By
Inna Turchenko
Africa-Press – Eritrea. On May 29, the Understanding Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and its Multidimensional and Multispatial Implications for the Public and Private Sector program continued, further engaging its participants from all five continents with thought-provoking topics and globally renowned speakers.
This program was created by IFIMES (International Institute for Middle Eastern and Balkan Studies), SilkRoad 4.0, and the scientific magazine European Perspectives, with the support of international partners, such as Modern Diplomacy, D8, ICCD, Habibie Center, and the like.
What makes this program truly unique is its global scope—both in terms of speakers and participants. It offers an exceptional opportunity to explore worldwide trends without being confined to one country or even one continent. The differences in how AI and robotics are developing across the globe are profound—and often surprising.
The Understanding AI program is an advanced, 8-week international course designed to provide not only technological knowledge but also insight into the ethical, geopolitical, legal, and cultural implications of AI and robotics, an event the AI comparative analysis praised as one of the best on the world’s market. Participants are encouraged to think as systems architects—professionals capable of addressing interconnected global challenges across sectors and regions.
The program’s strength lies in its global reach, featuring diverse speakers and attendees from multiple continents and institutions. Its holistic structure integrates real-world case studies with forward-looking policy analysis. Upon completion, participants become Certified Connectivity Specialists, equipped to navigate complex AI governance issues, initiate cross-sectoral projects, and shape forward-thinking policy on an international level.
Digital Communities and Peace Technology
The second week of the program explored the theme of “Digital Communities and Peace Technology.” This session highlighted how technology can serve as a powerful tool for conflict resolution, international cooperation, and civic engagement, particularly in complex or divided environments. Discussions addressed digital trust-building in multi-spatial settings, cross-border digital communities, and technology-driven peace initiatives.
Featured Keynote Speakers:
● Olga Algayerova, Slovak diplomat and former executive secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Europe (UNECE), shared insights into the role of multilateral diplomacy in building inclusive AI governance frameworks.
● Ilham Akbar Habibie, Chairman of Indonesia’s National ICT Council, Chair of the Agency for Research and Technology at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and Chairman of Regio Aviasi Industri, presented Indonesia’s strategic vision for AI development. He emphasized equitable access and transparency in algorithmic development.
Together, these experts underscored the urgent need to align AI and technological development with human values, societal resilience, and global policymaking mechanisms.
Global Perspectives on AI Governance and Equity
In a recent conversation with a top diplomat, Olga Algayerova— Slovakia’s Permanent Representative to the oldest European multilateral institution, the Council of Europe, and former United Nations Undersecretary General and Executive Secretary of the UN Economic Commission for Europe—participants examined the wide-reaching impact of AI and robotics on governance systems around the world.
The central question raised: How do we ensure a deep, holistic understanding of the multidimensional and multispatial implications of AI for both the public and private sectors?
AI and robotics now affect every domain—economic, legal, social, and cultural—and hold transformative potential to bridge inequalities between the Global North and South.
As Excellency Algayerova emphasized, the need for global AI governance grows more urgent by the day. “We must ensure AI development aligns with human values and that we proactively mitigate threats before they evolve into systemic risks,” she said.
Without appropriate governance, we risk facing issues such as
● Safety and harm to individuals
● Lack of fairness and equality,
● Erosion of global standards and interoperability,
● Geopolitical instability,
● Ethical lapses in development,
● Gaps in collaboration, scientific progress, and capacity building.
Her conversation with participants was practical and forward-thinking. She challenged the group to imagine a world with autonomous systems—exciting and futuristic, yes, but what happens when such systems malfunction or are misused? Regulation is lagging behind manufacturing, creating a potential gap. The solution lies in advancing smart regulations, clear ethical standards, and responsible innovation—ensuring a balance between human agency and machine autonomy.
Voices from Asia: Innovation and Transformation in Indonesia
To bring a perspective from another continent, the program welcomed Dr. Ilham Akbar Habibie, a prominent figure in Indonesia’s aerospace and innovation sectors. He currently serves as chairman of the National ICT Council, chair of the Agency for Research and Technology at the Indonesian Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and chairman of Regio Aviasi Industri.
Dr. Habibie presented Vision 2045, built around four strategic pillars:
1. Human development and mastery of science and technology;
Sustainable economic growth;
Equitable national development;
Strengthening of governance and institutions.
He offered an innovative vision for the integration of AI and robotics into national development. Indonesia, with its young and digitally fluent population, is seizing this opportunity—two-thirds of Millennials and Gen Z believe AI can improve their work–life balance.
The country is investing in high-quality digital infrastructure that emphasizes efficiency, accessibility, and affordability.
However, key challenges persist. Dr. Habibie outlined several strategic priorities:
● Ensuring that AI algorithms are understandable and accountable;
● Making expert access and system transparency more robust and inclusive.
Participants also got a subject worthy of further consideration—how machine learning offers immense promise—where systems not only learn from humans but increasingly from each other, accelerating innovation and real-time problem-solving.
Europe’s Path to Sustainable AI in Agriculture
Dr. Franz Fischler, former European Commissioner for Agriculture, Rural Development, and Fisheries, who also served as the president of the well-known European Forum Alpbach, was intended as the keynote speaker as well for this session. As Excellency Fischler didn’t make it to the program, his earlier, topical work was shared with the participants.
This contextualized contribution was discussing sustainable intensification—increasing agricultural productivity while minimizing environmental harm and conserving natural resources.
Excellency Commissioner emphasized the need for
● Investment in research and development of eco-friendly technologies (such as AI-powered precision agriculture and biological pest control);
● Agile governance models that reduce bureaucratic obstacles;
● Increased EU-level funding for research, innovation, and sustainability.
His message was unequivocal: policy innovation must advance hand in hand with technological innovation to ensure resilient and sustainable ecosystems.
The Road Ahead: Shared Responsibility
After the keynote addresses, this main subject-matter session also featured dynamic, interdisciplinary discussions that included technical, social, and creative aspects of AI. Participants were privileged to have a unique dialogue with Dr. Josef Baker-Brunnbauer, the author of the book “Trustworthy Artificial Intelligence Implementation,” regarding AI ethics, environmental impact, implications for human rights, main AI risks, and policymaking. This particularly engaging discussion also highlighted the correlation between a country’s happiness index and its level of AI development—linking technological progress to human well-being.
Across these dialogues, a consistent message emerged: AI and robotics are no longer abstract concepts—they are embedded in the fabric of nearly every domain of human activity.
However, several practical and strategic questions remain, which are expected to be addressed during the upcoming sessions:
● How can we ensure inclusive access to AI education and capacity-building all over the world?
● What mechanisms can be developed to prevent the monopolization of AI technologies ?”
● Can we balance human burnout with AI-enabled efficiency?
● What are the environmental consequences of AI and robotics—energy use, e-waste, and carbon footprint?
In closing, participants received valuable insights from global leaders on how AI and robotics are evolving—now and in the future. But perhaps the most impactful value of this program was this: the conversations happening in the Understanding Artificial Intelligence, Robotics, and its Multidimensional and Multi-Spatial Implications for the Public and Private Sector program are about the future before it becomes reality.
Stay tuned—the dialogue continues.
moderndiplomacy
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