What is this conference?The third REAIM Summit (Responsible Use of Artificial Intelligence in the Military) aims to provide a platform where States, international organisations and experts from academia, the private sector and civil society can exchange views on how AI in the military should contribute to strengthening international peace and security.
Spain believes that this Summit should serve to establish the notion that AI must be developed within a human-centred approach, always maintaining human responsibility and control, especially in critical decisions such as the use of force.
When and where is it being held?The third REAIM Summit will take place on 4 and 5 February 2026 at PALEXCO, in the city of A Coruña. PALEXCO is a conference centre in a privileged location, ideal for hosting this international conference.
What is the relevance of this Summit?Artificial intelligence (AI) is a profoundly transformative technology in all areas, including security and defence. The impact of AI in the military sphere is significant and has direct implications for international peace and security. The adoption of this technology by the Armed Forces profoundly redefines the way military operations are conducted.
This conference aims to focus on the governance, oversight and ethical use of AI in the military sphere, fostering an inclusive dialogue with the participation of civil society, private enterprises and academia. The ultimate goal is for AI, the use of which by the Armed Forces is a growing reality, to be developed, deployed and used in a manner that respects international law and does not jeopardise, but rather contributes to, international peace, security and stability. In a global context where these technologies are advancing rapidly, it is the responsibility of public institutions to open spaces for debate, reflection and international consensus.
What previous agreements does it build on?The REAIM 2023 and 2024 summits marked key milestones in promoting the responsible use of AI in the military sphere. The first, held in February 2023 in The Hague, concluded with a ‘Call to Action’ urging States and relevant actors to prioritise the responsible development, deployment and use of military AI. The second summit, held in September 2024 in Seoul, culminated in the adoption of the ‘Blueprint for Action,’ which establishes principles to ensure that military AI complies with international law, maintains meaningful human control, and ensures accountability.
What are the objectives of REAIM?Spain believes that the time has come to take firm steps towards the adoption of concrete, practical and realistic measures that will enable the principles agreed upon in previous editions to be translated into tangible and effective actions. In addition, Spain intends to further develop the multisectoral nature of the Summit, strengthening links between experts from different fields and regions.
The conclusions of the REAIM can also help and promote the commitments made in the Pact for the Future, with new deliberations and negotiations in the United Nations General Assembly.
Which actors will participate in the Summit?One of the fundamental characteristics of the Summit is its multisectoral and inclusive nature. For this reason, not only have ministerial delegations from 160 countries been invited, through their ministries of Foreign Affairs and Defence, but the participation of the main relevant actors in the field of AI in the military sphere from the world of business, civil society and think tanks from the invited countries is also expected. There is a call for proposals open to different actors and available at this link
until 14 December.
Is this event for commercial purposes or linked to economic interests?The purpose of this conference is not commercial, but political, ethical and technical. Its aim is to contribute to decisions on the use of AI in defence being taken with democratic accountability and transparency. Public administrations have an obligation to anticipate and act with foresight in relation to the implications of these technologies.
Who is organising the event?
It is a joint initiative of two Spanish Government ministries with jurisdiction in this area: the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and the Ministry of Defence. The ministerial departments are collaborating on the development of the summit, which was previously held in The Hague and Seoul. Both the Netherlands and the Republic of Korea are collaborating on the continuation of the work already carried out in the first and second editions of the summit.
A Coruña is the ideal place to host this summit, not only because it is the headquarters of the Spanish Agency for the Supervision of Artificial Intelligence (AESIA), but also because it offers excellent infrastructure and experience in hosting international meetings.
The organisation of the REAIM summit in A Coruña is supported by the Ministry for Digital Transformation and the Civil Service, through AESIA.