New York, United States – Somalia’s President Hassan Sheikh Mohamud has urged the international community to strike a balance between harnessing artificial intelligence (AI) for progress and managing its potential dangers. He was speaking during a United Nations Security Council debate on the impact of modern technology on global security.
The Somali head of state stressed that AI holds immense promise for advancing development, boosting innovation, and addressing long-standing global challenges. He pointed to its potential in areas such as education, healthcare, and economic growth, particularly for countries in Africa seeking rapid transformation.
At the same time, Mohamud warned that unregulated use of AI and other emerging technologies could exacerbate instability. He highlighted risks ranging from cyber warfare and disinformation campaigns to the misuse of AI by extremist groups and other criminal networks. According to him, weaker states are especially vulnerable to these threats, as they often lack the infrastructure and expertise to counter them effectively.
The debate comes at a time when the UN and member states are grappling with how to set rules for emerging technologies, amid concerns over misuse in global conflicts and governance gaps that leave developing nations at risk. Somalia, which has faced decades of conflict and is rebuilding its institutions, emphasized the importance of international cooperation to ensure AI is developed and deployed responsibly.
President Mohamud called on global powers to ensure equitable access to beneficial technologies while establishing safeguards to prevent their weaponization. He noted that the choices made today will shape not just security but also the future of sustainable development worldwide.