YOUTH FROM CENTRAL ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN ENGAGE IN DIGITAL DIALOGUE CONNECTING AI AND PEACEBUILDING

UNRCCA PDA-DPPA Digital Dialogue Connecting AI and Peacebuilding (June 2025)

4 Jun 2025

YOUTH FROM CENTRAL ASIA AND AFGHANISTAN ENGAGE IN DIGITAL DIALOGUE CONNECTING AI AND PEACEBUILDING

ASHGABAT, Turkmenistan

The UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) Innovation Cell conducted AI-Enabled Digital Dialogue during an online session with 40 young participants of UNRCCA’s Preventive Diplomacy Academy (PDA), marking a significant step toward inclusive and technology-driven peacebuilding. Alongside, DPPA Innovation Cell presented cutting-edge approaches of integrating advanced technologies like AI, web scraping, and environmental data analysis, etc.

The Digital Dialogue introduces innovative tools designed to enhance inclusivity in peace and political processes and promote the meaningful inclusion of diverse voices in peace processes.

Youth from across Central Asia and Afghanistan expressed strong interest in using technology for peacebuilding, while also raising concerns about information security in online spaces. Participants highlighted the interactive and practical nature of the session, particularly the use of AI tools such as Remesh, as a valuable means of enhancing their understanding of technology’s role in conflict prevention and peacebuilding. Participants emphasized the urgent need for greater digital access, skills development, and connectivity to support their engagement.

Naoko Takahashi Taymanov, Team Leader of the Innovation Cell, stated: “Youth in Central Asia and Afghanistan are ready to shape the future of peacebuilding through innovation. Their voices must be supported with access, tools, and trust.”

This initiative underscores the UN’s ongoing commitment to the Youth, Peace and Security Agenda and to promoting adaptive, inclusive, and forward-looking diplomacy across the region.