6 March 2025, New York, USA– The United Nations Institute for Training and Research office in New York, in collaboration with the Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations, successfully hosted the AI Training for Diplomats: A Women Empowerment Opportunity and Prevention of Bias at UN Headquarters. This landmark event convened diplomats, UN officials, and leading AI experts to examine the profound implications of artificial intelligence on diplomacy, gender equity, and bias mitigation in policymaking.
As artificial intelligence continues to shape global governance, this high-level training provided an essential platform for international representatives to discuss AI’s potential in advancing inclusivity while addressing inherent biases within AI systems. By fostering dialogue between policymakers and AI experts, the event underscored the importance of equipping diplomats with the knowledge and tools to navigate this rapidly evolving technological landscape.
Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations
H.E. Paula Narváez, Permanent Representative of the Mission of Chile to the United Nations, opened the training by emphasizing the need for international cooperation in fostering responsible AI governance. She highlighted Chile’s commitment to advancing gender equality through emerging technologies and underscored the importance of equipping diplomats with the knowledge to navigate AI’s impact on global decision-making.
Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations
The training commenced with a session on the positive applications of AI. We were joined by Doron Avni, VP, of Government Affairs & Public Policy, Emerging Markets at Google, who discussed Google's commitment to bold, responsible AI and how it can drive economic growth and social good.
Ronit Levavi Morad from Google highlighted the positive impact of AI in climate and sustainability, science and health, and learning and education, showcasing Google's efforts to drive meaningful global change.
Amandeep Singh Gill, UN Tech Envoy, provided insights into how AI can be leveraged to promote inclusiveness and gender equity. He emphasized the necessity of diverse participation in AI development and the importance of advocating for policies that actively enhance fairness in AI systems.
Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations
The second session delved into practical strategies for mitigating AI bias and ensuring ethical AI deployment. A distinguished panel of experts provided insights into risk mitigation frameworks and real-world strategies. Eleonore Fournier-Tombs from UN University discussed ethical AI principles and mechanisms for enhancing transparency in AI decision-making. Dr. Ipek Ensari from the Hasso Plattner Institute for Digital Health examined AI’s impact on public health and the risks of algorithmic bias in healthcare. Mia Shah-Dand from Lighthouse 3 provided a critical analysis of AI’s diversity gap and strategies to foster more equitable AI development. Zoë Darme from Google shared insights on strategies to ensure AI systems are safe and helpful for everyone.
Participants engaged in interactive discussions, sharing case studies of AI bias in diplomatic and public policy contexts. The session provided actionable strategies for diplomats to advocate for policies that safeguard against algorithmic discrimination.
Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations
The final session explored the intersection of diplomacy and AI policy, highlighting the importance of multilateral cooperation in shaping responsible AI governance frameworks. High-level diplomats and policymakers shared their perspectives. H.E. Maurizio Massari, Permanent Representative of Italy to the UN, emphasized the role of diplomatic negotiation in setting global AI regulations that promote fairness and ethical use. H.E. Gladys Mokhawa, Permanent Representative of Botswana to the UN, spoke on the importance of capacity-building initiatives to ensure that AI development benefits all nations equitably.
Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations
The training concluded with remarks from Nyle Pierre from the UNITAR office in New York, who highlighted the significance of AI in shaping a more equitable and inclusive global future. He reiterated the importance of diplomatic engagement in AI governance and encouraged continued collaboration to ensure responsible AI development.
This training, co-hosted by UNITAR and the Permanent Mission of Chile to the United Nations, with the participation of leading experts from Google and the United Nations, served as a vital platform for diplomats to deepen their understanding of AI’s role in global governance. By equipping policymakers with the knowledge to advocate for ethical AI practices, the event marked a significant step toward ensuring AI’s transformative potential is harnessed for the benefit of all.