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Kurbalija: Digital tools are reshaping diplomacy

Once the global stage for peace negotiations and humanitarian accords, Geneva finds itself at the heart of a new kind of diplomacy shaped by algorithms, data flows, and AI. Jovan Kurbalija, Executive Director of Diplo and Head of the Geneva Internet Platform, believes this transformation reflects Geneva’s long tradition of engaging with science, technology, and global governance. He explained this in an interview with Léman Bleu.

Diplo, a Swiss-Maltese foundation, supports diplomats and international professionals as they navigate the increasingly complex landscape of digital governance.

‘Where we once trained them to understand the internet,’ Kurbalija explains, ‘we now help them grasp and negotiate issues around AI and digital tools.’

The foundation not only aids diplomats in addressing cyber threats and data privacy but also equips them with AI-enhanced tools for negotiation, public communication, and consular protection.

According to Kurbalija, digital governance touches everyone. From how our phones are built to how data moves across borders, nearly 50 distinct issues—from cybersecurity and e-commerce to data protection and digital standards—are debated in the corridors of International Geneva. These debates are no longer reserved for specialists because they affect the everyday lives of billions.

Kurbalija draws a fascinating connection between Geneva’s philosophical heritage and today’s technological dilemmas. Writers like Mary Shelley, Voltaire, and Borges, each with ties to Geneva, grappled with themes eerily relevant today: unchecked scientific ambition, the tension between freedom and control, and the challenge of processing vast amounts of knowledge. He dubs this tradition ‘EspriTech de Genève,’ a spirit of intellectual inquiry that still echoes in debates over AI and its impact on society.

AI, Kurbalija warns, is both a marvel and a potential menace.

‘It’s not exactly Frankenstein,’ he says, ‘but without proper governance, it could become one.’

As technology evolves, so must international mechanisms ensure it serves humanity rather than endangers it.

Diplomacy, meanwhile, is being reshaped not just in terms of content but in method. Digital tools allow diplomats to engage more directly with the public and make negotiations more transparent. Yet, the rise of social media has its downsides. Public broadcasting of diplomatic proceedings risks undermining the very privacy and trust needed to reach a compromise.

‘Diplomacy,’ Kurbalija notes, ‘needs space to breathe—to think, negotiate, resolve.’

He also cautions against the growing concentration of AI and data power in the hands of a few corporations.

‘We risk having our collective knowledge privatised, commodified, and sold back to us,’ he says.

The antidote? A push for more inclusive, bottom-up AI development that empowers individuals, communities, and nations.

As Geneva continues its historic role in shaping the future, Kurbalija’s message is clear: managing technology wisely is not just a diplomatic challenge—it’s a global necessity.

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AI model detects infections from wound photos

Mayo Clinic researchers have developed an AI system capable of detecting surgical site infections from wound photographs submitted by patients. The model was trained using over 20,000 images from more than 6,000 persons across nine hospital locations.

The AI pipeline identifies whether a photo contains a surgical incision and then evaluates that incision for infection. Known as Vision Transformer, the model accurately recognises incisions and scores high in AUC in infection detection.

Medical staff review outpatient wound images manually, which can delay care and burden resources. Automating this process may improve early diagnosis, reduce unnecessary visits, and speed up responses to high-risk cases.

Researchers believe the tool could eventually serve as a frontline screening method, especially helpful in rural or understaffed areas. Consistent performance across diverse patient groups also suggests a lower risk of algorithmic bias, though further validation remains essential.

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Rights before risks: Rethinking quantum innovation at WSIS+20

At the WSIS+20 High-Level Event in Geneva, a powerful call was made to ensure the development of quantum technologies remains rooted in human rights and inclusive governance. A UNESCO-led session titled ‘Human Rights-Centred Global Governance of Quantum Technologies’ presented key findings from a new issue brief co-authored with Sciences Po and the European University Institute.

It outlined major risks—such as quantum’s dual-use nature threatening encryption, a widening technological divide, and severe gender imbalances in the field—and urged immediate global action to build safeguards before quantum capabilities mature.

UNESCO’s Guilherme Canela emphasised that innovation and human rights are not mutually exclusive but fundamentally interlinked, warning against a ‘false dichotomy’ between the two. Lead author Shamira Ahmed highlighted the need for proactive frameworks to ensure quantum benefits are equitably distributed and not used to deepen global inequalities or erode rights.

With 79% of quantum firms lacking female leadership and a mere 1 in 54 job applicants being women, the gender gap was called ‘staggering.’ Ahmed proposed infrastructure investment, policy reforms, capacity development, and leveraging the UN’s International Year of Quantum to accelerate global discussions.

Panellists echoed the urgency. Constance Bommelaer de Leusse from Sciences Po advocated for embedding multistakeholder participation into governance processes and warned of a looming ‘quantum arms race.’ Professor Pieter Vermaas of Delft University urged moving from talk to international collaboration, suggesting the creation of global quantum research centres.

Journalist Elodie Vialle raised alarms about quantum’s potential to supercharge surveillance, endangering press freedom and digital privacy, and underscored the need to close the cultural gap between technologists and civil society.

Overall, the session championed a future where quantum technology is developed transparently, governed globally, and serves as a digital public good, bridging divides rather than deepening them. Speakers agreed that the time to act is now, before today’s opportunities become tomorrow’s crises.

Track all key events from the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 on our dedicated page.

Women researchers showcase accessibility breakthroughs at WSIS

At the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 in Geneva, the session titled ‘Media and Education for All: Bridging Female Academic Leaders and Society towards Impactful Results’ spotlighted how female academic experts are applying AI to make media and education more inclusive and accessible. Organised by the AXS-CAT network at Universitat Autònoma de Barcelona and moderated by Dr Anita Lamprecht from Diplo, the session showcased a range of innovative projects that translate university research into real-world impact.

One highlight was the ENACT project, presented by Professor Ana Matamala, which develops simplified news content to serve audiences such as migrants, people with intellectual disabilities, and language learners. While 13 European organisations already offer some easy-to-understand content, challenges remain in maintaining journalistic integrity while ensuring accessibility.

Meanwhile, Professor Pilar Orero unveiled three AI-driven projects: Mosaic, a searchable public broadcaster archive hub; Alfie, which tackles AI bias in media; and a climate change initiative focused on making scientific data more comprehensible to the public. Several education-centred projects also took the stage.

Dr Estella Oncins introduced the Inclusivity project, which uses virtual reality to engage neurodiverse students and promote inclusive teaching methods. Dr Mireia Farrus presented Scribal, a real-time AI-powered transcription and translation tool for university lectures, tailored to support Catalan language users and students with hearing impairments.

Additionally, Dr Mar Gutierrez Colon shared two accessibility tools: a gamified reading app for children in Kenya and an English language test adapted for students with special educational needs. During the Q&A, discussions turned to the challenges of teaching fast-evolving technologies like AI, especially given the scarcity of qualified educators.

The speakers emphasised that digital accessibility is not just a technical concern but a matter of educational justice, advocating for stronger collaboration between academia and industry to ensure inclusive learning opportunities for all.

Track all key events from the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 on our dedicated page.

Two decades on, WSIS+20 sets course for inclusive digital future

The WSIS+20 High-Level Event opened in Geneva with a celebratory yet forward-looking tone, marking the 20th anniversary of the World Summit on the Information Society. With over 160 countries represented and over 50,000 stakeholders having engaged with WSIS over the years, speakers reflected on the summit’s legacy in expanding global internet access, from just 16% in 2003 to 68% today.

ITU Secretary-General Doreen Bogdan-Martin called multistakeholder collaboration ‘the beating heart of WSIS,’ reaffirming its importance in guiding digital development. Despite the gains, participants underscored stark digital divides that persist, particularly in the Global South.

UNCTAD’s Deputy Secretary-General Pedro Manuel Moreno emphasised the contrast between societies benefiting from AI and others, where 3.4 billion people remain offline. UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Communication and Information, Tawfik Jelassi, warned of rising misinformation and urged a ‘WSIS 2.0’ vision that places ethics, human rights, and peace at the core of the digital agenda. Agi Veres, Director of the UNDP Representation Office in Geneva, echoed the call for technology to empower people rather than outpace them, championing a rights-based, inclusive approach to emerging tech like AI.

In a symbolic leadership transition, Switzerland handed the WSIS chairmanship to South Africa. Minister of Communications and Digital Technologies of South Africa, Solly Malatsi, accepted the role by stressing that participants represent not merely institutions but the digital hopes of people everywhere, from remote villages to bustling capitals. The handover represents continuity and a renewed global commitment to building a trustworthy and equitable information society.

As preparations begin for the UN General Assembly’s overall review of WSIS later this year, the event has set a clear tone: the digital future must be shaped by cooperation, inclusivity, and a shared responsibility to ensure no one is left behind.

Track all key events from the WSIS+20 High-Level Event 2025 on our dedicated page.

Ari Aster warns of AI’s creeping normality ahead of Eddington release

Ari Aster, the director behind Hereditary and Midsommar, is sounding th e alarm on AI. In a recent Letterboxd interview promoting his upcoming A24 film Eddington, Aster described his growing unease with AI.

He framed it as a quasi-religious force reshaping reality in ways that are already irreversible. ‘If you talk to these engineers… they talk about AI as a god,’ said Aster. ‘They’re very worshipful of this thing. Whatever space there was between our lived reality and this imaginal reality — that’s disappearing.’

Aster’s comments suggest concern not just about the technology, but about the mindset surrounding its development. Eddington, set during the COVID-19 pandemic, is a neo-Western dark comedy.
It stars Joaquin Phoenix and Pedro Pascal as a sheriff and a mayor locked in a bitter digital feud.

The film reflects Aster’s fears about the dehumanising impact of modern technology. He drew from the ideas of media theorist Marshall McLuhan, referencing his phrase: ‘Man is the sex organ of the machine world.’ Aster asked, ‘Is this technology an extension of us, are we extensions of this technology, or are we here to usher it into being?’

The implication is clear: AI may not simply assist humanity—it might define it. Aster’s films often explore existential dread and loss of control. His perspective on AI taps into similar fears, but in real life. ‘The most uncanny thing about it is that it’s less uncanny than I want it to be,’ he said.

‘I see AI-generated videos, and they look like life. The longer we live in them, the more normal they become.’ The normalisation of artificial content strikes at the core of Aster’s unease. It also mirrors recent tensions in Hollywood over AI’s role in creative industries.

In 2023, WGA and SAG-AFTRA fought for protections against AI-generated scripts and likenesses. Their strike shut down the industry for months, but won language limiting AI use.

The battles highlighted the same issue Aster warns of—losing artistic agency to machines. ‘What happens when content becomes so seamless, it replaces real creativity?’ he seems to ask.

‘Something huge is happening right now, and we have no say in it,’ he said. ‘I can’t believe we’re actually going to live through this and see what happens. Holy cow.’ Eddington is scheduled for release in the United States on 18 July 2025.

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Why AI won’t replace empathy at work

AI is increasingly being used to improve how organisations measure and support employee performance and well-being.

According to Dr Serena Huang, founder of Data with Serena and author of The Inclusion Equation, AI provides insights that go far beyond traditional annual reviews or turnover statistics.

AI tools can detect early signs of burn o ut, identify high-potential staff, and even flag overly controlling management styles. More importantly, they offer the potential to personalise development pathways based on employee needs and aspirations.

Huang emphasises, however, that ethical use is vital. Transparency and privacy must remain central to ensure AI empowers rather than surveils workers. Far from making human skills obsolete, Huang argues that AI increases their value.

With machines handling routine analysis, people are free to focus on complex challenges and relationship-building—critical skills in sales, leadership, and team dynamics. AI can assist, but it is emotional intelligence and empathy that truly drive results.

To ensure data-driven efforts align with business goals, Huang urges companies to ask better questions. Understanding what challenges matter to stakeholders helps ensure that any AI d e ployment addresses real-world needs. Regular check-ins and progress reviews help maintain alignment.

Rather than fear AI as a job threat, Huang encourages individuals to embrace it as a tool for growth. Staying curious and continually learning can ensure workers remain relevant in an evolving market.

She also highlights the strategic advantage of prioritising employee well-being. Companies that invest in mental health, work-life balance, and inclusion enjoy higher productivity and retention.

With younger workers placing a premium on wellness and values, businesses that foster a caring culture will attract top talent and stay competitive. Ultimately, Huang sees AI not as a replacement for people, but as a catalyst for more human-centric, data-informed workplaces.

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Gemini AI suite expands to help teachers plan and students learn

Google has unveiled a major expansion of its Gemini AI tools tailored for classroom use, launching over 30 features to support teachers and students. These updates include personalised AI-powered lesson planning, content generation, and interactive study guides.

Teachers can now create custom AI tutors, known as ‘Gems’, to assist students with specific academic needs using their own teaching materials. Google’s AI reading assistant is also gaining real-time support features through the Read Along tool in Classroom, enhancing literacy development for younger users.

Students and teachers will benefit from wider access to Google Vids, the company’s video creation app, enabling them to create instructional content and complete multimedia assignments.

Additional features aim to monitor student progress, manage AI permissions, improve data security, and streamline classroom content delivery using new Class tools.

By placing AI directly into the hands of educators, Google aims to offer more engaging and responsive learning, while keeping its tools aligned with classroom goals and policies. The rollout continues Google’s bid to take the lead in the evolving AI-driven edtech space.

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The cognitive cost of AI: Balancing assistance and awareness

The double-edged sword of AI assistance

The rapid integration of AI tools like ChatGPT into daily life has transformed how we write, think, and communicate. AI has become a ubiquitous companion, helping students with essays and professionals streamline emails.

However, a new study by MIT raises a crucial red flag: excessive reliance on AI may come at the cost of our own mental sharpness. Researchers discovered that frequent ChatGPT users showed significantly lower brain activity, particularly in areas tied to critical thinking and creativity.

The study introduces a concept dubbed ‘cognitive debt,’ a reminder that while AI offers convenience, it may undermine our cognitive resilience if not used responsibly.

MIT’s method: How the study was conducted

The MIT Media Lab study involved 54 participants split into three groups: one used ChatGPT, another used traditional search engines, and the third completed tasks unaided. Participants were assigned writing exercises over multiple sessions while their brain activity was tracked using electroencephalography (EEG).

That method allowed scientists to measure changes in alpha and beta waves, indicators of mental effort. The findings revealed a striking pattern: those who depended on ChatGPT demonstrated the lowest brain activity, especially in the frontal cortex, where high-level reasoning and creativity originate.

Diminished mental engagement and memory recall

One of the most alarming outcomes of the study was the cognitive disengagement observed in AI users. Not only did they show reduced brainwave activity, but they also struggled with short-term memory.

Many could not recall what they had written just minutes earlier because the AI had done most of the cognitive heavy lifting. This detachment from the creative process meant that users were no longer actively constructing ideas or arguments but passively accepting the machine-generated output.

The result? A diminished sense of authorship and ownership over one’s own work.

Homogenised output: The erosion of creativity

The study also noted a tendency for AI-generated content to appear more uniform and less original. While ChatGPT can produce grammatically sound and coherent text, it often lacks the personal flair, nuance, and originality that come from genuine human expression.

Essays written with AI assistance were found to be more homogenised, lacking distinct voice and perspective. This raises concerns, especially in academic and creative fields, where originality and critical thinking are fundamental.

The overuse of AI could subtly condition users to accept ‘good enough’ content, weakening their creative instincts over time.

The concept of cognitive debt

‘Cognitive debt’ refers to the mental atrophy that can result from outsourcing too much thinking to AI. Like financial debt, this form of cognitive laziness builds over time and eventually demands repayment, often in the form of diminished skills when the tool is no longer available.

Participants who became accustomed to using AI found it more challenging to write without it later on. The reliance suggests that continuous use without active mental engagement can erode our capacity to think deeply, form complex arguments, and solve problems independently.

A glimmer of hope: Responsible AI use

Despite these findings, the study offers hope. Participants who started tasks without AI and only later integrated it showed significantly better cognitive performance.

That implies that when AI is used as a complementary tool rather than a replacement, it can support learning and enhance productivity. By encouraging users to first engage with the problem and then use AI to refine or expand their ideas, we can strike a healthy balance between efficiency and mental effort.

Rather than abstinence, responsible usage is the key to retaining our cognitive edge.

Use it or lose it

The MIT study underscores a critical reality of our AI-driven era: while tools like ChatGPT can boost productivity, they must not become a substitute for thinking itself. Overreliance risks weakening the faculties defining human intelligence—creativity, reasoning, and memory.

The challenge in the future is to embrace AI mindfully, ensuring that we remain active participants in the cognitive process. If we treat AI as a partner rather than a crutch, we can unlock its full potential without sacrificing our own.

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Taiwan leads in AI defence of democracy

Taiwan has emerged as a global model for using AI to defend democracy, earning recognition for its success in combating digital disinformation.

The island joined a new international coalition led by the International Foundation for Electoral Systems to strengthen election integrity through AI collaboration.

Constantly targeted by foreign actors, Taiwan has developed proactive digital defence systems that serve as blueprints for other democracies.

Its rapid response strategies and tech-forward approach have made it a leader in countering AI-powered propaganda.

While many nations are only beginning to grasp the risks posed by AI to democratic systems, Taiwan has already faced these threats and adapted.

Its approach now shapes global policy discussions around safeguarding elections in the digital era.

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