Model UN Position Paper
Committee: United Nations General Assembly (GA)
Country: Republic of Serbia
Delegate: Martín Vázquez, Delegation of the Republic of Serbia
Topic: Considering Limitations On Artificial Intelligence Development For Global Security
And Ethical Considerations
The Republic of Serbia recognizes the potential benefits of Artificial Intelligence (AI)
in advancing various sectors including healthcare, education, and transportation. However, it
also acknowledges the significant risks associated with unchecked AI development,
particularly in global security and ethical considerations. It is a supporter of creation of
regulations for AI.
The most important decision by the Serbian government in this issue has been
approving the “Strategy for the Development of Artificial Intelligence in the Republic of
Serbia for the Period 2020-2025”, which defines objectives and measures for the
development of artificial intelligence whose implementation should result in economic
growth, improvement of public services, advancement of scientific staff, and development of
skills for the jobs of the future. Also, the implementation of the Strategy measures should
ensure that artificial intelligence in the Republic of Serbia is developed and implemented in a
safe manner and in accordance with internationally recognized ethical principles.
The Republic of Serbia’s strategy has 5 objectives to achieve an ethical and safe
application of AI. Serbia will be among the countries using the challenge of artificial
intelligence as an opportunity for progress.
These five objectives of the strategy are:
1. Development of education geared to the needs of modern society and economy
conditioned by the advancement of artificial intelligence.
2. Development of science and innovation in the field of artificial intelligence and its
implementation.
3. Development of the economy based on artificial intelligence (where this is a key
competence and where it is used in difference industrial branches)
4. Improvement of assumptions for the development of artificial intelligence and public
sector services through the implementation of artificial intelligence.
5. Ethical and safe application of artificial intelligence.
The advantages that artificial intelligence brings to society and all its aspects are
indisputable, but this area brings with it certain risks and challenges in terms of ethics and
security that all countries face. The use of artificial intelligence opens up a number of ethical
and security challenges that need to be addressed and prevented. The Republic of Serbia
remains committed to finding these challenges and solutions for them. While AI has the
potential to enhance security measures and improve efficiency in various sectors, including
defense and surveillance, it also raises concerns regarding privacy infringement.
Therefore, Serbia advocates for a cautious approach to AI development, taking into
account the following principles:
1. Ethical Guidelines: Serbia supports the establishment of clear ethical guidelines
for AI development, encompassing principles such as transparency, accountability, and
respect for human rights. It is essential to ensure that AI systems are designed and used in a
manner consistent with ethical norms and values.
2. Education: Serbia recognizes the need for capacity building and education
initiatives to enhance understanding of AI technologies and their implications. This includes
university courses on the ethics of AI and masters studies, a program that Serbian
universities already have in place. The ethics of AI is also taken into consideration in Serbian
businesses and the public sector.
3. International Collaboration: Serbia underscores the importance of international
collaboration in addressing the challenges posed by AI development. Serbia has participated
with its experts in the creation of the UNESCO universal standard for the ethics of artificial
intelligence.
Serbia’s AI strategy is in line with the European Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which
sets out the European Commission’s artificial intelligence policy. In this context, the Republic
of Serbia, as a candidate for EU membership, but also as a participant in the European
Union Framework Program for Research and Innovation, seeks to provide the necessary
extent of compliance with the European Union, which will enable full integration into the
European Research Area and closer cooperation.
In conclusion, the Republic of Serbia believes that AI development should be
approached with caution, taking into account the potential risks and ethical considerations
associated with its deployment. By adopting a responsible and collaborative approach to AI
governance, nations can harness the benefits of AI technologies while minimizing potential
harms to global security and ethical norms. Serbia stands ready to engage constructively
with the international community to advance these objectives and ensure a safer and more
ethical future for all.
___________________________
Martín Vázquez, Delegate of the Republic of Serbia