rtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining prominence across various sectors, including peace and security. In fact, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a landmark resolution on artificial intelligence, recognizing its potential to transform these areas. One notable application is the use of AI–powered dialogue tools like the Remesh platform, which facilitates real–time conversations with large populations and can be integrated into consultative processes for democracy and peacebuilding.
The UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA) has utilized artificial intelligence in peacemaking efforts in countries such as Yemen, Libya, and Iraq, leveraging AI–assisted dialogue to engage citizens and conflicting parties. The role of AI in peacebuilding is crucial and can be maximized to play a transformative role in locally–led initiatives by enhancing early warning systems, data–driven monitoring, project design, and capacity–building efforts.
Utilizing AI in local peacebuilding
Predictive early warning systems and conflict prevention
AI–enhanced conflict early warning systems can analyze vast datasets from sources such as social media, satellite imagery, and other real–time data to predict potential conflicts and violent outbreaks. By identifying patterns and signs of escalating tensions, these systems provide timely alerts to local peacebuilders and communities, enabling them to take proactive measures to address and diffuse tensions before they escalate into violence. This predictive capacity supports collaborative conflict prevention efforts, allowing for early intervention that fosters peace and stability.
Enhanced data–driven monitoring and conflict analysis
AI for real–time monitoring can support peacebuilders in making informed decisions by providing real–time data on conflict dynamics, community sentiments, and historical patterns. For instance, AI–driven tools can help monitor 'rido' (clan feuds) in areas frequently affected by such conflicts in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), offering valuable insights that lead to more targeted and effective strategies.
Adaptive capacity building and support
AI can greatly enhance peacebuilding efforts by transforming capacity–building and supporting initiatives. It aids in the development of dynamic training programs by predicting outcomes and tailoring content to specific needs. During training sessions, AI provides trainers and participants with additional resources, enabling real–time analysis of engagement and effectiveness. By introducing innovative activities and facilitating diverse learning styles, AI helps break away from traditional learning methods, optimizing the impact of peacebuilding interventions and ensuring they are more adaptive, responsive, and effective.
Climate and environmentally–friendly practices
AI can play a significant role in reducing the environmental footprint of peacebuilding activities. In the Philippines, local peacebuilders often rely on Manila paper, printed materials, and other paper–based resources for workshops. Utilizing AI applications like digital whiteboards (e.g., MIRO boards) can help reduce paper waste. Organizations must invest in AI tools that can be utilized by trainers and practitioners on the ground to promote sustainable practices.
Ethical resource allocation
AI can optimize resource allocation by analyzing needs and predicting outcomes, particularly in conflict–affected regions where resources are scarce. This ensures aid reaches those who need it most while maintaining ethical considerations, such as data privacy and consent.
Tackling challenges for empowerment
Technological inclusivity
While AI presents significant opportunities, its integration poses challenges in regions like BARMM, where internet connectivity is limited, electricity is often unreliable, and technological literacy is low. Addressing these barriers is crucial for the successful adoption of AI in peacebuilding.
Empowerment through access
Although AI can facilitate access to open–source documents and other digital resources— enabling peacebuilders to provide participants with additional reading materials and research findings—it also presents challenges. One such challenge is ensuring that peacebuilder–friendly materials are appropriately contextualized for use within specific communities. Context–based, conflict–sensitive, and gender inclusive materials are essential for empowering local actors with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate complex conflict dynamics effectively.
Culturally sensitive design
AI systems must be designed collaboratively with local stakeholders to ensure cultural sensitivity and alignment with community needs. Involving local knowledge in AI development is critical to producing effective and relevant tools for peacebuilding.
Harmonizing traditional knowledge with AI
AI should enhance—not overshadow—the traditional knowledge and practices of local communities. Integrating AI with local wisdom ensures peacebuilding initiatives remain adaptive, resilient, and sustainable, preserving the invaluable insights of grassroots peacebuilders.
Initiatives for Artificial Intelligence in peacebuilding present a unique opportunity to enhance the effectiveness and reach of local efforts. However, to fully realize this potential, it is imperative to address the challenges of inclusivity, access, cultural sensitivity, and ethics. By fostering a collaborative and ethical approach, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment, enabling local communities to build lasting peace in a rapidly changing world. As AI continues to evolve, the peacebuilding community must remain vigilant, innovative, and committed to placing local voices at the heart of these technological advancements. Only then can we truly harness the power of AI to create a more peaceful and just world.
a global affairs media network
Harnessing AI in locally–led peacebuilding efforts
Photo by Monstera Production via Pexels.
October 9, 2024
For peacebuilding efforts, AI can enhance early warning systems, data–driven monitoring, project design, and capacity–building efforts, writes Jamila–Aisha P. Sanguila.
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rtificial Intelligence (AI) is rapidly gaining prominence across various sectors, including peace and security. In fact, the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) adopted a landmark resolution on artificial intelligence, recognizing its potential to transform these areas. One notable application is the use of AI–powered dialogue tools like the Remesh platform, which facilitates real–time conversations with large populations and can be integrated into consultative processes for democracy and peacebuilding.
The UN Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UNDPPA) has utilized artificial intelligence in peacemaking efforts in countries such as Yemen, Libya, and Iraq, leveraging AI–assisted dialogue to engage citizens and conflicting parties. The role of AI in peacebuilding is crucial and can be maximized to play a transformative role in locally–led initiatives by enhancing early warning systems, data–driven monitoring, project design, and capacity–building efforts.
Utilizing AI in local peacebuilding
Predictive early warning systems and conflict prevention
AI–enhanced conflict early warning systems can analyze vast datasets from sources such as social media, satellite imagery, and other real–time data to predict potential conflicts and violent outbreaks. By identifying patterns and signs of escalating tensions, these systems provide timely alerts to local peacebuilders and communities, enabling them to take proactive measures to address and diffuse tensions before they escalate into violence. This predictive capacity supports collaborative conflict prevention efforts, allowing for early intervention that fosters peace and stability.
Enhanced data–driven monitoring and conflict analysis
AI for real–time monitoring can support peacebuilders in making informed decisions by providing real–time data on conflict dynamics, community sentiments, and historical patterns. For instance, AI–driven tools can help monitor 'rido' (clan feuds) in areas frequently affected by such conflicts in Bangsamoro Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (BARMM), offering valuable insights that lead to more targeted and effective strategies.
Adaptive capacity building and support
AI can greatly enhance peacebuilding efforts by transforming capacity–building and supporting initiatives. It aids in the development of dynamic training programs by predicting outcomes and tailoring content to specific needs. During training sessions, AI provides trainers and participants with additional resources, enabling real–time analysis of engagement and effectiveness. By introducing innovative activities and facilitating diverse learning styles, AI helps break away from traditional learning methods, optimizing the impact of peacebuilding interventions and ensuring they are more adaptive, responsive, and effective.
Climate and environmentally–friendly practices
AI can play a significant role in reducing the environmental footprint of peacebuilding activities. In the Philippines, local peacebuilders often rely on Manila paper, printed materials, and other paper–based resources for workshops. Utilizing AI applications like digital whiteboards (e.g., MIRO boards) can help reduce paper waste. Organizations must invest in AI tools that can be utilized by trainers and practitioners on the ground to promote sustainable practices.
Ethical resource allocation
AI can optimize resource allocation by analyzing needs and predicting outcomes, particularly in conflict–affected regions where resources are scarce. This ensures aid reaches those who need it most while maintaining ethical considerations, such as data privacy and consent.
Tackling challenges for empowerment
Technological inclusivity
While AI presents significant opportunities, its integration poses challenges in regions like BARMM, where internet connectivity is limited, electricity is often unreliable, and technological literacy is low. Addressing these barriers is crucial for the successful adoption of AI in peacebuilding.
Empowerment through access
Although AI can facilitate access to open–source documents and other digital resources— enabling peacebuilders to provide participants with additional reading materials and research findings—it also presents challenges. One such challenge is ensuring that peacebuilder–friendly materials are appropriately contextualized for use within specific communities. Context–based, conflict–sensitive, and gender inclusive materials are essential for empowering local actors with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate complex conflict dynamics effectively.
Culturally sensitive design
AI systems must be designed collaboratively with local stakeholders to ensure cultural sensitivity and alignment with community needs. Involving local knowledge in AI development is critical to producing effective and relevant tools for peacebuilding.
Harmonizing traditional knowledge with AI
AI should enhance—not overshadow—the traditional knowledge and practices of local communities. Integrating AI with local wisdom ensures peacebuilding initiatives remain adaptive, resilient, and sustainable, preserving the invaluable insights of grassroots peacebuilders.
Initiatives for Artificial Intelligence in peacebuilding present a unique opportunity to enhance the effectiveness and reach of local efforts. However, to fully realize this potential, it is imperative to address the challenges of inclusivity, access, cultural sensitivity, and ethics. By fostering a collaborative and ethical approach, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for empowerment, enabling local communities to build lasting peace in a rapidly changing world. As AI continues to evolve, the peacebuilding community must remain vigilant, innovative, and committed to placing local voices at the heart of these technological advancements. Only then can we truly harness the power of AI to create a more peaceful and just world.
