Philippines Calls for Indo-Pacific Voices to Address Lethal Autonomous Weapons Systems Risks

Republic of the Philippines – Department of Foreign Affairs

MAKATI 15 December 2023 — The Philippines successfully hosted the first-ever regional meet on lethal autonomous weapons, which was held from 13 to 14 December 2023 in Makati City.

Attended by representatives from 26 states from the Indo-Pacific region and 6 other observer states, the event marked a turning point in the discourse of artificial intelligence and emerging technologies in the region.

The Manila Meeting considered the implications of the use of autonomy in weapons systems from ethical, moral, economic, social, and humanitarian dimensions 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, as well as peace and security.

“We are pleased to note that the Manila Meeting was able to surface the risks and challenges of these weapons unique to the region. The participants committed to continue participating in conversations to address these risks,” Assistant Secretary Maria Teresa Almojuela of the Office of United Nations and International Organizations mentioned.

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