Pioneers at Crossroads

In this episode, we explore with David Manset, Senior Project Coordinator at the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the transformative potential of open-source AI. From defining what it really means, to examining who builds it—and who gets left out—David shares insights on why open AI matters, how communities collaborate to shape it, and the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead. We also dive into ITU’s role in fostering inclusive, participatory innovation in the AI space. Whether you're a technologist, policymaker, or curious listener, this conversation sheds light on the evolving ecosystem of open-source artificial intelligence.

In this episode, we speak with Raffaele Rodogno, Associate Professor of Ethics at the University of Lausanne and EPFL. He reflects on his journey into ethics, beginning with a strong interest in justice and shaped by research into pharmaceutical regulation. This background led to his current focus on the ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence. The conversation explores the current state of AI regulation, which remains uneven and often lags behind technological developments. Raffaele also introduces an ethical framework he is developing to help make existing principles more applicable in practice. The discussion closes with thoughts on the importance of AI education in preparing future generations to navigate and engage with emerging technologies.

Today we speak with Claude Bruderlein, faculty researcher and instructor on frontline negotiation at Harvard University and at the Geneva Graduate Institute. The advancement of AI is poised to revolutionize the craft of negotiation, transitioning it from an individualized, case-by-case practice to a more systematic and ambitious profession. With AI tools offering unprecedented capabilities for complex analysis, negotiators can achieve deeper insights into party positions, stakeholder dynamics, and areas of influence. AI enables negotiators to broaden their scope, moving beyond immediate problem-solving to crafting collaborative solutions for global challenges. 

On average, we spend over six hours a day online, much of it immersed in social media, video streaming, and other digital platforms. This constant connectivity has fueled growing concerns about digital addiction, as these technologies are designed to capture and monetize our attention. In this episode, Eliane Minassian-Kellermann, Head of Wellbeing at the Geneva Graduate Institute, and Dr. Souhail Belhadj Klaz, Visiting Professor, explore the mental health implications of digital technologies and discuss best practices for safeguarding our well-being.

Welcome to this podcast on science, technology and diplomacy, brought to you from the heart of multilateralism: Geneva, Switzerland. In this forward-looking podcast, members of the Geneva Graduate Institute community interview experts with diverse backgrounds and perspectives to explore recent developments and emerging trends at the intersection of science, technology and diplomacy. Today we speak with Corneliu Bjola, Professor of Digital Diplomacy at the University of Oxford and Head of the Oxford Digital Diplomacy Research Group.