Secretary of State Antony Blinken is anticipated to unveil approximately $230 million in new aid for Sudan, which has been ravaged by conflict, during what could be his final engagement at the United Nations as part of his current role. According to U.S. officials, Blinken will be directing two meetings of the U.N. Security Council on Thursday, marking the conclusion of his activities with the organization after a tumultuous four years that included wars in Europe and various crises across the Middle East.
The topics for discussion will avoid the ongoing issues surrounding Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and the complexities of the Middle East, where the U.S. has frequently found itself at odds with both China and Russia regarding council decisions, particularly with respect to Israel’s conflict with Hamas in Gaza. In what appears to be an effort to foster some degree of agreement, Blinken will lead Security Council sessions that focus on artificial intelligence (AI) and the urgent situation in Sudan, which has seen a humanitarian disaster that he aims to bring more attention to.
The proposed aid package consists of $200 million directed towards humanitarian efforts and $30 million intended to support Sudan’s transition back to democratic governance, as outlined by three U.S. officials who requested anonymity before the official announcement.
Blinken has been active in the Security Council, both in person and virtually, since taking office in March 2021. He has participated in numerous council meetings over the years, with a notable appearance in February 2022, just prior to Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Every September, he also attends the annual General Assembly of world leaders in New York. The presidency of the Security Council, which rotates monthly among its 15 members, is currently held by the United States, which allows for the organization of key events on chosen topics.
The U.S. has chosen not to highlight the ongoing crises in the Middle East or Ukraine due to a lack of progress in council actions against the Russian invasion, primarily blocked by Russia and China. Consequently, U.S. officials believe that discussions regarding these topics would not yield productive outcomes, particularly with a new leadership stance from President-elect Donald Trump, who favors a rapid resolution to the war.
Moreover, the U.S. has been consistent in vetoing council actions that condemn Israel’s military operations against Hamas, leaving it isolated at the U.N. in its support of Israel. The significance of focusing on Sudan lies in the severe humanitarian crisis that erupted when rival factions began fighting last year, resulting in mass deaths, displacements, and widespread starvation. The forthcoming aid package would be a substantial yet partial contribution compared to a nearly $425 million assistance package previously announced for Sudan in late September.
State Department spokesperson Vedant Patel stressed the critical humanitarian situation in Sudan, describing it as one of the world’s most urgent crises. He highlighted the need for continued partnerships at the U.N. to establish and maintain humanitarian corridors and advocate for a political resolution.
The inclusion of AI in the discussions reflects the U.S. leadership in tech development, supported by recent research from Stanford University. In March, the U.N. General Assembly adopted its first resolution on artificial intelligence, largely driven by U.S. sponsorship. The resolution aims to globally endorse an initiative to ensure that AI serves all nations’ interests while upholding human rights. Blinken acknowledged AI’s potential for significant benefits, while also warning of threats it could pose to international peace and security. He noted that authoritarian regimes are utilizing AI for surveillance on dissenters, and flawed AI algorithms could lead to unintended conflicts.
Blinken has represented the U.S. at Security Council meetings multiple times, addressing various issues including Ukraine and Gaza. However, his interactions with Russian diplomats at the U.N. have been limited to formal exchanges, with no direct confrontations occurring during previous gatherings. On Thursday, there was a customary exchange of thanks with Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, despite tensions that exist over contrasting U.S. and Russian viewpoints on numerous matters, including adherence to international norms governed by AI technologies.
In summary, Blinken’s final push at the U.N. is focused on raising awareness about the humanitarian crisis in Sudan while also tackling the emerging risks associated with artificial intelligence, aiming to forge a sense of consensus amidst a divided Security Council.