ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

On 20 September 2023, participants of the UNRCCA Preventive Diplomacy Academy and Alumni from the Central Asian states and Afghanistan took part in an online session, dedicated to the topic “Innovations and Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the service for Peace.”

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), was invited to deliver the lecture as a guest speaker.

The objectives of the session were to familiarize participants with the progress of introducing and applying of Artificial Intelligence and innovations in the work of the United Nations Secretariat, UN Field Missions and other UN agencies.

Dr Martin Waehlisch started the session with an introduction to the history of implementation of innovative approaches into the United Nation’s work and reality challenges to implement AI and the way to use it in peace process referring to experience of Libya, Yemen and Haiti National Dialogues. 

He further acquainted the session participants with the UN 2.0 Policy "Quintet of Change" focused on more robust capabilities for data, innovation, strategic foresight, behavioural science and the results.

The participants were also introduced to the use of innovations in facts gathering to produce political analysis, the impact of AI and ChatGPT in lives of people through linking to the industry competition, risks, generated by AI potential misuse and machine thinking.

The online session showed a need to support, study and develop AI using human control over machine thinking process, including UN mediation and participation in peacekeeping operations.

Participants expressed gratitude to UNRCCA Preventive Diplomacy Academy for offering a platform and creating opportunities for sharing the newest knowledge on innovations.