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Harmony in the Digital Age:
Exploring AI-Powered Paths to Peace Building
31 May 2024
Background
The preceding year, 2023, stands delineated as a period marked by the escalation of international crises, notably the protracted conflict in Ukraine spanning almost two years, the Israel-Hamas war that erupted in October, the Burkina Faso conflict, and the unrest attributed to armed groups in Nigeria, along with the oppressive regime prevailing in Myanmar.[1] These protracted armed conflicts and tensions between nations and non-state entities have reached a critical juncture, emblematic of a significant international peace crisis.
Against the backdrop of these challenges to international security and peace, the 2023 Davos Forum has judiciously chosen the overarching theme of “Rebuilding Trust” under the sub-theme of “Achieving Security and Cooperation in a Fractured World.” The Forum advocates for global leaders to “collaborate and make judicious and resolute decisions” in order to effectively address the intricate issues arising from a globally fractured landscape.[2]
Moreover, the forum has introduced another sub-theme, “Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Society,” accentuating the rapidly expanding scope and influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on a global scale. It underscores the potential for innovative problem-solving across diverse sectors, including economics, industry, education, and environmental considerations, through the strategic application of AI.
The potential of AI technology transcends the realm of mere economic and industrial innovation, extending into the domain of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recent discourse has been actively centered around innovative approaches employing AI in international peacebuilding efforts. For instance, the United Nations has effectively employed AI-based algorithm technology to aggregate real-time feedback from conflict zones and stakeholders, thereby contributing to conflict resolution efforts grounded in democratic principles. In Yemen, citizens participated in online hearings through internet platforms, enabling AI analysis to capture real-time perspectives on conflicts stemming from the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Libya, AI platforms have been instrumental in gathering opinions on the UN’s proposed interim government, a decade after the cessation of conflicts in North Africa.[3]
Furthermore, AI technologies are instrumental in analyzing the frequency of hate speech and politically charged content on the internet and social media. This analytical capability aids in predicting regions and vulnerable groups where conflicts are likely to emerge within the next six months. Various AI technologies, including mapping services, are being judiciously applied to analyze data pertaining to disaster and conflict risk factors, thereby facilitating precise delineation of regions on a map for effective peacebuilding initiatives.
However, apprehensions have been raised regarding the ethical risks associated with AI technologies, encompassing advanced information manipulation and the propagations of false information, potentially leading to the escalation of conflicts. As a measured response, the sessions at the Jeju Forum this year are poised to meticulously examine the role of AI technology in international peacebuilding efforts. Eminent experts in the field will be invited to share pertinent success stories, fostering a platform for discussions that critically analyze the ethical risks associated with the deployment of AI technology.
Overview
Event type | International Forum |
Date | 31 May 2024 |
Venue | International Convention Center (ICC) |
Forum Host and Organizer | Jeju Forum |
Session Host and Organizer | UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC |
Event Objectives
This Workshop will:
● Disseminate pioneering insights regarding the opportunities and obstacles inherent in the synergy between AI and peacebuilding to delegates from the Asia Pacific region.
● Offer a venue to facilitate meaningful dialogue regarding the strategic utilization of AI within the realm of peacebuilding.
Inquiries
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (CIFAL)
UNITAR CIFAL Jeju
Ms. Gaeun Park
Program Officer
Tel: +82-64-735-6573
Email: gepark.jitc@cifaljeju.org
Program1
ONE - DAY 31 MAY (Friday), 2024, 10:20 (KST) |
10:20 - 10:25 (5 mins) | Introduction Moderator: Byung Hwa CHUNG, Director of UNITAR CIFAL Jeju International Training Center (JITC) |
10:25 – 10:40 (15 mins) | Presentation 1 Harnessing AI for Peacemaking Presenter: Avishan Bodjnoud, Chief of Information Management Unit, United Nations Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) in New York |
10:40 – 10:55 (15 mins) | Presentation 2 Causal inference and prediction of climate-amplified food-security induced conflict Presenter: Dr Vassili Kitsios, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Environment in Australia |
10:55 - 11:50 (55 mins) | Discussion Moderator: Byung Hwa CHUNG, Director of UNITAR CIFAL Jeju International Training Center (JITC) Discussant 1: Prof. Kyoung Jun Lee, Professor of Kyung Hee University & Director of Research Institute of User Centric Artificial Intelligence (UCAI) Forum Discussant 2: Myoung-Shin Kim, Principal Policy Officer, LG AI Research Discussant 3: Prof. Matthew Crippen, Professor of Pusan National University |
*The above program is subject to change.
[1] International Rescue Committee, The top 10 humanitarian crises the world can’t ignore in 2023, accessed 1 February 2024, <https://www.rescue.org/eu/article/top-10-humanitarian-crises-world-cant-ignore-2023>.
[2] World Economic Forum, Davos 2024: 4 things to know, accessed 1 February 2024, <https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/davos-2024-highlights-ai-growth-climate-security/>.
[3] Dalvin Brown, The Washington Post, The United Nations is turning to artificial intelligence in
search for peace in war zones, access 1 February 2024, <https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/23/ai-un-peacekeeping/>.
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/1zjZMGdOCEzAobtMJO4WngWlyydUgctC9owh7HAbNRd0/closedform
Harmony in the Digital Age:
Exploring AI-Powered Paths to Peace Building
31 May 2024
Background
The preceding year, 2023, stands delineated as a period marked by the escalation of international crises, notably the protracted conflict in Ukraine spanning almost two years, the Israel-Hamas war that erupted in October, the Burkina Faso conflict, and the unrest attributed to armed groups in Nigeria, along with the oppressive regime prevailing in Myanmar.[1] These protracted armed conflicts and tensions between nations and non-state entities have reached a critical juncture, emblematic of a significant international peace crisis.
Against the backdrop of these challenges to international security and peace, the 2023 Davos Forum has judiciously chosen the overarching theme of “Rebuilding Trust” under the sub-theme of “Achieving Security and Cooperation in a Fractured World.” The Forum advocates for global leaders to “collaborate and make judicious and resolute decisions” in order to effectively address the intricate issues arising from a globally fractured landscape.[2]
Moreover, the forum has introduced another sub-theme, “Artificial Intelligence as a Driving Force for the Economy and Society,” accentuating the rapidly expanding scope and influence of artificial intelligence (AI) on a global scale. It underscores the potential for innovative problem-solving across diverse sectors, including economics, industry, education, and environmental considerations, through the strategic application of AI.
The potential of AI technology transcends the realm of mere economic and industrial innovation, extending into the domain of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Recent discourse has been actively centered around innovative approaches employing AI in international peacebuilding efforts. For instance, the United Nations has effectively employed AI-based algorithm technology to aggregate real-time feedback from conflict zones and stakeholders, thereby contributing to conflict resolution efforts grounded in democratic principles. In Yemen, citizens participated in online hearings through internet platforms, enabling AI analysis to capture real-time perspectives on conflicts stemming from the ramifications of the COVID-19 pandemic. In Libya, AI platforms have been instrumental in gathering opinions on the UN’s proposed interim government, a decade after the cessation of conflicts in North Africa.[3]
Furthermore, AI technologies are instrumental in analyzing the frequency of hate speech and politically charged content on the internet and social media. This analytical capability aids in predicting regions and vulnerable groups where conflicts are likely to emerge within the next six months. Various AI technologies, including mapping services, are being judiciously applied to analyze data pertaining to disaster and conflict risk factors, thereby facilitating precise delineation of regions on a map for effective peacebuilding initiatives.
However, apprehensions have been raised regarding the ethical risks associated with AI technologies, encompassing advanced information manipulation and the propagations of false information, potentially leading to the escalation of conflicts. As a measured response, the sessions at the Jeju Forum this year are poised to meticulously examine the role of AI technology in international peacebuilding efforts. Eminent experts in the field will be invited to share pertinent success stories, fostering a platform for discussions that critically analyze the ethical risks associated with the deployment of AI technology.
Overview
Event type
International Forum
Date
31 May 2024
Venue
International Convention Center (ICC)
Forum
Host and Organizer
Jeju Forum
Session
Host and Organizer
UNITAR CIFAL Jeju/JITC
Event Objectives
This Workshop will:
● Disseminate pioneering insights regarding the opportunities and obstacles inherent in the synergy between AI and peacebuilding to delegates from the Asia Pacific region.
● Offer a venue to facilitate meaningful dialogue regarding the strategic utilization of AI within the realm of peacebuilding.
Inquiries
United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR)
Centre International de Formation des Autorités et Leaders (CIFAL)
UNITAR CIFAL Jeju
Ms. Gaeun Park
Program Officer
Tel: +82-64-735-6573
Email: gepark.jitc@cifaljeju.org
Program1
ONE - DAY 31 MAY (Friday), 2024, 10:20 (KST)
10:20 - 10:25
(5 mins)
Introduction
Moderator: Byung Hwa CHUNG, Director of UNITAR CIFAL Jeju International Training Center (JITC)
10:25 – 10:40
(15 mins)
Presentation 1
Harnessing AI for Peacemaking
Presenter: Avishan Bodjnoud, Chief of Information Management Unit, United Nations Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs and Peace Operations (DPPA-DPO) in New York
10:40 – 10:55
(15 mins)
Presentation 2
Causal inference and prediction of climate-amplified food-security induced conflict
Presenter: Dr Vassili Kitsios, Senior Research Scientist, CSIRO Environment in Australia
10:55 - 11:50
(55 mins)
Discussion
Moderator: Byung Hwa CHUNG, Director of UNITAR CIFAL Jeju International Training Center (JITC)
Discussant 1: Prof. Kyoung Jun Lee, Professor of Kyung Hee University & Director of Research Institute of User Centric Artificial Intelligence (UCAI) Forum
Discussant 2: Myoung-Shin Kim, Principal Policy Officer, LG AI Research
Discussant 3: Prof. Matthew Crippen, Professor of Pusan National University
*The above program is subject to change.
[1] International Rescue Committee, The top 10 humanitarian crises the world can’t ignore in 2023, accessed 1 February 2024, <https://www.rescue.org/eu/article/top-10-humanitarian-crises-world-cant-ignore-2023>.
[2] World Economic Forum, Davos 2024: 4 things to know, accessed 1 February 2024, <https://www.weforum.org/agenda/2024/01/davos-2024-highlights-ai-growth-climate-security/>.
[3] Dalvin Brown, The Washington Post, The United Nations is turning to artificial intelligence in
search for peace in war zones, access 1 February 2024, <https://www.washingtonpost.com/technology/2021/04/23/ai-un-peacekeeping/>.