FOREIGN DIPLOMATS advocated for regional cooperation in governing artificial intelligence (AI) within human rights and equity frameworks, saying the technology should not contribute to escalating international conflicts.
During the 12th UST Model United Nations (MUN), Embassy of Malaysia first secretary Tan Foo Koeng said AI can either “equalize” developmental gaps or further drive division within and among nations, citing AI-assistance in the ongoing Iran war.
“We cannot ignore that AI is also being used in the conflicts in the Middle East, often for automated targeting and surveillance. These conflicts have triggered a global energy crisis, reminding us that our fates are all interconnected,” Koeng said on Friday, March 27.
“We must ensure that technology serves as a diplomatic bridge rather than a weapon of division…I wish to call for all relevant international stakeholders to strengthen regional capacity in AI by collaborating in sovereign cloud and [digital public infrastructure.]”
Koeng pointed out that technology is “one of the greatest equalizers” for the Global South, but cautioned that its usage must be grounded in effective strategies, as it may also widen development gaps if left unsupervised.
The Malaysian diplomat echoed the UN Secretary-General’s call for innovation to serve humanity, calling for AI technologies to be anchored in a human rights framework to ensure they remain ethical and non-intrusive.
“From the right to privacy to the freedom of expression, every algorithm we deploy must respect the dignity of the individual. We cannot allow humanity’s fate to be left to an algorithm,” he added.
Beyond the possible threats of AI, Koeng emphasized the technology’s potential in boosting economic gains, particularly in advancing e-commerce, financial technology and intelligence manufacturing.
Meanwhile, Fernando Martin Peña, honorary consul general of Estonia to the Philippines, highlighted the importance of ethical governance, transparency, cybersecurity and digital literacy in building AI-driven societies.
“We emphasize the importance of inclusive access. Member states must work together to support digital capacity building, ensuring that all nations can benefit from AI technologies,” Peña said.
He noted that ongoing conflicts in the Middle East and Europe reflect how warfare has evolved with technological innovations.
“As I speak to you today, we stand in the middle of a recent conflict in the Middle East and a longer conflict of over four years in Europe. In the most recent war, no soldiers from either side ever saw each other. It’s a tale of death and destruction from long range,” Peña said.
The consul general warned that without safeguards, AI could deepen inequality, enable discrimination through algorithmic bias and threaten privacy through unchecked data use.
Drawing from Estonia’s experience as one of the world’s most digitally advanced nations, Peña presented the benefits of e-governance systems, including increased citizen participation and engagement in democratic processes.
“These best practices from Estonia exemplify the innovative initiatives and policy interventions on how digital tools can be leveraged to enhance the democratic processes,” he said.
He proposed that the international community address AI access collectively, saying “no country should be left behind in the digital age.”
“Honorable delegates, the question before us is not whether Artificial Intelligence will shape our future —it already [has]. The real question is whether we guide it responsibly,” Peña added.
Delegates cited for excellence
Several delegates, who were grouped according to the different councils and agencies of the UN, earned recognition for their meaningful contributions and overall performance during the conference.
The Best Position Paper was awarded to Lui Eleazar Santos from University of the Philippines – Diliman (UPD) of the General Assembly; Ateneo de Manila University’s (ADMU) Kirby Ansel Foo of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO); Ezekiel Salazar of the Economic and Social Council; and Enoch Jephthah Plofino (UPD) of the Security Council.
The Best Delegate award was given to Lourd Therese Magbuhos (UST) of the General Assembly; Mary Margarette Aquino (ADMU) of the UNESCO; Yanny Valera (ADMU) of the Economic and Social Council; and Alvin Carlos Ocampo (ADMU) of the Security Council.
The Chair’s Commendation was awarded to Ethan Paul Bacaling (UST) and Lui Eleazar Santos (UPD) of the General Assembly; Kirby Ansel Foo (ADMU) of the UNESCO; Ezekiel Salazar and Gabriel Santos (ADMU) of the Economic and Social Council; and Matthew Francis Ambion (ADMU) of the Security Council.
The Most Diplomatic award was conferred on Aisis Heart Valencia (De La Salle-College of Saint Benilde) of the UNESCO and Gabrielle Ariana Lugay (UPD) of the Security Council.
The Most Sociable award was given to Raphael Antonio Insigne (UPD) and the Best Group Delegation was presented to the Ateneo Model United Nations.
This year’s UST MUN was held from March 27 to 28 with the theme “Unlocking the Potential of Artificial Intelligence: Balancing Technological Advancement and Ethical Governance for Inclusive Development.”
The first day of the program was initially planned as an on-site event but was shifted online due to a transport strike. The second day, including the awarding ceremony, proceeded at the Saint Pier Giorgio Frassati, O.P. building and UST Engineering Conference Hall.
The UST MUN is an annual academic simulation in which students from different universities represent countries to tackle global issues through debate and resolution drafting. F
