Through two expert-led panels, we’ll explore how to translate high-level norms into real-world safeguards and manage the risks of adaptive, evolving AI systems in defence. From international frameworks to technical realities, this event offers practical insights for policymakers, technologists, and military professionals navigating the frontlines of AI governance.
Date: Thursday, June 26th, 2025
Time: 10:00 – 16:30
Location: The Hague Centre for Strategic Studies (HCSS)
Lange Voorhout 1, 2514 EA The Hague
Program
9:45 – 10:00 Attendee registration and welcoming reception
10:00 – 11:45 Opening Ceremony
Master of Ceremonies: Hans Horan, HCSS Strategic Analyst
Welcoming remarks and kick off: Michel Rademaker, HCSS Co-founder and Deputy Director
Keynote address: Professor Michael Horowitz, The University of Pennsylvania
11:45 – 13:00 Lunch
13:00 – 14:30 Panel I: From Principles to Practice: Governing the Technical Realities of Military AI
How can governance frameworks bridge the gap between high-level principles and technical implementation in military AI? What lessons from international initiatives and civilian AI governance can guide responsible and enforceable practices in defence contexts?
Panel discussion: (70 minutes)
Moderator: Aaron Shull, Managing Director & General Counsel at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
Panelists:
- Branka Marijan, - Senior Researcher at Project Ploughshares
- Natasha Karner - Research Associate at the Alan Turing Institute
- Jimena Viveros - Founder & CEO of IQuilibriumAI, GC REAIM Commissioner
- Jessica Dorsey - Assistant Professor of International and European Law at Utrecht University
Q&A Session: (15 minutes)
14:30 – 14:45 Coffee Break
14:45 – 16:15 Panel II: Adaptive Algorithms, Fixed Responsibilities: Managing the Integration of AI into the Military Domain
When and how should military AI systems be allowed to learn and adapt during operations? What testing, monitoring, and audit mechanisms are required to govern real-time adaptation?
Panel discussion: (60 minutes)
Moderator: Sofia Romansky, HCSS Strategic Analyst
Panelists:
- Ariel Conn - Managing Director & General Counsel at CIGI, GC REAIM Expert
- Professor Roy Lindelauf - Data Science at the Netherlands Defence Academy, GC REAIM Expert
- Bruce Watson - Chief Advisor at Canada’s National Security Centre of Excellence, GC REAIM Commissioner
- Jonathan Kwik - Researcher at the Asser Institute
Q&A Session: (15 minutes)
16:15 – 16:30 Closing Remarks
Michel Rademaker, HCSS Co-founder and Deputy Director
Aaron Shull, Managing Director & General Consul at the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI)
