At the United Nations Summer Program, a student majoring in Computer Science deliberates on the moral implications of AI technology.
Wisdom Obinna, a Ph.D. student in computer science at Georgetown University, recently embarked on an enlightening journey as a Fritz Family Fellow at the United Nations' Graduate Study Programme (GSP) in Geneva. This two-week intensive seminar immersed Obinna and 51 other graduate students from 41 countries in the world of international politics and diplomacy.
The GSP, a well-established educational initiative, offers a comprehensive overview of the United Nations' workings, challenges, and aspirations. Participants engage in lectures, group work, institutional visits, and guided tours around International Geneva, providing a practical, inside view of the UN's global context.
Obinna's time at the GSP was marked by insightful discussions with UN officials, debates on global topics, and the development of policy guidelines. He left the programme inspired not only to learn new languages but also to continue advocating for socially smart tech.
Prior to his UN stint, Obinna's research at Georgetown focused on how AI is affecting artists' creative agency. He also has a background in the topic of AI's impact on global privacy, safety, and security, thanks to his participation in Georgetown's security-focused CS SecLab and collaboration with Assistant Professor Elissa Redmiles.
Obinna's experiences in the U.N. programme encouraged him to approach interdisciplinary collaboration in new ways and to continue advocating for socially smart tech. His belief is that as technologists, they must choose the things they want to be a part of and speak up if they feel something should be done differently.
Before joining the U.N. programme, Obinna participated in the Fellowships at Auschwitz for the Study of Professional Ethics (FASPE). Here, he explored ethical technology practices through the historical context of the Holocaust. His FASPE Design & Technology group was tasked with applying historic lessons to their responsibilities as modern technologists, creating systems that are "safe, smart, and secure."
The GSP aims to give students a better understanding of the context in which the UN operates, its aspirations and challenges, and to develop their own ideas on the way forward. It fosters interdisciplinary collaboration, broadens worldviews, and inspires participants to apply their academic knowledge to real-world global challenges. Additionally, it provides networking opportunities with diplomats, UN officials, and fellow students, which can open doors for future careers in international affairs.
Obinna hopes to use his research as a tool to contribute to the greater good. He believes that as technologists, they must be mindful of the worldwide effects of rapid technological advancement across sectors and choose to be part of systems that are safe, smart, and secure.
In conclusion, Obinna's journey through the United Nations' Graduate Study Programme and FASPE has equipped him with a unique perspective on how to responsibly govern computer science advancements and advocate for socially smart tech. His experiences have urged him to consider the worldwide effects of rapid technological advancement across sectors and to continue advocating for ethical and responsible technology practices.
[1]: The United Nations Graduate Study Programme [3]: The Graduate Study Programme: Impact [5]: The United Nations Graduate Study Programme: A Long-Standing Tradition
- Wisdom Obinna's time at the United Nations Graduate Study Programme (GSP) not only broadened his worldview but also inspired him to pursue research on the impact of artificial-intelligence (AI) on various sectors, particularly focusing on ensuring AI's advancement is safe, smart, and secure.
- The GSP's emphasis on interdisciplinary collaboration and fostering ethical technology practices has motivated Obinna to engage in faculty research, aiming to contribute to the development of a responsible technological environment for the betterment of society.
- In the long run, Obinna hopes the results of his research will provide a career pathway for him to positively influence the UN's workings, global policy-making, and technological advancements, all while remaining committed to promoting socially smart tech.
