Experts from around the globe kicked off their two-day discussions for nuclear arms reduction in Yokohama on Tuesday, with the impact of artificial intelligence on the agenda.
The fourth meeting of the International Group of Eminent Persons for a World without Nuclear Weapons is themed on rebuilding the arms control system with the Nuclear Nonproliferation Treaty at the center.
The 15 experts from nuclear haves and have-nots including such nuclear superpowers as the United States, China and Russia, some of whom are joining online, will also focus on the risks posed to nuclear disarmament by artificial intelligence and other new technologies.
Foreign Minister Yoko Kamikawa said in a video message to the meeting that the Russian invasion of Ukraine, North Korea's nuclear and missile development and rising tensions in the Middle East have further deepened divisions and confrontations in the world.
That is why it is necessary to strongly emphasize the importance of the NPT regime, which is the foundation of nuclear disarmament, she stressed.
Takashi Shiraishi, honorable emeritus professor at the Prefectural University of Kumamoto and chair of the meeting, expressed willingness to discuss the effects of novel technologies, such as AI and cyber techs, on arms management and nuclear deterrence.
After the meeting, Shiraishi and other members will report the outcome of the discussions to Prime Minister Fumio Kishida at the prime minister's office in Tokyo.
The group is set to hold its final meeting next spring to draw up a proposal to be made to the 2026 NPT review conference.