CMI has published a set of principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in peacebuilding. The organization’s commitment is to use AI only where it clearly adds value to human-led peacebuilding.
Artificial intelligence is increasingly influencing the political, social and security frameworks within which peace processes unfold. It is already influencing how conflicts evolve and how peace efforts are designed and delivered, from information flows and public narratives to early warning and mediation support. The question is no longer whether AI will impact peace or conflict, but how it will shape its use and who will shape its use.
Against this backdrop, CMI has launched principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in peacebuilding. This principle underlines CMI’s commitment to using AI in ways that strengthen peace efforts based on human judgment, trust-building, and ethical responsibility.
According to Michele GiovanardiCMI Digital Peace Officer, said: “This is not a call to slow down or stop the use of AI, but rather more investment, more innovation and more collaboration, ensuring that innovation is guided by clear guardrails.”
responsible innovation
While many existing AI principles primarily focus on risk mitigation, CMI’s experience is that safeguards without innovation are not enough. If mediators and peacebuilders do not actively engage with AI, develop meaningful applications, and shape how the technology is used, the field of peacebuilding risks falling behind as AI is deployed elsewhere without much regard for peace outcomes, Giovanardi says.
“Responsible AI for peace is a balancing act,” he added. “We need strong safeguards to reduce risk, but we also need investment in innovation and new applications. If we focus only on what AI should not do, we miss opportunities to explore what AI can do to support dialogue, prevention, and trust-building.”
“This principle underlines CMI’s commitment to using AI in ways that strengthen peace efforts grounded in human judgment, trust-building, and ethical responsibility.”
CMI’s approach is rooted in practice, and AI is only used where it clearly adds value to human-led peacemaking. Examples include strengthening listening and sense-making among diverse stakeholders. Support mediation preparation. Analysis support. Expand media monitoring to better understand conflict dynamics. Enabling more comprehensive conversational processes at scale.
At the same time, CMI recognizes the pitfalls. AI outputs are shaped by existing data, power relations, and political contexts and must be interpreted critically, rather than treated as neutral or authoritative.
Giovanardi added: “CMI does not see AI as a replacement for political processes or human relationships, but as an enabler of mediation, dialogue, de-escalation and preventive engagement.”
He added: “AI tends to be viewed primarily through a defense and security lens. However, lasting security emerges from a combination of defense and peace diplomacy. Investing in AI for peace is not a replacement for security investment, but a necessary complement.”
A call for partnership and shared learning
CMI’s principles are a call for partnership and dialogue. They are a call for governments, the private sector, civil society and research institutions to work together to advance AI applications that truly support peace efforts.
The principles also help foster dialogue with peer organizations and partners across regions, including Europe, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. CMI will convene technology stakeholders, policymakers, and peace activists for a dialogue to consider how AI can be applied responsibly in different political and cultural contexts.
Janne TarasCMI’s CEO emphasizes that CMI wants to be at the forefront of the development and application of AI for peace. “We have innovative pilots, highly capable colleagues, and strong organizational motivation. The next step is to scale this effort through strong partnerships. We have the ingredients. Now we need a collective effort.”
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Leadership by practice: From principles to practice
The principles are the result of a participatory process that involved engagement with the broader peace and policy community, including discussions in international forums such as Geneva Peace Week.
These are also closely linked to CMI’s strategic investments in digital peace. Throughout our work, CMI develops and tests AI-supported applications that enhance listening and sense-making. Enhance analysis of face-to-face interactions. Expand media monitoring. Support intermediary assistance. Improve monitoring and evaluation processes.
These efforts are guided by careful contextual analysis and process design to determine where AI adds value and where it may pose risk.
This principle also aligns with CMI’s internal digital transformation efforts. Trustworthy external deployment of AI must go hand in hand with responsible internal adoption. Therefore, CMI is integrating AI into its own systems, workflows, and management practices in ways that improve analytics, reduce unnecessary administrative burden, and free up resources for meaningful human engagement.
Additionally, this principle will lead to CMI’s upcoming free online courses. Responsible AI for peacedeveloped in partnership with New York University, is scheduled to launch later this year. This course translates these efforts into practical learning for peacebuilders, policy makers, and practitioners.
join the conversation
CMI publishes principles for the responsible use of artificial intelligence in peacebuilding and invites others to engage openly and critically.
- What principles, if any, guide the use of AI?
- How are you currently using AI for peace, mediation, and conflict prevention?
- Where do you see opportunities to collaborate and do better?
CMI welcomes collaboration, discussion, and joint experimentation. ‘PeaceTech’ is a global challenge and opportunity, and shaping it responsibly requires dialogue across sectors, regions and disciplines.
contact:
For more information about CMI’s Artificial Intelligence, please contact us at: Michele GiovanardiProgram Director for Digital Peacebuilding, michele.giovanardi@cmi.fi.
