context
Artificial intelligence (AI) has rapidly become a pervasive governance issue, particularly in the fields of international security and disarmament. While there is no formal UN process to specifically discuss AI in this context, apart from the Group of Governmental Experts on Certain Conventional Weapons for Lethal Autonomous Weapon Systems, AI is increasingly becoming a topic of discussion in other UN processes on cybersecurity, disarmament and terrorism.
However, a common feature of international security processes is the underrepresentation of women. UNIDIR research shows that on average only one-third of diplomats accredited to arms control, non-proliferation and disarmament forums are women. As a result, these forums not only lack equal participation, but also become vulnerable to oversight regarding the gendered impacts of weapons and violence. Our research also highlights that effective capacity building can be a measure to address this situation in AI governance.
To address gender inequalities and promote inclusive and effective policymaking, UNIDIR is organizing the 2025 edition of the Women in AI Fellowship program. This is a capacity-building intervention that equips female diplomats with future-proof knowledge on the political, legal and technical aspects of AI, including their gender implications. Women in AI gain the expertise, skills, resources and networks needed to participate effectively in multilateral discussions on AI in international peace and security.
Education – UNIDIR provides fellows with a fundamental introduction to AI technology, including its strengths and limitations; an overview of potential and observed use cases of AI in security applications; international security issues related to AI; the context and current multilateral discussions on AI policy and governance; and information on the connection between gender and military artificial intelligence. Learning activities are led by UNIDIR researchers in collaboration with relevant experts and stakeholder organizations. Exploration – In addition to conferences, UNIDIR facilitates peer interactions with actors engaged in practical applications of AI in technical and academic contexts. This will allow fellows to obtain targeted information and gain a better understanding of the ecosystems involved in the design, development, deployment and governance of AI. Networking – UNIDIR also reorganizes colleagues’ engagements with relevant stakeholders to enable the creation of strong links with the diplomatic community, the private sector and civil society. This program includes a) hosting a reception with the diplomatic community in Geneva and b) a series of virtual meetings with a group of multi-sectoral experts working at the intersection of gender, security and technology. Fellows also benefit from and are part of UNIDIR’s network of experts on the governance of artificial intelligence in the military field.
Application Requirements
UN Member States are also invited to nominate female diplomats for this fellowship, and candidates also have the option to apply directly.
Interested candidates or their diplomatic missions are invited to submit the following supporting documents by email to sectec-unidir@un.org with the subject “Application for the 2025 UNIDIR Fellowship for Women in AI”:
Copy of passport;
Resume of a maximum of two pages;
Two letters of recommendation, one of which must come from the candidate’s national government or diplomatic mission to the UN;
A one-page letter of interest detailing the candidate’s experience and interest in the areas covered by the fellowship, as well as an outline of how he or she intends to use the knowledge acquired. For more information and to apply: https://unidir.org/call-for-applications-unidir-women-in-ai-fellowship/