Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how conflicts evolve and how societies become polarized. At the same time, digital technologies are opening new possibilities for participation in peace processes. What implications does this have for the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda—and how can such tools be used to support more inclusive mediation?
This webinar convened by CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation, the United Nations Department of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (UN DPPA) and Peace Research Institute Oslo (PRIO), explores the opportunities and risks that digital technologies, including AI, present for inclusive peace mediation.
The discussion will examine how these technologies can both enable and constrain participation, with a particular focus on gender-responsive approaches. It will feature practical insights and examples from Afghanistan, Armenia and Sudan, and mark the launch of a new Practical Guidance Note for Mediators on Digital Inclusion.
The event forms part of a high-level seminar series on gender and inclusive mediation, jointly implemented by CMI, UN DPPA and PRIO, with the support of Norway and Finland.
RSVP here by 13 April 2026. After registering, you will receive a link to join.
Programme
9:30 – 9:35 Opening remarks by Janne Taalas, CEO of CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation 9:35 – 10:15 Panel discussion:
- Georgette Gagnon Officer-in-Charge and Deputy Special Representative of the Secretary[1]General (Political), UN Assistance Mission in Afghanistan, UNAMA
- Ani Papyan Peacebuilding practitioner, Armenia
- Reem Abbas Feminist activist, researcher and writer, Sudan
- The panel is moderated by Johanna Poutanen, Head of Inclusion and Digital Innovation, CMI – Martti Ahtisaari Peace Foundation
10:15 – 10:20 Commentary remarks by Kristoffer Lidén, Senior researcher, PRIO 10:20 – 10:25 Commentary remarks by Silva Armani, Political Affairs Officer, Innovation Cell, Policy and Mediation Division, UN DPPA 10:25 – 10:35 Questions from the audience 10:35 – 10:40 Concluding remarks from the panellists and moderator 10:40 – 10:45 Closing remarks by Eiko Ikegaya, Chief of Mediation Support and Innovation, Policy and Mediation Division, UN DPPA
