Dalith Steiger-Gablinger, Co-Founder SwissCognitive – “AI Takes Center Stage at Davos 2025: A SwissCognitive Perspective”

As the snow-capped peaks of Davos played host to the World Economic Forum 2025, the air was thick with excitement and a palpable sense of urgency. This year’s theme, “Collaboration for the Intelligent Age,” set the stage for intense discussions on artificial intelligence (AI) and its potential to reshape our world. As co-founders of SwissCognitive, Andy Fitze and I, Dalith Steiger, had the privilege of being flies on the wall at various public side events, soaking in the insights and debates that unfolded.

The buzz around AI was impossible to ignore, with sessions ranging from “Harnessing AI for Social Innovation” to “The Pulse of AI Innovation”. Clearly, the technology has moved beyond mere hype and into the realm of transformative force. As James Ong, one of the panellists, aptly put it, “We need to rethink the philosophy and the relationship between AI and human beings.” AI is not just a tool; it’s a paradigm shift that will redefine how we work, live, and interact with the world around us.”

“We need to rethink the philosophy and the relationship between AI and human beings.” James Ong, Founder and Director of Artificial Intelligence International Institute [AIII]

One of the most striking aspects of the discussions was the emphasis on collaboration. Gone are the days of siloed AI development. The consensus at Davos was clear: to harness the full potential of AI and ensure its benefits are widely distributed, we need unprecedented levels of cooperation between governments, businesses, and civil society.

Another discussion that deeply resonates with our vision at SwissCognitive is the AI discussion in avoiding the pitfalls of the digital divide, emphasising the need for AI to “lift all boats” rather than exacerbate existing inequalities. We strongly advocated for inclusive AI development.

The ethical implications of AI were another hot topic. The sentiment that we are not just building algorithms; we are shaping the future of humanity was echoed across multiple panels, with discussions ranging from AI’s impact on privacy to its potential to either mitigate or exacerbate climate change.

As we navigated the bustling streets of Davos, Andy and I found ourselves in impromptu discussions with fellow attendees. One of the enlightening discussions was while waiting for the Meta hot chocolate or queuing for the entrance of the Dome. One thing that was present through all our exchanges. People engaged openly, with respect and humour.

The energy was infectious, with everyone from startup founders to policymakers eager to share their perspectives on AI’s future. One conversation that stuck with us was with a young entrepreneur who’s using AI to tackle food waste in developing countries. It was a powerful reminder of AI’s potential to address some of our most pressing global challenges and SDGs.

The governance of AI emerged as a critical theme throughout the forum. With the rapid pace of AI development, there’s a growing recognition that our regulatory frameworks need to evolve just as quickly. The call for adaptive, agile governance structures was loud and clear. We shouldn’t govern 21st-century technology with 20th-century laws!

“We shouldn’t govern 21st-century technology with 20th-century laws!” during a Chatham rules debate

Perhaps the most stimulating discussions, however, centred around the potential of AI to complement human capabilities rather than replace them. AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not an autopilot. As advocates of collaboration between humans and AI, Andy and I were heartened to hear leaders from different sectors emphasise the importance of involving humans in development.

“AI should be seen as a co-pilot, not an autopilot.” during a Chatham rules debate

The Open Source Revolution: A Game-Changer in the Global AI Race

Another topic that consistently emerged in our conversations was the growing importance of open source in AI development. This trend is not just reshaping the technological landscape; it’s also challenging the traditional narrative of national AI supremacy.

The United States’ commitment to investing a staggering $500 billion in AI over the next three years is undoubtedly headline-grabbing. However, as Yann LeCun, VP & Chief AI Scientist at Meta, astutely pointed out during several discussions in Davos, the real story might be the rise of open-source models rather than any single nation’s dominance.

LeCun’s perspective is particularly illuminating: “To people who see the performance of DeepSeek and think: ‘China is surpassing the US in AI.’ You are reading this wrong. The correct reading is: ‘Open source models are surpassing proprietary ones.'”

“Open source LLM models are surpassing proprietary ones.” Yann LeCun, VP & Chief AI Scientist at Meta

This shift towards open source is democratising AI development on a global scale. LeCun explained that “DeepSeek has profited from open research and open source (e.g. PyTorch and Llama from Meta). They came up with new ideas and built them on top of other people’s work. Because their work is published and open source, everyone can profit from it. That is the power of open research and open source.”

Indeed, the open-source movement in AI is gaining momentum rapidly. Models like Llama 2, Mistral, and DeepSeek are not just matching but, in some cases, surpassing the capabilities of proprietary giants like GPT-4 and Google Gemini. This trend is reshaping the AI ecosystem, offering adaptability, cost-efficiency, and privacy compliance that many enterprises find increasingly attractive.

The implications of this shift are profound. While national investments like the U.S.’s $500 billion commitment are crucial, the collaborative nature of open-source development means that innovations can come from anywhere. This global pool of talent and ideas could potentially accelerate AI development far beyond what any single nation or company could achieve alone.

Moreover, the open source movement aligns with the growing calls for AI transparency and accountability. One tech executive at Davos noted, “We’re not just building algorithms; we’re shaping the future of humanity.” Open source development allows for greater scrutiny and collective problem-solving, potentially leading to safer and more ethical AI systems.

“We’re not just building algorithms; we’re shaping the future of humanity.” CEO during a Panel in Davos

As we reflect on the discussions at Davos, it’s clear that the future of AI is not just about who can invest the most money. It’s about fostering a global ecosystem of innovation, collaboration, and shared progress. The rise of open source in AI is not just a technological trend; it’s a paradigm shift that could redefine how we approach some of the world’s most pressing challenges.

In this new landscape, the winners will not necessarily be the nations or companies with the deepest pockets but those who can best harness the collective intelligence of the global AI community. As we move forward, it will be fascinating to see how this open-source revolution continues to shape the future of AI and, by extension, our world.

“In this new landscape, the winners will not necessarily be the nations or companies with the deepest pockets, but those who can best harness the collective intelligence of the global AI community.” Andy Fitze, Co-Founder SwissCognitive

As the forum drew to a close, we left Davos with a sense of cautious optimism. The challenges ahead are significant, but so too is the collective will to address them. The conversations made it clear that we are at a pivotal moment in the development of AI, and the decisions we make now will shape its trajectory for years to come. This future belongs to the young generations. We, the older generation, must be aware that every decision we make won’t affect us, as it will affect the younger generations! This responsibility is imperative!

As we return to our work at SwissCognitive, we’re more energised than ever to continue fostering dialogue and collaboration in AI. The insights gained at Davos will undoubtedly inform our efforts to build a future where AI truly lifts all boats, creating a rising tide of innovation and prosperity for all.

“We are the change we wanna see”, Yip Thy Diep Ta, Founder & CEO @ J3D.AI, House of Collaboration

In reflecting on our experience, Andy remarked, “The technical possibilities of AI are astounding, but it’s the human ingenuity in applying these technologies that will truly change the world.” I couldn’t agree more, adding, “AI has the power to amplify our human potential, but only if we approach its development with empathy, wisdom, and a commitment to inclusivity.“

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By Martina Fuchs

Credits: The Female Quotient / The Frequency School – “First Song Ever to Unite Women from All Countries Using Sound Healing Frequencies”

The Frequency School – in partnership with The Female Quotient – launched “195”, the first song in history featuring women from all of the world’s 195 countries using sound healing frequencies and the 528 Hz ‘Love Frequency’ in a bid to ignite a global movement and raise awareness about gender equality across various industries including technology.

The Frequency School co-founded by Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum music producer Maejor, Kingsley Maduka, Brandon Lee, Aaron Dawson and Martina Fuchs premiered this visionary, powerful and universal campaign at a side-event in Davos, Switzerland which took place during the first day of the 55th Annual Meeting of the World Economic Forum (WEF).

Using the sounds of birds and the heartbeat as instrumental elements, “195” aims to raise the world’s frequency, elevate humanity, and trigger a positive impact by uniting and empowering women worldwide.

One woman in every one of the world’s 195 countries recognized by the United Nations said one word: “EQUALITY” in her national language or native tongue.

Martina Fuchs, business journalist and executive producer of the 195 women song, said:

“It has always been my dream to produce the first song in history featuring every country on the planet. Our vision was to unite 195 women from all walks of life from around the globe in this pioneering and groundbreaking initiative to advocate for gender equality and the rights of women and girls, and to help people struggling with mental health issues. Gender equality is not only a fundamental human right, but a necessary foundation for a peaceful, prosperous and sustainable world.”

U.S. Grammy-nominated and multi-platinum music producer Maejor who produced the song using sound healing frequencies said:

“We chose to use 528 Hz for the track which is often referred to as the ‘love frequency’, or the frequency of transformation and miracles. It provides a powerful energetic foundation for creating an environment where equality can flourish. By resonating with a frequency linked to unconditional love, we wanted to promote more respect and fairness for women, as well as deep inner healing and a state of peace. The transformative vibration of 528 Hz can inspire positive action and empathy and people to act more kindly and inclusively.”

According to scientific studies and music theory, Solfeggio frequencies, ranging from 174 Hz to 963 Hz, offer unique sound patterns that promote relaxation, stress relief, and overall well-being. These frequencies have been shown to positively impact mental, emotional, and physical health by generating vibrations that help achieve a state of calm and balance of the mind, body and spirit.

Miriam Moriati, President of the Kiribati Rotaract Youth Club and a Women and Youth representative for OARS (Ocean Alliance for Resilience and Sustainability), said:

“I’m from Kiribati, a small island nation in the Pacific, where our highest point is just 3 meters above sea level. Our women in Kiribati are vulnerable due to gender equality not being part of our culture and traditions. They are often the first to be affected by crises and the last to recover. Being part of this initiative to support women on an international stage is an incredible honor. Opportunities to represent our small country are rare, and I am grateful for this platform to amplify the voices of Kiribati women.”

Dalith Steiger, Co-Founder of SwissCognitive and the voice of Israel in the song said:

“Equality is not just an ideal—it’s our collective responsibility. The lack of gender equality still remains a huge challenge in the technology space that we need to tackle. I’m convinced that AI can support us to unbias the bias! I am grateful to be part of this global women empowerment initiative to raise awareness across various sectors.”

A new white paper by IMD in collaboration with Microsoft Switzerland and EqualVoice released at the WEF on Thursdy provides in-depth analysis and guidance for organizations to mitigate against risks and use AI responsibly.

More than 80% of the world’s organizations are expected to be using GenAI tools in production environments by 2026, and the productivity gains will likely boost global GDP by $7tn in the next decade. Yet even as innovation races ahead, important questions need to be asked about the potential risks.

Read the full report “Mind the Gap Addressing the risk of bias in Generative AI”.

The “195” song is planned to be submitted for a Guinness World Records for the title: “Most nationalities to contribute vocals to a musical recording (single song)”.

@Brandon Lee Shelley Zalis The Female Quotient The Frequency School

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SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Zachary Amos – “How Countries Are Using AI to Predict Crime”

A world where police departments can predict when, where and how crimes will occur seems like something from a science fiction novel. Thanks to artificial intelligence, it has become a reality. Already, countries are using this technology to forecast misconduct.

How Do AI-Powered Crime Prediction Systems Work?

Unlike regular prediction systems — which typically use hot spots to determine where and when future misconduct will be committed — AI can analyze information in real time. It may even be able to complete supplementary tasks like summarizing a 911 call, assigning a severity level to a crime in progress or using surveillance systems to tell where wanted criminals will be.

A machine learning model evolves as it processes new information. Initially, it might train to find hidden patterns in arrest records, police reports, criminal complaints or 911 calls. It may analyze the perpetrator’s demographic data or factor in the weather. The goal is to identify any common variable that humans are overlooking.

Whether the algorithm monitors surveillance camera footage or pours through arrest records, it compares historical and current data to make forecasts. For example, it may consider a person suspicious if they cover their face and wear baggy clothes on a warm night in a dark neighborhood because previous arrests match that profile.

Countries Are Developing AI Tools to Predict Crime

While these countries don’t currently have official AI prediction tools, various research groups and private police forces are developing solutions.

• United States

Violent and property crimes are huge issues in the United States. For reference, a burglary occurs every 13 seconds — almost five times per minute — causing an average of $2,200 in losses. Various state and local governments are experimenting with AI to minimize events like these.

One such machine learning model developed by data scientists from the University of Chicago uses publicly available information to produce output. It can forecast crime with approximately 90% accuracy up to one week in advance.

While the data came from eight major U.S. cities, it centered around Chicago. Unlike similar tools, this AI model didn’t depict misdemeanors and felonies as hot spots on a flat map. Instead, it considered cities’ complex layouts and social environments, including bus lines, street lights and walkways. It found hidden patterns using these previously overlooked factors.

• South Africa

Human trafficking is a massive problem in South Africa. For a time, one anti-human trafficking non-governmental organization was operating at one of the country’s busiest airports. After the group uncovered widespread corruption, their security clearance was revoked.

At this point, the group needed to lower its costs from $300 per intercept to $50 to align with funding and continue their efforts. Its members believed adopting AI would allow them to do that. With the right data, they could save more victims while keeping costs down.

Some Are Already Using AI Tools to Predict Crime

Governments have much more power, funding and data than nongovernmental organizations or research groups, so their solutions are more comprehensive.

• Japan

Japan has an AI-powered app called Crime Nabi. The tool — created by the startup Singular Perturbations Inc. — is at least 50% more effective than conventional methods. Local governments will use it for preventive patrols.

Once a police officer enters their destination in the app, it provides an efficient route that takes them through high-crime areas nearby. The system can update if they get directed elsewhere by emergency dispatch. By increasing their presence in dangerous neighborhoods, police officers actively discourage wrongdoing. Each patrol’s data is saved to improve future predictions.

Despite using massive amounts of demographic, location, weather and arrest data — which would normally be expensive and incredibly time-consuming — Crime Nabi processes faster than conventional computers at a lower cost.

• Argentina

Argentina’s Ministry of Security recently announced the Artificial Intelligence Applied to Security Unit, which will use a machine learning model to make forecasts. It will analyze historical data, scan social media, deploy facial recognition technology and process surveillance footage.

This AI-powered unit aims to catch wanted persons and identify suspicious activity. It will help streamline prevention and detection to accelerate investigation and prosecution. The Ministry of Security seeks to enable a faster and more precise police response.

• South Korea

A Korean research team from the Electronics and Telecommunications Research Institute developed an AI they call Dejaview. It analyzes closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage in real time and assesses statistics to detect signs of potential offenses.

Dejaview was designed for surveillance — algorithms can process enormous amounts of data extremely quickly, so this is a common use case. Now, its main job is to measure risk factors to forecast illegal activity.

The researchers will work with Korean police forces and local governments to tailor Dejaview for specific use cases or affected areas. It will mainly be integrated into CCTV systems to detect suspicious activity.

Is Using AI to Stop Crime Before It Occurs a Good Idea?

So-called predictive policing has its challenges. Critics like the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People argue it could increase racial biases in law enforcement, disproportionately affecting Black communities.

That said, using AI to uncover hidden patterns in arrest and police response records could reveal bias. Policy-makers could use these insights to address the root cause of systemic prejudice, ensuring fairness in the future.

Either way, there are still significant, unaddressed concerns about privacy. Various activists and human rights organizations say having a government-funded AI scan social media and monitor security cameras infringes on freedom.

What happens if this technology falls into the wrong hands? Will a corrupt leader use it to go after their political rivals or journalists who write unfavorable articles about them? Could a hacker sell petabytes of confidential crime data on the dark web?

Will More Countries Adopt These Predictive Solutions?

More countries will likely soon develop AI-powered prediction tools. The cat is out of the bag, so to speak. Whether they create apps exclusively for police officers or integrate a machine learning model into surveillance systems, this technology is here to stay and will likely continue to evolve.

About the Author:

Zachary Amos is the Features Editor at ReHack, where he writes about artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and other technology-related topics.

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Copyight: unric.org – “Building an Accessible Future for All: AI and the Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities”

About 16% of the global population (1.3 billion people) currently experience significant disability, including nearly 240 million children. In 2023, 101 million people, or 27% of the European Union (EU) population over the age of 16, had some form of disability. The share of women with disabilities was higher than that of men in all EU member states.

Innovation and technology can be powerful tools for inclusion. Through enhancing access to information, education or the job market, technology has great potential to transform lives and create a more inclusive and accessible world for all.

However, this potential is still unmet for many. In 2022, WHO and UNICEF noted that more than 2.5 billion people need one or more assistive products, such as wheelchairs, hearing aids, or apps that support communication and cognition. Yet, nearly one billion are denied access, particularly in low- and middle-income countries.

Tackling the power of technology and innovation can help us to realise the rights of persons with disabilities. Heba Hagrass, the UN Special Rapporteur on the rights of persons with disabilities, underscored the importance of accessible innovation:

“One of the urgent matters is how artificial intelligence will change our world. The world for everybody. When computers came in and then the Internet, people did not notice that having computers and the Internet instead of creating a haven for everybody has built lots of obstacles and unbeatable barriers for many disabilities. It took us at least from 10 to 15 years to combat this. The problem is to convince people who are providing such programs to make them accessible.”[…]

Read more: www.unric.org

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Copyright: nature.com – “Will Artificial Intelligence Help or Hinder Progress on the SDGs?”

There is a lot of interest from inside the United Nations around how artificial intelligence (AI) can be used to speed up progress towards its 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), says computer scientist Serge Stinckwich.

As head of research at the United Nations University Institute in Macau (UNU Macau), which was established by the UN in 1992 to do research and training on the use of digital technologies in addressing global issues, Stinckwich is interested in how AI can help countries to hit their SDG targets by the 2030 deadline.

Any gains made using AI will come with costs, however. A notoriously power-hungry resource that is vulnerable to bias and inequitable access, AI presents its own challenges.

Stinckwich spoke to Nature Index about how institutions can use AI tools responsibly to power their SDG-related research.

What is one example of how AI can be used to speed up progress towards the SDGs?

The popularity of large language models (LLMs) has caused a rapid escalation in the amount of data being used to train AI systems. There’s now a scarcity of machine-readable, diverse data on the Internet for training AI algorithms. Synthetic data, which are generated using algorithms and simulations that mimic real-world scenarios, provide a way to train AI models on more data than would usually be possible.

Synthetic data can help to rebalance biased data sets — for example, in a data set skewed towards one gender, synthetic data can be added to balance representation. They can also help to address the problem of scarcity or missing data. This can be particularly useful in medical research, in which people’s health data and personal information can be hard to obtain because of privacy issues.[…]

Read more: www.nature.com

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Copyright: informationweek.com – “Reducing the Environmental Impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI)”

By adopting energy-efficient architectures, optimizing AI models for performance, and pushing for cloud providers to embrace renewable energy, businesses can help reduce the carbon footprint of their AI solutions.

Artificial intelligence is reshaping our world. Its transformative power fuels innovation across industries — delivering new value to organizations and consumers alike. As the proliferation of AI accelerates, people are starting to ask important questions: How does AI impact the environment? And furthermore, how do we keep pushing for progress without leaving a heavy carbon footprint on the planet? 

AI’s Eco Impact

Artificial intelligence software runs in data centers that consume large amounts of energy and often cause significant carbon emissions. According to Bloomberg, there are more than 7,000 data centers worldwide. Collectively, they can consume as much power annually as the entire electricity production of Australia or Italy. The growing use of AI will further increase this already substantial energy consumption of data centers. 

The use of AI can be separated into two main tasks: training and inferencing. During training, AI models learn from vast amounts of data that can take months depending on data complexity and volume. Once an AI model has been trained, it consumes energy each time it generates a new response or “inference.” The International Energy Agency (IEA) has reported a ChatGPT inquiry requires up to 10 times the electricity of a Google search to respond to a typical request. This energy consumption adds up and can quickly surpass the energy used for training.

The WEF estimates training comprises about 20% of an AI model’s overall energy use across its lifespan, while inferencing makes up the remaining 80%.[…]

Read more: www.informationweek.com

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AI Investments in the Spotlight – SwissCognitive AI Investment Radar

OpenAI’s $6 billion funding round stands out, showcasing investor confidence as the company targets a $150 billion valuation. Meanwhile, BlackRock and Microsoft are setting the stage for large-scale AI infrastructure with a $30 billion fund to fuel data centers and energy projects, further cementing AI’s role in global development.

Investors are increasingly drawn to specialized AI applications built on open-source models, as seen at this year’s AI Summit. Financial advisors and venture capitalists alike are placing AI at the top of their investment priorities, with U.S. VCs leading the charge in comparison to their global counterparts. In India, Google and Nvidia are expanding their AI initiatives, underscoring the region’s importance in the broader AI narrative.

As AI continues to intertwine with sustainability goals, we also see a growing interest in how AI can address global challenges such as climate change and resource management, with investors keeping a keen eye on the potential of AI to advance the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. Alongside this, partnerships between nations like the UAE and U.S. demonstrate the strategic push to leverage AI for mutual growth in technology and economic development.

Join us as we delve deeper into the key developments and insights shaping AI investments this week, from groundbreaking megadeals to emerging opportunities that are set to drive the next phase of AI-driven innovation.

Previous SwissCognitive AI Radar: AI Funds, Energy Needs, and Tech Giants.

Our article does not offer financial advice and should not be considered a recommendation to engage in any securities or products. Investments carry the risk of decreasing in value, and investors may potentially lose a portion or all of their investment. Past performance should not be relied upon as an indicator of future results.

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Copyright: omfif.org – “AI Is Driving ESG Integration In Emerging Markets”

Developments are providing new opportunities for sustainable investment

Artificial intelligence can help institutional investors and asset managers align their emerging market investment strategies with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals. AI can leapfrog gaps in environmental, social and governance data disclosures and reshape business models to drive economic growth and societal progress.

EMs offer attractive investment opportunities to achieve financial returns and impact. ESG-integrated assets under management are expected to increase from $18.4tn in 2021 to $33.9tn by 2026 in EMs.

Although they still lag developed markets, ESG disclosure requirements have grown exponentially in EMs. For example, of the 62 EMs with sustainable bond issuances in 2023, 51% had ESG and climate disclosure requirements. The International Financial Reporting Standards’ framework on sustainability and climate-related disclosures will help to drive an increase in reporting.

Many EM regulators, like Brazil’s Comissão de Valores Mobiliários, are already signalling their intent to require companies to disclose information according to these requirements. Regulators are also mandating domestic ESG disclosure requirements such as the Securities and Exchange Board of India’s Business Responsibility and Sustainability Reporting framework for the top 1,000 Indian-listed companies to disclose quantitative and standardised ESG information.

Turning to AI

As investment opportunities and disclosures increase, so do the demands of asset managers and industry for solutions that efficiently structure information to measure, track and validate climate and other ESG risks. Unsurprisingly, there is growing interest in the role AI-powered solutions can play to increase the speed and efficiency of the ESG disclosure process, especially in the post-ChatGPT world.

Use cases range from corporate reporting to investor analysis to regulatory oversight. AI-enabled providers span companies that provide ESG data, analytical services and software-as-a-service solutions.[…]

Read more: www.omfif.org

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SwissCognitive Guest Blogger: Livia Spiesz – “AI in Diplomacy: Can Technology Foster a More Peaceful World?”

There are currently 56 ongoing conflicts globally involving 96 countries (Vision for Humanity, 2024; Salhani, 2024). The issue to mitigate this lies in the increasing norm of using force. Leaders are opting for peace-undermining military solutions, believing they can succeed through force rather than diplomacy. I would even challenge that as a reason. War seems to be the new status quo, disregarding also the thousands of lives lost in the process. What does it really mean? I let numbers speak: in 2023, the global expenditure on military operations reached $2.44 trillion USD, while peacebuilding and peacekeeping operations were at $34.1 billion. (International Peace Institute, 2023; and Dyvik, 2024). Result? 110 million people are displaced globally as we speak, and in 2023, more civilians were killed or injured by airstrikes, bombs, and artillery than in any year over the past decade. (International Rescue Committee, 2024; and Sabbagh, 2024)

Humanity struggles to learn from history, as violence remains a persistent and ineffective approach to resolving conflicts. With Artificial Intelligence (AI) being increasingly applied across industries and domains, I wonder, can this technology offer a solution to these escalating tensions and “save our world” from falling apart? Can it transfer diplomacy? Is the field ready at all?

After exchanging with hundreds of AI experts globally in the last over 6 years, I see great potential for AI in the world of diplomacy. This great potential is however wrapped in peril that needs the human mind, heart and soul to remove. On one hand, AI can revolutionize diplomacy and streamline negotiations (for instance through AI-driven conflict analysis tools and tailored approaches to negotiations), and also enhance global security (monitoring local news, tracking down misinformation, identifying potential conflicts, and anticipating trends (Delcker, 2023)). On the other hand, it can exacerbate existing disparities, fuel an arms race, increase sophisticated cyber threats, and deepen distrust among nations. This contrast makes me wonder: Are we prepared to handle this double-edged sword wisely, or will we let it cut deeper into the fabric of international relations?

AI readiness will likely determine future economic growth, potentially widening the prosperity gap between AI-ready and non-AI-ready countries (Georgieva, 2024). The United Nations (UN) has a critical role in promoting international cooperation and addressing this challenge posed by AI. The question is: are global leaders also prepared to create policies that ensure AI benefits everyone or will they simply reinforce existing inequalities?

Experts emphasize proactive AI governance to prevent risks from an unchecked race driven by strategic advantage and profit​ (Pasquini, 2024). Proposals range from informal agreements to initiatives like the WEF’s AI Governance Alliance and the UN Secretary-General’s AI Advisory Body​. These bodies aim to provide technical assessments and promote international cooperation. However, the absence of major players like China and Russia, along with the underrepresentation of developing nations, poses significant challenges​ (Zhou, 2024).
Article continues below.

The centralization of AI development in the Global North also creates power imbalances, leaving the Global South in a consumer role, sometimes with AI models that do not even fit local contexts (Antony et al., 2024). This problem is further complicated by the geopolitical impacts of AI, which potentially undermines the autonomy of countries that import these technologies (World Economic Forum, 2024). Governments face the dilemma of attracting investments from tech giants while protecting public interests. The lack of diversity in AI development leads to biased outcomes, disproportionately affecting marginalized communities. Are we considering the global impacts of our AI advancements, or are we perpetuating existing inequalities?

We are currently in the “inter-AI years,” a brief window to influence the trajectory of AI development before norms, values, and standards become entrenched (Cohen & Lee, 2023). Decisions made today will shape the future of AI and its impact on global power dynamics. This period is crucial for determining the path of AI, and it is vital that we get it right. AI’s potential to boost economic growth is enormous, with estimates suggesting that widespread AI adoption could increase global GDP by nearly $7 trillion over ten years (Cohen & Lee, 2023). However, realizing these benefits depends on the availability of energy, computing power, data, and models, not even mentioning AI literacy.

To leverage AI for global peace, we must move beyond mere regulatory frameworks and embrace a collaborative and inclusive approach. The UN’s role in promoting international cooperation is crucial. As AI continues to evolve, the question remains: Will we harness AI to create a more peaceful and just world, or will short-sighted national interests undermine its potential and allow it to further destabilize global relations? Time will tell. I personally see great potential for a better world where we augment our human abilities and capabilities with cognitive technologies. However, I would also like to emphasize that diplomacy thrives on the art of empathy, personal connection, and building trust – qualities I can’t imagine machines ever truly mastering.

References and Resources Used

Anthony, A., Sharma, L.; and Noor, E. (2024). Advancing a More Global Agenda for Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence. Link

Cohen, J. and Lee, G. (2023). The generative world order: AI, geopolitics, and power. Link

Dyvik, E., H. (2024). Global military spending from 2001 to 2023. Link

Garcia, E., V. (2020). Multilateralism and Artificial Intelligence: What Role for the United Nations? Link

Georgieva, K. (2024). AI Will Transform the Global Economy. Let’s Make Sure It Benefits Humanity. Link

International Peace Institute. (2023). A Measure of Peace: Key Findings from the 2023 Global Peace Index. Link

International Crisis Group. (2024). 10 Conflicts to Watch in 2024. Link

International Rescue Committee (2024). 110 million people displaced around the world: get the facts. Link

Pasquini, N. (2024). Proactive AI Policy. Link

Sabbagh, D. (2024). More civilian casualties recorded in 2023 than any year since 2010. Link

Salhani, J. (2024). Iran’s response to Israel looms. What are the possible scenarios? Link

Vision of Humanity. (2024). Highest number of countries engaged in conflict since World War II. Link

World Economic Forum. (2024). Artificial Intelligence: The Geopolitical Impacts of AI. Link

Zhou, L. (2024). Russia and China compare notes on ‘military use of artificial intelligence’. Link

About the Author:

With a diverse background in human behavior, criminal psychology, leadership, diplomacy, development, and peacebuilding, Livia is committed to fostering understanding and growth on both personal and societal levels. As a strategic partnerships and communications expert with over 10 years of international experience, she has spent the last 6+ years in the AI industry, collaborating with hundreds of AI experts and leaders globally. Livia seeks out less-traveled paths and embraces challenges with a realist-idealist approach, living by the motto: “Reach for the sky, and you will get to the stars.”

Der Beitrag AI in Diplomacy: Can Technology Foster a More Peaceful World? erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.

Copyright: ohchr.org – “Artificial Intelligence (AI), a game-changer for sustainable development”

“Unprecedented advances in digital technology, including generative Artificial Intelligence, offer us previously unimaginable opportunities to move forward on the enjoyment of human rights and contribute to rescuing the 2030 Agenda,” said UN Human Rights Chief Volker Türk in his vision statement,  “Human Rights: A Path for Solutions.”

AI was the main spotlight at the fifth annual AI for Good Global Summit held in Geneva, Switzerland. The Summit is the leading action-oriented UN platform to promote AI to advance health, climate, gender, inclusive prosperity, sustainable infrastructure, and other global development priorities.

“As AI use continues to evolve and impact our daily lives, it’s crucial that we ensure its development benefits everyone,” Türk said on the Summit and how it was a great opportunity to work on policies and governance that prevent AI-induced rights abuses.

The Summit was organized by the International Telecommunication Union, the UN specialized agency for information and communication technology, in partnership with 40 UN agencies, including UN Human Rights, and the Swiss government. The Summit aimed to identify practical applications for AI, scale solutions for global impact and accelerate progress towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

“Our presence at the AI for Good summit is a testament to the importance of embedding human rights considerations into the fabric of technological innovation,” said Peggy Hicks, Director of the Thematic Engagement, Special Procedures and Right to Development Division at UN Human Rights. “We believe that through multistakeholder efforts, we can achieve a balance where the transformative potential of AI is realized in ways that enhance, rather than undermine, human rights.”[…]

Read more: www.ohchr.org

Der Beitrag Artificial Intelligence (AI), A Game-Changer For Sustainable Development erschien zuerst auf SwissCognitive | AI Ventures, Advisory & Research.