Welcome Remarks

Hon. Enrique A. Manalo

Secretary for Foreign Affairs, Republic of the Philippines

MANILA MEETING ON THE INDO-PACIFIC PERSPECTIVES ON LETHAL AUTONOMOUS WEAPONS SYSTEMS

0900H - 0930H

Legazpi Room, Makati Diamond Residences

Your Excellency, Vice President J. Uduch Sengebau Senior,

Dear Colleagues from Indo-Pacific countries and other partners,

Good morning.

It is my pleasure to welcome you all to this Manila Meeting on Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems.

We have gathered here today a significant number of representatives from the Indo-Pacific region, as well as from countries outside the region, to discuss and develop common approaches and understanding of a complex, yet extremely relevant and important topic.

At the United Nations General Assembly last year, President Ferdinand R. Marcos, Jr. identified the development of advanced technologies which are rapidly transforming human life and experience as one of the main challenges confronting the world community in the 21st century.

Artificial intelligence and automation are at the forefront of this vast technological sea change that all our societies are grappling with.

As President Marcos said, AI has the potential to solve many problems. Innovation in this field must therefore be encouraged, and all countries – including developing countries – must have equitable access to these technologies to bridge development and digital divides.

But the AI Revolution is a double-edged sword. We still do not fully understand where this revolution is leading us, much like the splitting of the atom. If our national and international governance structures do not keep up, the wide diffusion and application of AI technologies can disrupt our political and social orders, and impact heavily on the security and development landscape of the Indo-Pacific.

The most apparent risk arises from the development of machines and weaponry that are potentially lethal and can operate without meaningful human control, run by algorithms that are empowered to undertake decisions involving human life or death. Not only would such a weapon system be incompatible with the principles of international humanitarian law, it would also cross serious ethical lines.

As a country dedicated to the cause of peace and committed to upholding the highest standards of ethical and humanitarian principles, the Philippines supports the development of ethical rules for the responsible use of such technologies through a coherent and effective global governance structure, building on existing international treaties and the work of the United Nations.

Together with fourteen other countries, we have proposed a draft protocol outlawing fully autonomous weapon systems under the Convention on Conventional Weapons.

Negotiating such a draft protocol is a viable roadmap towards the realization of a legally binding instrument on autonomous weapon systems by 2026, which is a goal set by United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Gutteres in his New Agenda for Peace.

Yet even as we remain focused on this high level of ambition, we also understand that any global governance mechanism on a subject as consequential as the prohibition and regulation of autonomous weapon systems must arise from an inclusive process that takes into account all perspectives – from different states, regions, and various stakeholders, including the academe, industry, armed forces, and civil society – no voice must be left unheard.

It is in this context that the Philippines has consistently supported conversations on such approaches in Geneva, New York, The Hague, San Jose, and Luxembourg.

This time, through this Manila Meeting, we seek to amplify Indo-Pacific voices and shape a regional focus to complement developments in other regions and at the global level.

The Indo-Pacific is a diverse area that represents 60 percent of the world’s population and two-thirds of global economic growth. It is a rich tapestry of diverse cultures, flourishing from profound historical and philosophical roots. Each of our societies has much to offer in terms of perspectives.

As members of the international community, we have the responsibility to shape norms that respond to and help manage emerging and evolving challenges and opportunities. Our active participation in the development of global norms enriches the rules-based international order, and ensures that it remains informed by the principles of equity and justice.

We are now aiming to shape the trajectory of international discourse on autonomous weapon systems. Our discourse must account for our societal values and priorities. It must be informed by an appreciation of regional dynamics and actors.

The recent adoption by the United Nations General Assembly First Committee of a resolution which encourages Member States to share their views on autonomous weapon systems to the Secretary-General, provides an opportunity for each of our countries to be heard. The Philippines hopes that this Manila Meeting will help each state represented here prepare their submissions to the Secretary-General.

I therefore encourage you to engage in open, frank, and constructive discussions, to provide your perspectives but also listen to other voices, and to learn from one another.

The goal is not to speak in one voice. In the Indo-Pacific, we have many voices, and all must be heard. There are no big countries or small countries here.

Our goal is to foster a collaborative and inclusive approach that reflects our diverse needs and aspirations, and our shared vision for a future that keeps us safe and secure, and allows us to continue thriving in peace, in a world in which our human values are preserved from the threat of large-scale automated warfare.

As much as the Philippines engages in partnerships to enhance regional stability, we also aspire to play a larger role in global efforts for the maintenance of peace and security through our candidature for a non-permanent seat on the UN Security Council for the term 2027-2028.  We request the valuable support of all your countries for our candidature.

Before closing, I wish to acknowledge with appreciation the support of the Department of National Defense and our civil society partner, Nonviolence International Southeast Asia, in organizing this meeting.

Thank you all for your presence and I wish you fruitful discussions.

Enjoy your stay in Manila and Mabuhay!