Canada's statement to the First Committee of the 79th session of the United Nations, Thematic Debate: Other Disarmament Measures and International Security

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New York, USA, October 25, 2024

Chair,

We are all aware of the extreme challenges to international peace and security: Russia’s ongoing and increasingly brutal war of aggression against Ukraine, the conflict in the Middle East and the need for the release of all hostages in Gaza and an immediate ceasefire, and China’s opaque nuclear arsenal buildup are all contributing to today’s worrying dynamics. At the same time, common themes have emerged over the last two weeks, with a clear focus on emerging technologies and new domains of conflict. Canada stands ready to work with all states on addressing the challenging landscape ahead, which include threats to cybersecurity, the use of artificial intelligence in the military domain, export controls, and diversity and inclusion.

Threats to cybersecurity are growing significantly in scale, and 2025 will be crucial for cyber diplomacy as we seek to negotiate a permanent action-oriented mechanism to follow-on from, and build upon, the current OEWG, such as the proposed Programme of Action. Canada welcomes the recent consensus achieved on the 3rd Annual Progress Report of the OEWG in July 2024. Nevertheless, prior to the end of its mandate next July there remains a significant amount of work to be done. It is incumbent on all States to reach consensus on a permanent future mechanism that meets the goals of the PoA, builds on the existing framework, and provides mechanisms to enhance implementation. Canada will continue to work cooperatively and collaboratively with all stakeholders to advocate for the successful conclusion of the OEWG and the realisation of a permanent future mechanism.

As we reckon with the opportunities and threats presented by artificial intelligence, we welcome the increased focus on the uses of AI in the military context. Canada is pleased to cosponsor the Republic of Korea and the Netherlands’ resolution on this issue. Canada has endorsed the REAIM Call and Blueprint for Action as well as the U.S.-led Political Declaration on Responsible Military Use of Artificial Intelligence and Autonomy. Furthermore, we are, with Portugal, co-chairing the working group on accountability for AI in military contexts. Moving forward, Canada supports efforts to shape the global discourse in this regard, to promote compliance with international law, and to establish norms and guardrails for responsible AI use.

Canada has long promoted international cooperation in the peaceful uses of materials, equipment, and technologies in line with international obligations under non-proliferation, arms control, and disarmament treaties. We also highlight the essential role of multilateral export control regimes in providing the trust and confidence needed to enable international cooperation and trade in sensitive technologies.

We are particularly concerned by efforts to rebrand such regimes as fundamentally flawed and imposing undue restrictions on cooperation. Export controls do not hinder trade they facilitate it. Canada strongly believes in the importance of ensuring transparency and inclusivity for the work of these regimes thereby broadening their effectiveness and raising awareness. We cannot allow the work of this committee to undermine the vital role that multilateral export controls play in enabling peaceful trade and reinforcing international peace and security.

Finally, Canada reiterates its call on the First Committee to mainstream gender perspectives in disarmament, non-proliferation, and arms control. There needs to be more female experts, heads of delegation, and high-level positions in disarmament forums. Representation is critical to aid understanding of the disproportionate effects of weapons on women and in mitigating the gendered impacts of conflict. Canada utilizes a gender-responsive and transformative framework to ensure disarmament activities not only consider marginalized people groups as key stakeholders, but also empower individuals to contribute to their community’s peace and security. We thank Trinidad and Tobago for their continued advocacy on this issue through their resolution “Women, Disarmament, Non-Proliferation and Arms Control”.

Thank you, Chair.