Artificial intelligence has moved from the realm of science fiction into our everyday lives. But what is it, exactly, and how does it change the socio-economic landscape? What is at stake for governments, businesses, and citizens?
Artificial intelligence (AI) has developed significantly in recent years, and is increasingly part of everyday life. Interactive voice assistants in our mobile phones, targeted online advertisement, autonomous cars, and autonomous weapons are some examples of the varied applications of AI in our societies. This course aims to provide in-depth knowledge that will enable participants to assess critically the consequences of AI and understand the opportunities and challenges it creates across a broad spectrum of areas, including the fields of policy and diplomacy. It provides an interdisciplinary coverage of the topic, encompassing technical, political, legal, economic, security, and ethical issues related to AI.
This 10-week online course builds on the research and analysis conducted by Diplo’s AI Lab.
This course can be taken as part of the Advanced Diploma in Internet Governance.
The course deepened my understanding of international governance frameworks and how AI can be strategically applied in both diplomatic functions and policymaking. It also sharpened my perspective on the global and local responsibilities we hold in shaping ethical and inclusive AI futures.
– Ms Chisom Obiudo, Chief Legal Officer, Ministry of Justice, Directorate of Law Reform Policy and Legislation, Namibia
The knowledgeable course team will guide you through a highly interactive journey that holistically reflects upon AI, its socioeconomic implications, and cutting-edge real-life applications. Thought-provoking texts and exchanges between participants alarm for AI’s potential to transform not only manufacturing, transport, or work, but even redefine basic human rights or what it means to be a human being in the AI era. I recommend the course as a must for professionals from all walks of life.
– Mr Vladimir Nikolov, Experienced insurance & compliance professional, Switzerland
The course gave me a much better understanding of the reality of the implementation of AI and how to distinguish its real challenges from the enormous amount of information surrounding it. It has equipped me with essential tools to continue working with and raise awareness about AI and its applications in the public sphere.
– Ms Bárbara del Castillo, Consul for Economic and Innovation Affairs at the Consulate General of Mexico in Boston, USA
Artificial intelligence is a fascinating field. This course surfaces wide-ranging geopolitical, economic, and governance issues that every policymaker, diplomat, engineer, social justice advocate, and scholar must be aware of. It provides a solid foundation for understanding a complex subject matter, enabling one to separate rhetoric from reality.
– Mr Otto Saki, Global Program Officer, Civic Engagement and Government, Ford Foundation, Zimbabwe
Diplo’s course on AI mapped the different challenges AI entails in fundamental rights, and the socioeconomic and geopolitical fields. The structured discussions among participants helped consider inclusive governance and policy solutions. This online course was a very interesting and useful experience.
– Ms Isabelle Dochy, Government Affairs and Public Policy Professional, Brussels, Belgium
The course deepened my understanding of AI’s workings, socio-economic impact, human rights concerns, and its role in global security. The modules on governance frameworks and policymaking tools were especially valuable, emphasising ethical and inclusive AI development relevant for my daily responsibilities and future career development.
– Mr Ildephonse Nshimyumuremyi, Logistics Lead Manager, Mobile Money Rwanda Ltd
I can say I have learnt a huge amount, not just from the lecture texts and readings, but also from all the participants. As an introduction to AI, this course was excellent. I signed up for the course as it’s an area on which I knew almost nothing. I started working when we were still using manual typewriters, carbon paper, and telex machines, so the tech behind computers and AI is baffling to me.
– Mrs Liz Galvez, Former Senior Diplomat, British Foreign and Commonwealth Office, UK
The course provided me with a good overview of artificial intelligence and internet governance issues. I especially enjoyed the fact that all issues were looked at from different, often contrasting, perspectives, including ethics, human rights, security, governance, and technology.
– Mr Lorenzo Vargas, Programme Manager, World Association for Christian Communication, Canada
The AI course was very informative, and the range of topics covered allows anyone to learn something because it is up to date with AI developments. I was most impressed by the examples of how persons with disabilities can benefit from AI. It was worth 10 weeks of my time!
– Ms Judy Okite, Founder, Association for Accessibility and Equality, Kenya
In a very well-structured way, through easy and fluid readings, this course made me realise how much is at stake now, and potentially in the future, for a society that uses AI. The discussions with peers with thought-provoking moderation on both the readings and during the weekly class meetings are the cherry on top of the cake. They allowed me to look at AI from a different perspective and to see the issues and opportunities it brings from many different angles.
– Mr Gonçalo Duarte Raposo Carriço, Associate Director, EU Affairs, AT&T, Belgium
Given the incredibly fast-paced AI developments and their critical impact on most areas of society and human life, I have thoroughly enjoyed this course and benefited greatly from the knowledge and experiences of my fellow participants. While I was already familiar with the impact of AI on human rights and international security, this course has allowed me to gain essential knowledge about the technical aspects, the various mechanisms and frameworks of AI governance, as well as our future prospects.
– Ms Alexandra Borgeaud Dit Avocat, Resident Coordinator’s Office, United Nations, Switzerland
It goes without saying that the lecturers are so exceptional and helpful. I enjoyed the modules on AI and human rights, as well as AI and cybersecurity. I have already begun applying the knowledge acquired in our #CybesecurityInAI tweet chat, held by the Cyber Law Initiative and Harvard’s Cyberlaw Clinic.
– Mr Daniel Bill Opio, Cyber Law Initiative, Uganda
Artificial intelligence will impact international relations in the near future. This course provides an overview of its technical aspects, but it is most useful for diplomats and non-specialist policymakers as it provides important insights into the potential of AI to shape future geopolitics, economics, human rights, and global governance.
– Mr Oscar Ramírez, Deputy Head of Mission, Embassy of the Republic of Ecuador, Turkey
Data and AI have become a critical source of power, largely ungoverned. This course provides both general knowledge on AI’s state of the art and its future implications for the foreign policy landscape. With clear content, it is perfectly balanced and addresses different fields on the international agenda: human rights, health, disarmament, trade, security, etc. A fundamental tool for any international professional.
– Mr Bruno Ané, Senior Policy Advisor – Permanent Mission of Argentina to the UN in Geneva
What will you learn?
How will you learn?
In this course you will interact intensively in discussions with classmates and lecturers from around the world. You will receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.
How long will you learn?
The course lasts for 10 weeks:
Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, Diplo
Director of Knowledge, Diplo
Administrator, Bioethics Unit, Council of Europe
Researcher - AI & Data Lab, Diplo
Head of AI & Data Lab, Diplo
Doctor of Laws (Ph.D)
The course will be of interest to:
The course consists of 8 modules:
DiploFoundation (attn Tanja Nikolic)
Anutruf, Ground Floor, Hriereb Street Msida, MSD 1675, Malta
The Artificial Intelligence online course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a period of 10 weeks. Reading materials and the necessary tools for online interaction are provided in a virtual classroom.
Each week, participants study and discuss course materials and complete additional online activities. At the end of the week, participants and lecturers meet to discuss the topic of the week. For successful completion, this course requires a minimum of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week.
All course applicants must have regular internet access; dial-up connections are sufficient, but broadband is preferable.
Applicants for certificate courses must have:
The fee for this course is €690.
Note: Diplo alumni can benefit from a 15% discount on the fee for this course.
A limited number of partial scholarships are available for diplomats and others working in international relations from developing countries. Discounts are available for more than one participant from the same institution.
You can apply for this course as:
Fill out the short form to start your application process for this course. You will receive an instruction email on how to continue.
Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form, upload your CV, and a motivation statement that should include:
Please note that financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries!
Late applications will only be considered if there are spaces available in the course.
Diplo reserves the right to cancel this course if enrolment is insufficient. In case of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may apply this fee towards another course or receive a refund.
Introduction to Digital Policy and Diplomacy (just-in-time Washington DC-based...