Shama urges safeguards for AI use in mediation

State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for responsible use of artificial intelligence in mediation, with safeguards to protect impartiality, transparency and confidentiality.

She made the call at the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Group of Friends of Mediation at Turkish House in New York yesterday (24 September), according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued today (25 September).

“We must mediate before grievances become violence, when human and financial costs are lowest,” Shama said.

Drawing on Bangladesh’s longstanding experience in UN peacekeeping, she urged greater investment in mediation and peacebuilding capacity, including through the Integrated Peacebuilding Competency Programme at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT).

She called for stronger partnerships among states, regional actors, local mediators and the UN, while respecting national ownership of peacebuilding efforts.

Shama also urged the UN to strengthen its capacity for preventive action through predictable funding, mediation support that can be deployed rapidly, and timely engagement informed by early warning.

Finland and Turkiye jointly convened the meeting on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly.