My journey in using AI within the framework of social ethics and peacebuilding has been a process of discernment, balancing the potential benefits of technology with the ethical challenges it presents. AI can serve as a tool for justice, conflict prevention, and reconciliation, but only if it is framed with human dignity, fairness, and accountability at its core. I have explored its role in early warning systems, mediation, and restorative justice, recognizing both its promise and its risks. Ethical AI must be human-centered, participatory, transparent, and committed to nonviolence. As peacebuilders, we must ensure that AI amplifies the voices of the marginalized rather than reinforcing systems of oppression. The future of AI in peace work is not just about innovation but about moral responsibility—using technology to build a world rooted in justice, equity, and peace.
Embracing AI as a Peacebuilder
As a peacebuilding worker deeply engaged in justice and reconciliation efforts, I never imagined that Artificial Intelligence (AI) would become part of my journey. My work has always been rooted in human relationships—listening to stories of conflict, facilitating dialogues, and walking alongside communities in their pursuit of peace. But as AI technology became more prominent, I began to ask: How can this rapidly evolving tool serve the cause of justice, healing, and peace?
Rather than viewing AI as a mere technological advancement, I saw it as an ethical and moral challenge. How AI is designed and deployed will either reinforce existing injustices or help transform societies toward greater equity and reconciliation. This realization led me to frame my engagement with AI through the lens of social ethics and peacebuilding.
Navigating the Ethics of AI in Peace Work
The first challenge I encountered was understanding the ethical implications of AI. As I explored its applications, I became increasingly aware of the biases embedded in many AI systems. The algorithms we trust to make decisions—whether in justice systems, economic policies, or social services—are shaped by the data they are fed. If left unchecked, AI can perpetuate inequality rather than dismantle it.
I had to ask hard questions:
• Is AI being used to empower marginalized communities, or is it reinforcing existing power structures?
• How can AI be made accountable, especially when it makes decisions that impact human lives?
• Can AI be a tool for restorative justice and reconciliation?
These questions pushed me to embrace an ethical framework for AI, one that aligns with my values as a peacebuilder. I realized that AI must be developed with principles of justice, fairness, and human dignity at its core. It cannot replace human wisdom, but it can serve as an instrument for equity and social transformation—if we frame it properly.
AI as a Tool for Conflict Prevention and Mediation
One of the most promising aspects of AI in peacebuilding is its ability to detect early signs of conflict. I have seen AI-powered systems that analyze social media, economic trends, and political movements to predict potential crises. In places where tensions are rising, such insights can help peacebuilders intervene before violence erupts.
I have also explored AI’s role in mediation. Language barriers, cultural differences, and historical grievances often complicate peace negotiations. AI-driven translation services and sentiment analysis tools can support dialogue by making communication more effective. However, I remain cautious—technology should never replace human discernment, especially when dealing with deep-seated conflicts. AI must remain a tool that serves peacebuilders, not one that dictates peace processes.
AI and Restorative Justice
Perhaps the most profound way AI can contribute to peace is through restorative justice. I have seen AI being used to document human rights violations, preserving the voices of victims and ensuring that their stories are not erased. Digital storytelling and data-driven reconciliation initiatives have the potential to create spaces for healing, where historical injustices are acknowledged and addressed.
However, ethical concerns remain. Who controls the narratives? Who owns the data? These are critical questions that must be answered to prevent AI from becoming another tool of oppression rather than a means of liberation.
A Framework for Ethical AI in Peacebuilding
Through my journey, I have come to embrace several guiding principles for AI in peace work:
1. Human-Centered Design – AI must always serve people, not replace them. It should enhance human wisdom, not diminish it.
2. Participatory Governance – Affected communities must have a say in how AI is used, ensuring that technology does not become another form of control.
3. Transparency and Accountability – AI systems must be explainable, auditable, and held to ethical standards.
4. Nonviolence and Reconciliation – AI should foster dialogue, understanding, and healing, rather than division and exclusion.
A Call for Ethical AI in Peacebuilding
My journey in using AI within the framework of social ethics and peacebuilding is still unfolding. I continue to learn, to challenge assumptions, and to push for technology that aligns with the principles of justice, equity, and reconciliation. AI is not inherently good or bad—it is shaped by the values we embed in it. As peacebuilders, we have a responsibility to ensure that AI becomes a force for healing rather than harm.
The future of AI in peacebuilding is not just a question of technological progress but of moral courage. Will we allow AI to deepen injustices, or will we use it to amplify the voices of the oppressed and to build a more just and peaceful world? This is the challenge before us, and I am committed to walking this path with discernment, faith, and hope.
