Peacebuilding and Technology Lecture Series – Events Progress
Over the Spring of 2025, a lecture series was organized to explore the intersection of peacebuilding, artificial intelligence, and technology. The events brought together global experts, practitioners, and students to share insights and engage in meaningful dialogue. Below is a...
Lecture 1 – Responsible AI and Global Capacity Building (6 March 2025)
Speakers: Irakli Beridze (UNICRI) & Dr. Arlinda Rrustemi
Key Focus: The global divide in AI strategies, with an emphasis on UNICRI’s approach to building equitable AI governance across the Global South and North.
Highlights:
- Urgent need to bridge AI policy gaps between regions.
- Importance of ethical frameworks and responsible development.
- Status: Successfully held with robust participation and engagement.
Lecture 2 – AI, Social Media, and Online Hate Speech (Date: mid-March 2025)
Speakers: Igor Bandovic & Boyana Kostic
Key Focus: The use of surveillance technology to suppress dissent (Serbia case study), the complexities of defining and regulating online hate speech, and implications for peace processes.
Highlights:
- Lack of effective content moderation on social media.
- Urgent need for external mechanisms beyond platform controls.
- Status: Successfully held with high attendance and interactive Q&A.
Lecture 3 – Technology for Accountability and Transparency (24 April 2025)
Speakers: Caroline Gaita (Mzalendo, Kenya) & Dr. Arlinda Rrustemi
Key Focus: The role of technology in enhancing democratic accountability and transparency in peacebuilding.
Highlights:
- Case studies from Kenya on using tech for civic engagement.
- Global reflections on technology’s potential to strengthen democratic institutions.
- Status: Cancelled due to low attendance (only 10 participants).
Lecture 4 – Technology and Early Warning for Conflict Prevention (22 May 2025)
Speakers: Dr. Arlinda Rrustemi & Branka Pranic (AI for Peace)
Key Focus: Innovations in early warning systems using AI, including international case studies and German contributions to violence prevention.
