frameworks. Bringing together diverse perspectives is essential to better understand emerging risks, identify opportunities, and strengthen international cooperation.
Dr Robin Geiss, UNIDIR Director
The two-day programme is structured around four thematic tracks:
- Technology foundations: Understanding AI systems, data practices, bias and dual-use technologies.
- Applications and integration: AI in military contexts, cyber operations and crisis response.
- Stakeholder perspectives: The roles of governments, industry and investors, including regional perspectives from Africa, Latin America and the Caribbean.
- Future directions: Governance frameworks, accountability mechanisms and opportunities for cooperation.
Discussions will address issues including AI in warfare, cyber threats, deepfakes in conflict, and human oversight of automated systems. The programme will feature expert presentations, high-level panel discussions and demonstrations of emerging technologies.
Building on its inaugural edition in 2025, the Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics forms part of UNIDIR’s expanding work on AI, peace and security. It will be held consecutively to the informal exchanges on AI in the military domain in Geneva, offering a timely opportunity to connect broader policy discussions with ongoing multilateral processes.
The conference will also mark the launch of UNIDIR’s Centre of Excellence on AI, Peace and Security, which will serve as the Institute’s umbrella platform for research, dialogue and capacity-building on AI governance and security.
For further information, please contact Claudia Marquina, UNIDIR Head of Communications at claudia.marquina@un.org.
About UNIDIR
The United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) is a voluntarily funded, autonomous institute within the United Nations. One of the few policy institutes worldwide focusing on disarmament, UNIDIR generates knowledge and promotes dialogue and action on disarmament and security. Based in Geneva, UNIDIR assists the international community to develop the practical, innovative ideas needed to find solutions to critical security problems. For more information, visit unidir.org.