ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On 24 June, participants of the Preventive Diplomacy Academy took part in an online session dedicated to the topic of Innovations and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Service for Peace, presented by Dr Martin Waehlisch, Head of the Innovation Cell in the Policy and Mediation Division of the UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA).

Dr Waehlisch introduced the UN 2.0 Policy "Quintet of Change", which focuses on more robust capabilities for data and analytics, innovation and digital transformation, strategic foresight, behavioural science and performance, and result orientation. He then dwelled on the newest innovations and applications of Artificial Intelligence and innovations in the work of the UN, Secretariat, Field Missions and agencies and presented concrete examples of the application of AI and technological innovations in the work of the UN on different continents.

Finally, during an exercise, the students were able to judge the pros and cons of AI when analyzing political speeches. This activity showed the need for future regulation and development of the existing AI tools and opened a debate about deepfakes and biases. The students were able to participate in a critical conversation about AI and its effects on peace and security around the world.