On February 5, 2025 I discussed Ron Salaj’s research “Artificial Intelligence in Development and Humanitarian Work: Promises, Paradoxes, and Perils” in the online webinar organised by the Minister of Foreign Affair and International Cooperation.

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is often celebrated as a transformative tool to address global challenges. On the other hand, the use of AI technologies is not without contradictions.

The research “Artificial Intelligence in Development and Humanitarian Work: Promises, Paradoxes, and Perils” (Artificial Intelligence in Development and Humanitarian Work: Promises, Paradoxes, and Perils), available at this link, starts from these considerations. Conducted by Impactskills, in collaboration with the University of Turin and the University of Manchester and supported by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, it aims to understand how predictive and generative AI is integrated into development and humanitarian practices and what ethical and social challenges it brings with it. And again, to what extent these technologies contribute to the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) or if, on the contrary, they hinder it.

Program

h. 10:05-10:20 – Saluti istituzionali
Dott.ssa Giuliana Del Papa, Capo dell’Unità Analisi e Programmazione del Ministero degli Affari Esteri e della Cooperazione Internazionale
Prof. Egidio Dansero, full professor of Economic and Political Geography (M-GGR/02)Vice Rector Vicar of Sustainability and Development Cooperation
Prof. Guido Boella, full professor of Computer Science, Vice-rector Vicar of the University of Turin for the promotion of relations with companies and trade associations of enterprises, and member of the Iatly’s National Commission on AI.

h. 10:20-10:50 – Presentazione dei risultati della ricerca
Dott. Ron Salaj, Strategic & Research Director at ImpactSkills

h. 10:50-11:20 – Riflessioni sui risultati della ricerca
Discussant:
Prof Elisa Bignante professor of Economic and Political Geography, Dip. CPS, University of Turin.
Prof Guido Boella, full professor of Computer Science, Vice-rector Vicar of the University of Turin for the promotion of relations with companies and trade associations of enterprises, and member of the Iatly’s National Commission on AI.
Prof Chiara Certomà professor of Economic and Political Geography, Università degli Studi di Roma “La Sapienza”.
Prof. Gianluca Iazzolino, University of Manchester.

h. 11:20-11:50 – Q&A