Morocco's commitment to hosting this conference is built around four key objectives: deepening discussions on multilateral disarmament, enhancing collective understanding of AI-related challenges, identifying ways AI can strengthen the CWC, and contributing to international efforts to achieve the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) by the use of AI for the promotion of peaceful use of chemistry.

During his address, Moroccan Foreign Minister, Nasser Bourita emphasized AI's potential to enhance transparency and mutual trust among CWC States Parties. He noted that AI could improve verification and cooperation mechanisms, optimizing reporting and data analysis processes crucial for consolidating the CWC's provisions. In this context, he underscored the necessity of ensuring that AI technologies are employed exclusively for peaceful purposes, as well as balancing necessary regulation with innovation to ensure the protection of privacy, respect for cultural diversity, and ethical applications of AI.

The Minister also addressed the significant challenges posed by the technological divide and the environmental impact of developing AI infrastructure. He underlined the urgency of overcoming these obstacles, particularly in Africa, where 60% of the population still lacks access to the internet and less than 2% of the data used in AI originates from the continent. In this context, he highlighted the importance of international cooperation, focusing on South-South, North-South, and triangular partnerships to enhance AI capabilities in developing countries. He stressed the need for effective collaboration to bridge the digital divide and prevent AI from exacerbating existing environmental injustices faced by these nations.

For his part, the Director General of the OPCW, Mr. Fernando Arias emphasized that this major event, seeks to explore the implications of AI in “our shared mission to eradicate chemical weapons across the globe”.  Mr. Arias considers that it is better to grasp AI’s benefits and risks on the implementation of the convention and how the OPCW should respond, stressing that this Conference will provide “valuable reference for steering action of the Organization and each State Party”.

The conference, hosted by Morocco and supported by the OPCW, has attracted over 140 participants, including representatives from 40 CWC States Parties, along with international experts from science, industry, civil society, and academia. This gathering marks a significant step towards leveraging AI for global peace and security, ensuring that technological advancements contribute positively to international disarmament efforts and the sustainable development agenda.