Philippines Calls for Indo-Pacific Voices to Address Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems Risks
MAKATI 15 December 2023 – The Philippines called for the elevation of Indo-Pacific voices in addressing emerging technologies during the successful hosting of the first-ever regional meet on autonomous weapons systems from 13-14 December 2023 in Makati City.
The two-day Manila Meeting on Indo-Pacific Perspectives on Autonomous Weapons System considered the implications of the use of autonomy in weapons systems from ethical, moral, economic, social, and humanitarian perspectives from the point of view of the Indo-Pacific Region. The meeting also offered an expanded platform for voices from civil society, industry, international law experts, as well as defense and security officials.
Attended by representatives from 24 states from the Indo-Pacific region and 5 other observer states, the meeting marked a turning point in the discourse of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in the region. The meeting was also attended by representatives from 16 international civil society organizations.
The first panel provided participants with an overview of current levels of technological development in AI and how its widespread application in weapons systems could revolutionize warfare. The second panel unpacked challenges related to the compliance with International Humanitarian Law (IHL), and other ethical, social, and humanitarian implications of algorithms undertaking decisions involving human life. The last panel discussed the pros and cons of the range of measures in addressing the risks and challenges of these autonomous systems. This includes the Philippine-backed draft Protocol VI of the Convention on Certain Conventional Weapons (CCW), which covers all emerging technologies in the area of autonomous weapons systems.
During the Meeting, the Vice President of the Republic of Palau, Honorable J. Uduch Sengebau Senior, highlighted the need for more inclusive discussions that should also take into consideration the primary concerns of small island developing states such as climate change and the potential damage to the marine environment caused by these emerging technologies.
The event was well-received by the participants, with recommendations to have more conversations in the region on autonomous weapons systems. The youngest participants coming from the Philippine Science High School and Mandaluyong Science High School were able to actively participate and share their thoughts on the issue.
According to Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela of the Office of United Nations and International Organizations, the successful hosting is proof of the keen interest and concern that countries have in the area, especially since it will impact the future of humanity.
“As we move forward, it is crucial that we amplify Indo-Pacific voices in these conversations, ensuring diverse perspectives contribute to the development of responsible frameworks for the use of autonomous weapons systems,” Asec Almojuela said.
The Philippines intends to publish a report of the Manila Meeting to advance Indo-pacific voices in the global discourse on artificial intelligence, autonomous weapons systems and emerging technology moving forward.
The Manila Meeting was organized in cooperation with the Department of National Defense and international NGO Nonviolence International Southeast Asia (NiSEA). END