Hamad Bin Khalifa University’s Qatar Computing Research Institute (QCRI), together with the Innovation Cell of the Policy and Mediation Division at the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA), marked six years of collaboration in pioneering new technologies for fostering peace.
QCRI has been the host of the annual E-Analytics Innovation Lab in Qatar since 2019, a unique gathering that has brought together over 200 UN analysts and political advisers from around the world.
The Innovation Lab is at the forefront of exploring the application of emerging technologies in the realms of conflict prevention, peace negotiations, and peacebuilding. It delves into a wide range of innovative approaches, including Artificial Intelligence (AI), Big Data Mining, Virtual Reality (VR), and other cutting edge technologies.
Dr Ahmed Elmagarmid, executive director, QCRI, remarked, “Our decade-long collaboration with the United Nations is a testament to the robust bond we share. This alliance has been instrumental in translating our avant-garde research into practical, real-world applications. Our collaboration spans the entire spectrum of the UN’s endeavours, encompassing political, humanitarian, and developmental sectors, ensuring that our expertise in AI and societal computing is harnessed to its fullest potential.”
Representing the UN DPPA Innovation Cell, Dr Martin Waehlisch, shared insights into the recent E-Analytics lab session hosted by QCRI and involving over thirty UN participants. He noted that the workshop introduced participants to the extensive potential of data analytics and principles of design thinking.
“This combination strengthens our work on United Nations peace initiatives, offering new insights and approaches to tackling global challenges,” said Dr Waehlisch.
He also highlighted the alignment of these efforts with the Secretary-General’s UN 2.0 reform agenda, which is geared towards amplifying capacities in innovation, data, digital transformation, behavioural science, and strategic foresight.