Resolutions Underway: Working through Complexities of Global Disarmament

By Alex Rodriguez

The General Assembly’s First Committee is currently working to pass important resolutions on global disarmament, with much debate over whether to prioritize conventional weapons or Weapons of Mass Destruction. With plenty of resolutions in the making, Draft Resolution AA continues to gain attention due to its intersection with the rapidly evolving field of Artificial Intelligence (AI). 

“Resolution AA is focused on defining and regulating the use of AI in lethal autonomous weapons systems,” said Representative Kendall Wiggins of the United States. The resolution, in collaboration with Belgium and Sweden, seeks to stay ahead of AI advancements while recognizing the ongoing relevance of conventional arms control. The goal is to address the future of warfare without losing sight of traditional disarmament priorities.

“We are working on resolutions that ensure they are confident and independent of each other,” Wiggins continued. There is also a possibility that Resolution AA could merge with Resolution CC to create a broader framework that encompasses both AI regulation and traditional arms control.

In contrast, Resolution BB focuses on the regulation of small arms trade, with particular attention to preventing these weapons from falling into the hands of non-State actors, especially terrorist groups, in unstable regions. This resolution has garnered significant support from African and Middle Eastern states, along with much of the Global South.

The focus is to stop the flow of small arms into the wrong hands, “particularly in regions suffering from conflict and instability,” said Representative Sophie Brown of Saudi Arabia. With overwhelming sponsorship backing, Draft Resolution BB is poised for adoption, potentially by consensus. However, discussions are underway about merging it with Draft Resolution CC to expand its scope to include nuclear disarmament as well.

Resolution CC, meanwhile, advocates for a unique approach to disarmament, with highlights to the importance of addressing each country’s specific needs. “Each country has different needs and disarmament should come based on those needs,” said Representative Henri Stilling of Slovenia. This resolution promotes the idea that disarmament should not be a one-size-fits-all approach but rather be shaped by the distinct requirements of different regions.

At its core, Resolution CC seeks to balance unity with autonomy, allowing regions to manage their own disarmament efforts while still contributing to global goals. Accountability would lie with each region, but the resolution includes measures to ensure support and monitoring without interfering with smaller states’ sovereignty.

As these resolutions evolve, they highlight the deepening complexity of international disarmament and the delicate balancing act required to address the diverse needs of the global community.

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