FNC Advances Global Dialogue on Maritime Security and Artificial Intelligence at IPU Assembly
The Federal National Council has participated in pivotal Inter-Parliamentary Union discussions in Tanzania, presenting proposals on protecting critical infrastructure whilst advocating for responsible international standards governing emerging technologies.
The Federal National Council has undertaken significant diplomatic engagement at the 153rd Inter-Parliamentary Union Assembly in Arusha, Tanzania, contributing to multilateral discussions on pressing matters of international security and technological governance.
Dr. Marwan Obaid Al Muhairi, representing the FNC at the Standing Committee on Peace and International Security, presented the Council’s draft resolution concerning maritime security and the safeguarding of critical infrastructure during armed conflicts. He emphasised the vital importance of protecting international shipping routes as essential to maintaining global economic stability and ensuring the continuity of trade and energy supplies across borders.
Addressing the assembled parliamentarians, Dr. Al Muhairi advocated for robust international cooperation underpinned by international law to counter diverse maritime threats, including those emanating from non-state actors. He called for comprehensive protective measures encompassing vessels, ports, submarine cables and essential infrastructure against conventional, cyber and hybrid attack vectors.
The FNC delegate also contributed to deliberations concerning military artificial intelligence applications, emphasising that legislative oversight must be grounded in transparency, accountability and adherence to international humanitarian law and human rights principles. He highlighted the UAE’s proactive development of legislative and regulatory frameworks to ensure responsible artificial intelligence deployment, whilst advancing the case for unified international standards governing military AI applications.
In separate discussions on parliamentary diplomacy and mediation, Dr. Al Muhairi underscored the vital role these mechanisms play in fostering constructive dialogue whilst respecting national sovereignty. He called for strengthened legislative frameworks and enhanced institutional capabilities to support parliamentary mediation initiatives worldwide.
Ahmed Mir Hashem Khoory represented the FNC at the IPU Working Group on Science and Technology, where he was elected Vice-Chair. The working group examined parliamentary engagement with scientific and technological advancement, particularly regarding artificial intelligence, as part of wider strategic planning for 2027–2031.
Mr. Khoory stressed the significance of integrating parliamentary and scientific diplomacy during conflicts and establishing collaborative partnerships between parliamentarians and the scientific community. He advocated for translating scientific knowledge into effective legislative and policy frameworks, whilst ensuring technology development prioritises ethical considerations and human welfare.
Discussions further encompassed artificial intelligence ethics, mechanisms to enhance parliamentary participation in science and technology matters, and strategies to strengthen the working group’s capacity to support parliamentary responses to rapid technological change.
Source: WAM