Tech attache briefing: WSIS+20 zero draft and AI capacity building
The event is part of a series of regular briefings the Geneva Internet Platform (GIP) is delivering for diplomats at permanent missions and delegations in Geneva following digital policy issues. It is an invitation-only event
On 4 September, we resumed our briefings for Geneva diplomats with one focused on two important topics on the global digital governance agenda: reviewing 20 years of implementation of the outcomes of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) and capacity building in artificial intelligence (AI).
We unpacked two documents:
The WSIS+20 review zero draft. Following multiple consultations over the past few months, the zero draft covers issues such as digital divides, ICT for development, human rights, internet governance and the future of the Internet Governance Forum (IGF), as well as links between WSIS and Global Digital Compact (GDC) mechanisms. This draft will be the starting point for negotiations among UN member states, ahead of the December 2025 high-level meeting of the General Assembly.
The UN Secretary-General’s report on ‘Innovative voluntary financing options for AI capacity building’, requested by member states in the GDC. Among other elements, the report talks about a Global Fund for AI, with an initial target of US$1–3 billion, aimed at helping ensure that all countries have a minimum level of capacity in AI-related skills, compute, data, and models. And it also outlines options for capitalisation (e.g. a ‘voluntary digital infrastructure transaction contribution’) and disbursement of the fund.
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For inquiries, contact us at geneva@diplomacy.edu.
AI Apprenticeship for IOs · From diplomats to AI builders
Equipping IOs with practical AI solutions
Discover how professionals in international Geneva – from the UN, WHO, to CERN – are creating AI assistants to support global cooperation.
As artificial intelligence (AI) reshapes how we work, International Organisations face a clear challenge: how to ensure AI strengthens, rather than disrupts, their ability to deliver on complex global mandates.
Unlike technical training or abstract policy discussions, this apprenticeship focuses on enabling professionals to design and build AI tools directly relevant to their daily work, whether that’s improving access to information, enhancing communication, or supporting better decision-making.
Throughout the program, participants
explore how AI works without needing to become a developer
understand governance, ethics, and trust considerations
build and deploy a tailored AI assistant addressing a concrete, real-world need within their organisation
join a community of peers working at the intersection of AI, diplomacy, and global governance
Below, we are featuring a selection of projects created by our participants in the Geneva AI Apprenticeship for IOs program. Each reflects how AI, when designed thoughtfully and applied responsibly, can complement human expertise and support the work of IOs, from improving access to institutional knowledge to tackling misinformation.
The AI Apprenticeship is part of Diplo’s broader effort to close the AI skills gap in international Geneva and beyond, ensuring that those shaping global policy also have the tools to navigate and shape the AI era.
The AI Apprenticeship publication explores how learning by building can equip professionals with the skills, ethics, and adaptability needed for the AI era. Inspired by the Swiss vocational model, it presents a human-centred approach to navigating digital transformation. Drawing on Diplo’s experience, it demonstrates how even non-technical professionals can gain confidence and competence in using AI.
Navigating through the forest of knowledge with an AI assistant.
AI Projects for IOs · From concept to real-world impact
What happens when you put AI development tools directly into the hands of diplomats, communication heads, and humanitarian experts? These projects are the answer. Discover the powerful assistants built not by programmers but by the professionals facing these global challenges every day.
Diplo Helper · AI for Accessible Emerging Technology
Created by: Luis Bobo Garcia
Organisation: United Nations
Project: Diplo Helper – AI for Accessible Emerging Technology Insights
Luis Bobo Garcia, an Associate Information Systems Officer, works at the intersection of diplomacy and emerging technologies. As AI, quantum computing, and blockchain reshape international discussions, translating these complex topics for non-technical audiences has become increasingly critical.
Through the AI Apprenticeship, Luis developed Diplo Helper, an AI assistant designed to make emerging technologies more accessible to diplomats and policymakers. The tool provides clear, structured insights on key technologies, supporting more informed engagement in international policy discussions.
This project highlights how targeted AI solutions can bridge the gap between technical complexity and the practical needs of global governance. To test the AI Assistant, click here:
Project: AI in Digital Communications at WHO – Ensuring Responsible AI Use in Global Health Messaging
Through the AI Apprenticeship, Sara developed an AI assistant that provides practical guidance on using AI in WHO communications. The tool offers accessible information on official guidelines, ethical considerations, and best practices, supporting responsible innovation within the organisation.
The project reflects the growing need for governance frameworks that enable the adoption of AI while safeguarding public trust in global health communication. To test the AI Assistant, click here:
Project: Editron – AI-Powered Language Support for CERN Communications
As Digital Communications Lead at CERN, Daniela Antonio works where scientific precision extends beyond research to communication. Maintaining consistent language standards, especially for social media, is essential yet resource-intensive.
As part of the AI Apprenticeship, Daniela developed Editron, an AI-based language assistant tailored to CERN’s English Language Style Guide. The tool streamlines copy-editing processes, ensuring consistent, high-quality content across CERN’s communication channels.
This project demonstrates how AI can be customised to meet particular operational needs within international scientific organisations. To test the AI Assistant, click here:
Organisation: United Nations International Computing Centre (UNICC)
Project: Geneva Loop Events Guide – AI for Navigating Geneva’s Multilateral Landscape
Amina Osmanova, an Associate Programme Management Officer at UNICC, operates within Geneva’s fast-paced multilateral environment, where staying informed on relevant events and developments is essential yet time-consuming.
To address this, Amina developed the Geneva Loop Events Guide. This AI assistant curates personalised updates on events, deadlines, and developments in areas such as AI, cybersecurity, and digital governance, including major conferences like AI for Good.
The project demonstrates how AI can improve situational awareness and connectivity within complex international ecosystems. To test the AI Assistant, click here:
Project: UNHCR Data Pal – Unlocking Institutional Knowledge for Humanitarian Action
Matthew William Saltmarsh, Head of News & Media at UNHCR, works with institutional data essential for evidence-based humanitarian response. Yet, accessing specific insights from decades of UNHCR reports remains a labour-intensive process.
Matthew developed UNHCR Data Pal, an AI assistant trained on UNHCR reports from 2003 to 2025. The tool enables rapid extraction of relevant data, identification of trends, and access to evidence-based insights.
The project demonstrates how AI can unlock institutional knowledge, streamline analysis, and support more agile, informed decision-making in the humanitarian sector. To test the AI Assistant, click here:
Project: Chatbot on Public Health Misinformation AI to Support Evidence-Based Communication
Diya Banerjee, WHO’s Head of Social Media, addresses one of the most pressing challenges in global health: the spread of misinformation. False health claims on social media can undermine public health responses and erode trust.
To address this challenge, Diya developed the Chatbot on Public Health Misinformation designed to monitor emerging myths and provide fact-checked information from authoritative sources such as the WHO and the CDC.
The project highlights how AI can be deployed proactively to strengthen science-based public health communication and counter misinformation on a large scale. The AI Assistant will be released shortly.
Explore the Projects. Share Your Insights.
The AI solutions developed through this showcase reflect the creativity and expertise of professionals across the international Geneva community. Each project addresses a real-world challenge, demonstrating how AI can support the unique missions of International Organisations.
We invite you to explore these projects and to share your feedback or questions.
Together, we can advance the responsible and practical use of AI in global governance.
Discover real-world AI applications.
From Information Warfare to Youth Rights: Building Resilience Through Digital Democracy
The Czech permanent mission organised an event on 20th June 2025 “From Information Warfare to Youth Rights: Building Resilience Through Digital Democracy”. The discussion was at the nexus between information warfare and the rights of young people. It focused on disinformation campaigns and other forms of malign interference in relation to freedom of expression and access to information.
Tereza Horejsova of DiploFoundation speaking at an event organized by the Permanent Mission of the Czech Republic to the UN Office in Geneva
The event brought together young delegates from the Czech Republic, Finland, Lithuania and Poland.
Tereza shared thoughts on mis and disinformation especially in relation to AI and built on findings of a study Diplo conducted in 2024 on decoding disinformation.
Evening Reception on the Use of AI in Humanitarian Contexts
The Permanent Missions of the United Kingdom and Switzerland hosted an evening reception and panel discussion on ‘What Next for the Use of AI in Humanitarian Contexts?‘ With leading experts and policymakers, Diplo explored AI’s opportunities and challenges in humanitarian action, shared best practices, and discussed responsible innovation.
Related actors:
Related people:
Expert Workshop on the Rule of Law and Human Rights Aspects of Using Artificial Intelligence for Counter-Terrorism Purposes
Diplo attended the expert workshop on “The Rule of Law and Human Rights Aspects of Using Artificial Intelligence for Counter-Terrorism Purposes”.
The Geneva Centre for Security Policy (GCSP) organised the workshop in collaboration with the United Nations Security Council Counter-Terrorism Committee Executive Directorate (CTED) and the Federal Department of Foreign Affairs FDFA of Switzerland.
The event brought together 39 experts to explore the challenges and opportunities of applying human rights-centred approaches to the use of AI in counter-terrorism efforts.
AI Accountability and Digital Trade: Policy Options for the UK
Everyday interactions are mediated by algorithms, with significant impacts for the individual, economies, and wider society. The AI-as-a-service global market is growing rapidly, and governments are struggling to regulate this phenomenon effectively. Discussions are siloed, fragmented nationally, and isolated from international trade policy discussions. The workshops will bring together researchers with legal, trade and technical expertise to build a shared understanding of the opportunities for and barriers to the examination of algorithms in the context of a rapidly growing global market for AI-as-a-service.
