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Global workshop helps experts rethink AI for global human rights governance and diplomacy

Experts explore and ask tough questions concerning AI, as technology rapidly advances in the fields of diplomacy and global human rights governance.

3 June 2025•4 min read
Leveraging Data and AI in International Relations and Human Rights workshop in progress.

The University of Birmingham is a hub for cutting-edge research exploring AI developments, applications and how governments and societies can make the most of this quickly evolving technology, whilst protecting users and citizens.

As AI continues to reshape both domestic policy and global governance, researchers from the Centre for AI in Government at the University of Birmingham are contributing critical perspectives on foresight and the responsible use of emerging technologies. Their work brings future thinking into international discussions about how AI and data can ethically support diplomacy, human rights, and multilateral governance.

This expertise was demonstrated through the Centre’s contribution to the high-level international workshop, Leveraging Data and AI in International Relations and Human Rights: Building Data Awareness for Evidence-Based Decision-Making, held at the historic Palais Wilson in Geneva on 22–23 May 2025. The event was co-organised by the Data Innovation Lab of the German Federal Foreign Office and the Innovation and Analytics Hub of the Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR).

There is a growing landscape of digital applications in human rights and diplomacy—from early-warning systems to negotiation support tools—but also a great deal of concern and scepticism about the role AI should play in this vital part of public life. This is why we need critical thinking and a cautious, ethically grounded approach when working with dual-use technologies.

Dr Martin Wählisch, University of Birmingham

The workshop brought together diplomats, data scientists, policy practitioners, and human rights experts for a focused exchange on how digital tools—from machine learning to real-time analytics—are already being deployed in peacebuilding, crisis monitoring, and global negotiations.

Keynote speakers included:

  • Ambassador Katharina Stasch, Permanent Representative of Germany to the United Nations in Geneva, and Peggy Hicks, Director of Thematic Engagement at OHCHR, who delivered high-level remarks emphasising the strategic importance of ethical AI in global governance.
  • Gunda Ehmke, Project Lead at the German Federal Foreign Office’s Data Innovation Lab, who explored the geopolitical dimensions of emerging technologies.
  • George Hodge, Head of Data Solutions at OHCHR’s Innovation and Analytics Hub, who presented concrete examples of AI applications already in use for human rights monitoring.
  • Philip Oedi, Data Scientist at the German Foreign Office, who focused on AI-supported tools for international negotiation processes.

The workshop highlighted not only the technological innovation underway in global governance, but also the ongoing scepticism and concern among practitioners about how such tools are implemented. Participants explored frameworks for transparency, accountability, and dual-use risk mitigation in complex operational settings.

Dr Martin Wählisch, Associate Professor of Transformative Technologies, Innovation and Global Affairs at the University of Birmingham, led a dedicated session titled The Future of Computational Global Affairs. His contribution focused on the ethical design and long-term implications of AI tools in diplomacy, peace processes, and international human rights frameworks.

As the pace of digital transformation accelerates, the University of Birmingham continues to contribute critical academic thinking to policy-focused international conversations...

Dr Martin Wählisch, University of Birmingham

Dr Wählisch said: “This workshop underlined why it is critical for practitioners to stay both tech-literate and future-literate. There is a growing landscape of digital applications in human rights and diplomacy—from early-warning systems to negotiation support tools—but also a great deal of concern and scepticism about the role AI should play in this vital part of public life. This is why we need critical thinking and a cautious, ethically grounded approach when working with dual-use technologies.”

Drawing on the University’s recent publication Big Questions About AI, Dr. Wählisch emphasised the importance of values-based design and futures literacy to navigate the complex terrain of AI-powered governance.

Dr Wählisch concluded: “As the pace of digital transformation accelerates, the University of Birmingham continues to contribute critical academic thinking to policy-focused international conversations—ensuring that technological progress remains grounded in ethical responsibility and democratic values.”

Notes for editors

  • For media inquiries, please contact Ellie Hail, Communications Officer, University of Birmingham on +44 (0)7966 311 409. Out-of-hours, please call +44 (0) 121 414 2772.

  • The University of Birmingham is ranked amongst the world’s top 100 institutions. Its work brings people from across the world to Birmingham, including researchers, teachers and more than 8,000 international students from over 150 countries.

Featured staff

  • Dr Martin Wählisch

    Associate Professor of Transformative Technologies, Innovation and Global Affairs

    Dr. Martin Wählisch's work explores how emerging technologies and futures thinking can advance international relations, enhance peace processes, and drive sustainable development.

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