26 October 2024, Geneva, Switzerland - The United Nations Institute for Training and Research (UNITAR) has successfully concluded the inaugural edition of the Certificate on Artificial Intelligence and Professional Skills, further establishing its leadership in providing advanced AI education for global professionals. This two-week intensive online programme brought together a diverse group of participants, all eager to build core competencies in AI and deepen their understanding of AI-driven solutions for diplomacy, strategic planning, communication, and negotiations.

AI is reshaping how we approach sustainable development, aligning directly with global efforts toward achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). From improving educational access and enhancing healthcare delivery to enabling climate resilience, AI offers innovative solutions for many SDG priorities. UNITAR’s commitment to excellence and accessibility in AI training not only aims at building individual skills but also fosters a responsible approach to AI that addresses pressing societal needs, reinforcing the SDGs' objectives. 

Training such as this supports informed decision-making within governments, organizations, and across sectors, empowering professionals to drive sustainable progress through ethical and impactful AI applications. Feedback from participants underscores the programme’s impact: “As a legal practitioner and advocate for AI literacy, the course was a game-changer,” says Patrick Herbert from Nigeria. “I gained fresh insights into AI’s transformative potential in workflows, from strategic decision-making to communication and diplomatic initiatives.” Thanuki Goonesinghe, the technology lawyer from Sri Lanka, noted the course’s engaging group activities and expert-led sessions on critical topics like AI for communication and negotiation. She described the programme as “a fantastic way to gain valuable insights in a short amount of time.”

Expert Contributions to UNITAR’s Certificate on Artificial Intelligence and Professional Skills

The success of the Certificate on Artificial Intelligence and Professional Skills was made possible through the expertise of leading professionals in the fields of AI, digital diplomacy, strategy, humanitarian negotiation, and communication. These distinguished experts provided invaluable insights into the evolving AI landscape, addressing its practical applications, ethical dimensions, and strategic potential for diverse professional sectors.

• Mr. Martin Musiol, founder of generativeAI.net and GenAI Projects lead in Europe for Infosys Consulting, brought his deep knowledge of generative AI to the programme. His sessions drew on years of experience working with global companies to leverage AI for competitive advantage, sharing practical applications of AI models and ethical considerations in the realm of Autonomous AI Agents and Artificial General Intelligence.
• Ms. Fadwa Saad AlBawardi, a seasoned strategist and certified consultant, added her expertise in IT and performance management, developed over 21 years in the field. Ms AlBawardi, a prominent speaker and author, provided unique perspectives on AI’s role in strategic and organizational planning, particularly in public-sector contexts and regulatory frameworks. Her insights drew on her recent participation at the United Nations IGF2023 in Japan, where she highlighted AI’s transformative impact on business and governance.
• Prof. Corneliu Bjola, the world’s first Professor of Digital Diplomacy, brought a crucial international relations perspective, emphasizing the importance of strategic communication and methods to counter disinformation within the AI space. His extensive research on the intersection of digital technology and diplomacy offered participants frameworks for navigating AI’s influence in international affairs.
• Dr. Claude Bruderlein, a Harvard researcher and former strategic advisor to the President of the ICRC, led sessions on negotiation in high-stakes environments. He shared his experience from humanitarian settings to highlight how AI can facilitate strategic planning and frontline negotiations. His expertise offered participants nuanced views on AI’s role in conflict resolution and humanitarian response.
• Ms. Karoline Gericke, a communications expert and founder of Awed Studio, contributed her skills in translating complex AI concepts into accessible, actionable insights. With over 20 years of experience, her sessions focused on empowering participants to communicate AI’s benefits and challenges effectively, an essential skill in today’s digitally driven world.

Following the success of this first edition, UNITAR will continue to expand its portfolio of AI-focused learning opportunities, equipping professionals worldwide with the skills needed to responsibly leverage AI in strategic and operational roles. For more information on upcoming UNITAR initiatives in AI, please visit: the link below or contact Mr. Malcom Olivieri at malcolm.olivieri@unitar.org.