Kofi Ampeah Woode
The Kofi Annan International Peacekeeping Training Centre (KAIPTC) has introduced a course on Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Peacebuilding, seeking to navigate the intricate landscape of Al applications within the delicate tapestry of peace-building, marrying theoretical understanding with hands-on experiences.
The intersection of AI and peace-building stands as a pivotal frontier in reshaping the strategies and methodologies applied to conflict management and resolution, and the KAIPTC recognizes the urgency of equipping peace-building professionals with the transformative potential embedded in Al technologies.
The course is strategically designed to demystify the complexities of Al, providing participants with a roadmap to navigate the ethical, legal, and operational dimensions of integrating Al in peace-building practices.
It also serves as a beacon, guiding professionals through the integration of Al tools for conflict analysis, data-driven decision-making, and community-centric reconciliation strategies.
The envisioned learning environment fosters interactive engagements, bringing together government officials, Non-Governmental Organizations, academicians, and technologists to share insights, challenges, and best practices.
The United Nations (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 16, which focuses on peace, justice, and strong institutions, underscores the imperative for leveraging technology to build more resilient, inclusive, and sustainable peace, contributing to the global discourse on the responsible use of Al in advancing peace and stability.
By imparting knowledge on the ethical considerations, legal frameworks, and practical applications of AI, KAIPTC seeks to fortify the institutional capabilities of participants, enabling them to harness the transformative potential of Al in complex and dynamic peace-building environments.
It also aims at improving inter-agency collaboration by building the capacity of Defence and Security Sector (Military, Police, Gendarmerie, Intelligence, Immigration etc.) actors, to cooperate in developing and implementing strategies and approaches, to prevent and counter violent extremism, radicalization and terrorism (VERT).
Learning objectives of the course include the following: a) Explain Al and its relevance to peace building, b) Explain historical evolution of Al and its applications within peace-building contexts, c) Analyse the ethical challenges associated with integrating Al in peace-building practices, and d) Demonstrate proficiency in utilizing Al tools for conflict analysis, early warning, and resolution.
Learning Outcomes include; ability to describe the potential contributions of Al to peace-building; evaluate historical applications and technological advancements in Al, which are relevant to peace-building contexts; assess ethical implications associated with the integration of Al in peace-building practices; demonstrate proficiency in using Al tools for conflict analysis, early warning, and resolution.
The training will adopt a Collaborative Problem-Based Learning (CPBL) approach which comprises presentations, group discussions, group work, Q&A sessions, case studies, and practical & field exercises among others.
Targeted participants are professionals involved in peace-building activities mainly in Ghana, such as Government Officials, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs) and Civil Society Representatives, Researchers and Academics, Practitioners in Peace and Conflict Resolution Technologists, Data Analysts in the Peace and Security Sector, and Defence Sector Actors.
The five modules under the course include; 1. Introduction to Al in Peace Building: a) Basics of Al and Machine Learning b) Historical Context and Applications in Peace Building 2. Ethical and Legal Dimensions of Al in Peace Building: a) Responsible Al Practices b) Legal Frameworks and Considerations
No. 3. Al Tools for Conflict Analysis, Early Warning and Decision-making: a) Al and Conflict Analysis b) Al and Early Warning c) Hands-on Sessions with Al Tools d) Data-driven Decision-Making in Peace Building: e) Utilizing Al for Evidence-based Decision-making f) Community Engagement and Reconciliation through Al:
Fourthly; Case Studies on Successful Al Applications and 5. Final Exercise on Al and Peacebuilding
Contact for KAIPTC: info@kaiptc.org or corporate.affairs@kaiptc.org
By Kofi Ampeah-Woode
