Poland's Call for Responsible Robotization in Warfare – DISEC Opening Speech (2025)

Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa

Karl-Gustav Kallasmaa

Delegation: Republic of Poland
Committee: Disarmament and International Security Committee (DISEC)
Topic: Robotization of Armed Forces
Date: May 16, 2025

Honorable Chair, Distinguished Delegates,

The Republic of Poland stands at the crossroads of Europe—where history has taught us the cost of unpreparedness and the value of vigilance. Today, the robotization of armed forces opens a new frontier: drones patrol our skies, and innovation fortifies our defenses. Yet with promise comes peril. Autonomous weapons, unbound by human judgment, threaten not only our security—but our shared humanity.

As a proud NATO ally, investing over 2.5% of our GDP in defense, Poland embraces technology to deter aggression. Our eastern frontier demands nothing less. But we have witnessed war’s devastation—from Warsaw’s ruins to Ukraine’s scars—and we understand the risks. Unchecked robotics could spark arms races, destabilize regions, and leave smaller nations defenseless. This is a line we must not cross.

Therefore, Poland calls for:

  • A binding international protocol ensuring meaningful human control over all lethal autonomous systems,
  • A global forum for responsible innovation and transparent robotics sharing, and
  • Robust cybersecurity safeguards to prevent the misuse or weaponization of these technologies.

We offer our voice—forged in resilience—to help shape a world where machines serve peace, not chaos.

Esteemed delegates, the choice is clear: we must harness this power with wisdom—or risk surrendering to its consequences.
Poland urges united, decisive action—for a secure and humane tomorrow.

Thank you.