How are shifts in the digital landscape shaping modern conflict? What role do private tech companies have to play? And how should humanitarians respond? BBC News presenter Geeta Guru-Murthy put these questions to Robert Mardini, Director-General of the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), at the opening of CDAC Network’s 2023 Public Forum. Listen to their conversation.

Robert Mardini on the information landscape in conflict

Artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly becoming a critical factor in global governance, international relations and the information environment, and it is crucial that humanitarians understand its implications in conflict contexts.

This panel at CDAC Network's 2023 Public Forum dives into those issues from a macro perspective. Chaired by Helen McElhinney (Executive Director, CDAC Network), the panel features Amil Khan (CEO, Valent), Jonathan Tanner (Founder, Rootcause) and Kristin Bergtora Sandvik (Professor of Legal Sociology, University of Oslo; Research Professor in Humanitarian Studies, Peace Research Institute Oslo).

Who shapes global narratives in today’s AI-enabled world?

Seismic shifts in the digital landscape are reshaping the experience of communication in conflict across the world. Chaired by Dr Gozibert Kamugisha (CDAC Network Governing Board), this critical discussion explores solutions and trade-offs facing conflict-affected communities and humanitarians in the age of AI.

What can build resilience to emerging threats to media freedom and trusted communication in conflict? What skills are required? And how can humanitarian principles inform sector take-up of emerging technologies?

Featuring Briana Orr (Information Services Advisor, International Rescue Committee), Mike Walton (Chief of Digital Service, UNHCR), Stijn Aelbers (Senior Humanitarian Advisor, Internews) and Suzy Madigan (Founder, The Machine Race), this panel discussin took place at the 2023 CDAC Network Public Forum, which addressed the question 'Communication in conflict: can we safeguard lifesaving information in the age of AI?'

How do we scale digital opportunities and secure safer information landscapes in conflict?

CDAC Network is the global alliance of many of the world’s biggest organisations, prioritising communication with and the engagement of communities to reverse the focus of humanitarian and development decision-making – moving from global to local.

Our members include media development, UN agencies, the Red Cross/Red Crescent Movement, NGOs and specialist communications entities. Together, we are committed to putting the power in humanitarian and development action back in the hands of communities.

CDAC Network

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