MUN Rome 2025 Background Guide PDF

MUN ROME 2025 BACKGROUND GUIDE 2025 General Assembly First Committee (GA1) © 2025 Y.O SRL Dear Delegates, Welcome to MUN Rome 2025! We are thrilled to have you join us in this unforgettable experience of diplomacy,...

MUN ROME 2025 BACKGROUND GUIDE 2025 General Assembly First Committee (GA1) © 2025 Y.O SRL Dear Delegates, Welcome to MUN Rome 2025! We are thrilled to have you join us in this unforgettable experience of diplomacy, debate, and collaboration. You have been assigned to the First Committee of the General Assembly (GA1), and we are confident that your participation will contribute to vibrant discussions and innovative solutions. This year, the GA1 will focus on the following topic: - Promoting Global Frameworks for Artificial Intelligence Regulation As members of this committee, you will have the opportunity to explore the intricacies of this issue, exploring its significance on the global stage and proposing meaningful strategies for addressing it. Your unique perspective will enrich the dialogue and enhance the outcomes of our sessions. This Background guide has been carefully prepared to serve as an introductory resource for your research. It outlines the key aspects of the topic, providing historical context, current developments, and critical questions to consider. While this guide is an essential starting point, we strongly encourage you to conduct further research to gain a comprehensive understanding of your assigned country’s or organization’s stance and priorities. As part of your preparation, you are required to draft a Position paper that reflects your delegation’s perspective on the topic. This exercise will not only help you clarify your country’s policy but also equip you to engage confidently in debates and negotiations. Please refer to the guidelines provided in this Background Guide and on our website for tips on writing your position paper. We would also like to remind you of a few key resources to help you prepare: 1. Official United Nations websites, UN Data, UN documents and resolutions and the UN Digital Library; NGOs and think tanks; the CIA World Factbook; regional organizations websites and embassy websites. 2. The MUN Rome Rules of Procedure, which govern the flow of debate, motions, and resolutions in committee sessions. Finally, we encourage you to uphold the principles of respect, professionalism, and inclusivity throughout the conference. MUN Rome is a space where diverse perspectives converge to foster understanding and cooperation, and we expect all participants to contribute to these principles. If you have any questions regarding your preparation or the conference, please do not hesitate to contact us at [email protected]. We are here to support you every step of the way. We look forward to welcoming you to Rome and witnessing your contributions to the success of MUN Rome 2025! Best regards, MUN Rome Secretariat 1 General Assembly: An Overview Introduction The United Nations General Assembly (GA) was established in 1945 by the Charter of the United Nations. Each Member State has a permanent seat in this committee. The GA has a central position as the chief deliberative, policy-making and representative organ of the United Nations. In the Assembly, each UN Member State has one vote. No matter how different in military or economic power, all are equal. This feature gives the General Assembly a great deal of legitimacy on the world stage. It is a place where “world public opinion” can be expressed. Committee History and Mandate The General Assembly covers all issues of global importance. Article 14 of the United Nations Charter gives the GA the power to “recommend measures for the peaceable adjustment of any situation, regardless of origin, which it deems likely to impair the general welfare or friendly relations among nations.” According to the Charter, the GA “may discuss any questions or any matters within the scope of the present Charter or relating to the powers and functions of any organs”, except “any matters relative to the maintenance of international peace and security which are being dealt with by the Security Council.” Specifically, the GA can: Initiate studies and make recommendations to promote disarmament, international political cooperation, the development and codification of international law, the realization of human rights and fundamental freedoms, and international collaboration in the economic, social, humanitarian, cultural, educational and health fields; Consider and approve the UN budget and establish the financial assessments of Member States; Elect the non-permanent members of the Security Council and the members of other United Nations councils and organs and, on the recommendation of the Security Council, appoint the Secretary- General. The General Assembly convenes annually from the third Tuesday of September until a predetermined date in December. The first several days of each session are known as the “high-level plenary meeting,” or world summit. During plenary sessions, each Member State’s head of state, foreign minister, or UN ambassador addresses the General Assembly. All GA sessions are held in the General Assembly Hall at UN Headquarters in New York. Special sessions and world summits can be called by a majority of the General Assembly. Such high-level meetings address important new or recurring themes. The 2000 Millennium Summit, for example, articulated the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), which redefined the worldwide approach to promoting and measuring economic development. In June 2009, the GA held a three-day summit on the international economic crisis. Between September and November 2014, it held high level meetings and special sessions on population and development, indigenous peoples, and the rights of children. The majority of General Assembly resolutions originate in one of the its many subcommittees: GA1 (disarmament and security), GA2 (economic and financial), GA3 (social, humanitarian, and cultural), GA4 (special political and decolonization), GA5 (administrative and budgetary) and GA6 (legal). Resolutions passed by subcommittees are simply working papers. Only when the GA passes a resolution does it go into effect. In general, GA resolutions are not binding on member states. They are simply recommendations. Since the GA includes all UN Member States, it is often seen as the voice of world public opinion. In addition, GA resolutions often inspire treaties and conventions that are legally binding for the states that sign them. The General Assembly’s primary challenges pertain to its relationship to the Security Council. There are two 2 main issues: first, which of the two committees gets “first dibs” on security issues, and second, whether and how the GA can reform the UN. In addition, the GA bears the burden of addressing the wide variety of other issues of global concern not addressed by the Security Council. To revise the UN Charter, the GA and the Security Council must together call for a review conference. Amendments go into effect only with a two-thirds vote in the General Assembly and ratification by “two- thirds of the Members of the United Nations, including all the permanent members of the Security Council.” This makes it very difficult to address a wide variety of reform issues, from making GA resolutions binding to changing the criteria for admitting new members to the UN. 3 Topic: Promoting Global Frameworks for Artificial Intelligence Regulation 1. Introduction The development and deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) are transforming global landscapes, impacting all relevant spheres of human life, from healthcare, news and media and education to national security and international diplomacy. While the rapid development of AI offers significant opportunities and unparalleled potential for innovation and efficiency, such as advancements in scientific research, healthcare, energy use, agriculture, and sustainable development, it also presents risks that could pose a threat to international peace, infringe upon human rights, and widen global inequalities. Achieving these benefits equitably and responsibly requires global AI governance to manage associated risks and ensure inclusivity. Without governance, AI could exacerbate inequalities, concentrating benefits within select nations and corporations, while also raising concerns over surveillance, misinformation, environmental impacts, and autonomous weaponry. Given AI's transnational reach and profound societal impact, these challenges underscore the necessity of a comprehensive and globally coordinated approach to AI governance. As the employment of AI advances and the systems become more and more sophisticated, the international community faces new challenges related to governance, equitable access, and regulatory oversight. Currently, international efforts to govern AI are fragmented and inconsistent. Despite governments, corporations, and international bodies having adopted ethical frameworks and principles, there is a governance deficit as existing norms are insufficient, fragmented, and largely voluntary. This lack of coherence has led to a situation where many voices, particularly those from the Global South, are excluded from shaping AI policy, resulting in inequities in representation and influence. If not addressed, these gaps could intensify digital divides, with wealth and technological power being increasingly concentrated in specific regions. A comprehensive, globally coordinated approach is necessary to avoid regulatory races to the bottom, address transboundary AI challenges effectively, ensure interoperability between different governance frameworks, and support equitable access to AI’s benefits. In an effort to tackle the growing influence and potential misuse of Artificial Intelligence, the United Nations has already taken significant steps to address its global implications. 2. The Role of the United Nations in Regulating AI Systems The urgency for a comprehensive AI regulation system has been emphasized by United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres, who in 2023 formed the High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence to support international governance efforts. The Advisory Body aims to propose actionable frameworks and best practices for AI use, balancing the need for innovation with the need to address security, ethical, and societal risks associated with AI technologies. At the body's inaugural meeting, the Secretary General highlighted AI’s potential to undermine trust in institutions, weaken social cohesion, and threaten democracy itself, advocating for the development of multilateral comprehensive frameworks. In terms of policy and regulatory action, the General Assembly has adopted multiple resolutions that reflect global concerns over AI’s influence on security, human rights, and ethical governance. For example, General Assembly Resolution 78/237 (2023) on Developments in Information and Communications in the Context of International Security calls for responsible state behavior in the application of emerging technologies. The resolution stresses the importance of collaboration among member states to combat cybersecurity threats and urges states to adopt norms that prevent misuse of AI within the information and communication technology (ICT) sector. 4  On 21 March 2023, the United Nations General Assembly adopted its first resolution on artificial intelligence (AI), emphasizing the need for safe, secure, and trustworthy AI systems that respect human rights and international law. Supported by over 120 countries, including China, this nonbinding resolution aims to establish global norms for ethical AI use while promoting sustainable development. It highlights key areas such as ethical design, data privacy, transparency, and reducing the digital divide, ensuring AI benefits all nations. The resolution underscores the importance of embedding human rights and ethical considerations in AI development. It calls for robust safeguards to protect sensitive data and promotes transparency, human oversight, and accountability in automated decision-making. AI is recognized as a transformative tool for achieving the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in enhancing efficiency, reducing environmental impacts, and addressing inequality. It also emphasizes collaboration among governments, private sectors, and international organizations to support developing nations in accessing AI technologies. Global and regional efforts, including the EU’s AI Act, the African Union’s AI roadmap, and other national strategies, align with the resolution’s vision. As the AI landscape evolves rapidly, the resolution marks a pivotal step towards a cooperative global framework, balancing innovation with ethical safeguards to ensure equitable and sustainable benefits for all. 3. Artificial intelligence and International security The intersection of international security, disarmament, and technological advancements has evolved significantly since the mid-20th century. While the United Nations General Assembly has addressed issues of international security and disarmament since 1945, it was not until 1988 that the role of science and technology in this context was formally recognized through resolution 43/77. This resolution acknowledged the transformative impact of technological innovations, such as information and communication technologies, on global security. By 1990, the General Assembly had solidified the view that the international community must proactively manage both the challenges and opportunities presented by scientific and technological developments. Technological advancements have profoundly shaped international security, particularly in areas such as nuclear disarmament and counterterrorism. Technology plays a pivotal role in the monitoring, verification, and enhancement of transparency in disarmament processes and the increasing reliance on digital infrastructure has also introduced significant vulnerabilities. Cyberattacks targeting critical infrastructure, including nuclear facilities, healthcare systems, transportation networks, and financial institutions, pose a major threat to global stability and the potential for malicious actors to exploit these vulnerabilities has underscored the need for robust cybersecurity measures and international cooperation to safeguard essential systems. The development of Artificial intelligence further complicates the security landscape. AI’s potential to revolutionize warfare through autonomous weapon systems and enhanced surveillance raises serious ethical and operational concerns. Simultaneously, AI offers opportunities to strengthen disarmament efforts through advanced data analysis and automated monitoring systems. The dual-use nature of these technologies – where innovations designed for peaceful purposes can also be adapted for military applications – necessitates regulation and oversight to mitigate risks while fostering innovation. The international community has responded through various frameworks and treaties aimed at leveraging technology for peace while addressing associated risks. Key agreements, such as the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and the Arms Trade Treaty (ATT), emphasize the use of technology for monitoring and preventing the spread of weapons. Similarly, the 2001 Convention on Cybercrime sought to harmonize legal standards to combat cyber threats, particularly against CI. 5 International organizations, including the United Nations Office for Disarmament Affairs (UNODA), the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR), and UNESCO, play vital roles in addressing the intersection of technology and security. From promoting ethical AI practices to fostering collaboration on cybersecurity, these bodies contribute to the global effort to navigate the challenges posed by emerging technologies. Resolutions such as the 2022 General Assembly resolution on international cooperation in the context of emerging technologies further illustrate the growing recognition of science and technology as both a potential risk and a tool for achieving global security and disarmament goals. To address these challenges, the General Assembly and other United Nations bodies and agencies emphasize ethical and peaceful applications of technology. Collaborative efforts, including the implementation of confidence-building measures, transparency initiatives, and capacity-building programs, are essential to mitigating risks. 4. Key Issues in AI Regulation The first issue to be considered relates to ethical concerns and the respect of human rights. The United Nations has been instrumental in addressing the potential for AI to infringe upon human rights, focusing on establishing global standards and frameworks to mitigate, addressing the ethical implications of artificial intelligence to ensure its development aligns with global human rights standards, the risks, particularly through its specialized agencies. The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights has raised concerns over AI’s potential to be weaponized for mass surveillance or discriminatory profiling, particularly against vulnerable populations, further emphasizing the need for a global regulatory approach. These concerns are not hypothetical; real-world examples have already demonstrated how AI-powered tools can deepen disparities, restrict freedoms, and compromise democratic processes. In response, the UN has called for robust oversight mechanisms to ensure that AI technologies respect privacy, equality, and non- discrimination principles. Among international instruments, the UN’s Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR) and other core human rights treaties, such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), provide a foundational framework for protection of human rights, that should be employed as a roadmap also in the context of technological advancements. The landmark UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, adopted in 2021, establishes a comprehensive framework for governing AI technologies, emphasizing principles such as transparency, accountability, and inclusivity to safeguard human dignity and justice. The guidelines stress that AI must respect individual privacy, avoid reinforcing systemic biases, and prevent misuse in ways that could exacerbate existing inequalities or violate fundamental freedoms. Moreover, the United Nations Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights emphasize the responsibility of tech companies to uphold human rights by designing systems that avoid amplifying biases or causing harm. International instruments such as the European Union’s General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) and initiatives like the Global Partnership on Artificial Intelligence (GPAI), supported by UN bodies, further complement these efforts by promoting data protection, algorithmic accountability, and ethical AI standards globally. The UN advocates for international cooperation to ensure AI technologies are developed and deployed in ways that prioritize equity, fairness, and compliance with international human rights laws. Member States are encouraged to adopt measures that align with the UN’s ethical standards, including implementing regulations that mandate human oversight in decision-making processes, conducting audits to identify and mitigate algorithmic biases, and promoting the inclusion of marginalized communities in the development of AI systems. Through global dialogues like the Internet Governance Forum (IGF) and initiatives such as the UN’s Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, the UN underscores the urgent need to integrate human rights into the heart of AI governance to build a digital future that is ethical, inclusive, and just. 6  Strictly connected with the need to ensure the respect of human rights, the proliferation of autonomous weapons systems (AWS) has emerged as a pressing global security concern, challenging established norms of warfare and international humanitarian law. UN Secretary-General António Guterres has labeled fully autonomous weapons systems “morally repugnant,” calling for an international ban and urging Member States to agree on binding regulations that mandate human control over critical decisions in conflict. The UN has actively sought to address these risks through forums like the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), particularly its Group of Governmental Experts (GGE), which is tasked with exploring potential regulatory measures for AWS. These weapons, which are able to autonomously identify and engage targets without direct human intervention or oversight, raise serious ethical and legal questions. If on one hand the use of artificial intelligence in the battlefield might prove itself a powerful and useful tool for the belligerents, recent conflicts, such as those in Ukraine and Israel, have highlighted the dangers of AWS, demonstrating their potential to cause civilian casualties, escalate conflicts, and destabilize regions. The main issues concern the potential for indiscriminate harm and the need to ensure accountability for wrongful actions. Imposing, for example, the need to keep at a minimum a level of meaningful human control might be a solution to allow the unstoppable modernization and technological development in warfare, whilst fostering and ensuring human rights protection. The International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) has echoed the concerns, advocating for international legal instruments to prevent the misuse of AWS. The UN’s role in fostering consensus on this issue is pivotal, as disagreements among Member States have slowed progress on binding agreements. The focus remains on advancing dialogue, promoting responsible innovation, and ensuring that advancements in AI and AWS align with humanitarian principles and the protection of civilians. This effort underscores the UN’s broader commitment to mitigating the risks posed by emerging technologies while fostering their potential to contribute to global peace and security. Other relevant issues concern the growing risk for disinformation and social coherence, through a misuse of artificial intelligence. AI-generated deepfakes and targeted misinformation campaigns pose a tangible threat to democratic institutions that can only be countered through global cooperation. The international system stands at a crossroads in determining how to govern AI’s rapid evolution responsibly and the United Nations are rightly at the center of the debate. While formal agreement between Member States is yet to be fully realized, AI remains a topic constantly under discussion on the international agenda, with growing calls for comprehensive treaties, agreements, or conventions to address AI-related issues. Proponents suggest that a comprehensive framework should encompass ethical guidelines for AI development, define clear regulations for the appropriate use of AI, establish reporting mechanisms for dual-use applications (military and civilian applications), and implement robust data privacy protections. Equally important is finding ways to balance the potential risks of AI with its benefits, ensuring that societies can harness its positive impacts without exacerbating inequalities or causing harm. Additionally, there is a need to monitor and manage the dual-use nature of AI technologies, ensuring that innovations intended for positive purposes are not weaponized or otherwise misused. The already recalled Secretary- General's Strategy on New Technologies outlines, for instance, a framework to be implemented in order to effectively build capacities, update policies, and strengthen cooperation between nations, aiming at the creation of binding global frameworks. By leveraging technology as a tool for peace and cooperation, the international community can build a more secure and sustainable world. 7