First published in
January 27, 2025

Understanding the links between multilateralism and democracy

The Kofi Annan Foundation and the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy convened the second in a series of thematic roundtables exploring the intersections of democracy and global governance, as part of the project “Understanding the Links Between Multilateralism and Democracy to Tackle Global Challenges More Effectively”. The project seeks to further a common understanding of how democratic, ethical, and inclusive leadership is essential to solving global challenges.

This session organised on 28 November focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for democratic practices and the multilateral system. Close to 30 experts from international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector participated, examining how AI intersects with democracy and multilateralism.

At a time when the use of AI is raising concerns for the resilience of democratic systems and principles, the roundtable discussion focused on the potential impact of AI on democracy, governance and human rights protection, looking at how multilateralism and current global efforts to regulate AI, such as the global digital compact, can play a role.

The event was introduced by Corinne Momal-Vanian, Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation and Christine Lutringer, Executive Director of the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy. It was moderated by Declan O’Brien, Head of Democracy and Multilateralism Programmes at the Kofi Annan Foundation.

The discussion departed from the Issue Brief authored by Jerome Duberry, Managing Director of the Tech Hub and Senior Researcher at AHCD, which asks the questions: how does AI affect democracy? And, how can AI be democratized? The paper examines three areas of impact at different analytical levels: at the individual level, AI affects citizens’ conditions and opportunities to self-rule; at the group level, AI gives some groups a competitive advantage and challenges the equality of rights among them; and, at the institutional level, AI affects the independence of the state to provide services to its citizens.

The roundtable’s outcome document finds that participants underscored the need for AI global governance frameworks that prioritize equity, inclusion, and accountability. Discussions highlighted the urgency of addressing systemic flaws, amplifying diverse voices, and adopting ethical approaches to decision-making.

First published in
January 27, 2025

Understanding the links between multilateralism and democracy

The Kofi Annan Foundation and the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy convened the second in a series of thematic roundtables exploring the intersections of democracy and global governance, as part of the project “Understanding the Links Between Multilateralism and Democracy to Tackle Global Challenges More Effectively”. The project seeks to further a common understanding of how democratic, ethical, and inclusive leadership is essential to solving global challenges.

This session organised on 28 November focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for democratic practices and the multilateral system. Close to 30 experts from international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector participated, examining how AI intersects with democracy and multilateralism.

At a time when the use of AI is raising concerns for the resilience of democratic systems and principles, the roundtable discussion focused on the potential impact of AI on democracy, governance and human rights protection, looking at how multilateralism and current global efforts to regulate AI, such as the global digital compact, can play a role.

The event was introduced by Corinne Momal-Vanian, Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation and Christine Lutringer, Executive Director of the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy. It was moderated by Declan O’Brien, Head of Democracy and Multilateralism Programmes at the Kofi Annan Foundation.

The discussion departed from the Issue Brief authored by Jerome Duberry, Managing Director of the Tech Hub and Senior Researcher at AHCD, which asks the questions: how does AI affect democracy? And, how can AI be democratized? The paper examines three areas of impact at different analytical levels: at the individual level, AI affects citizens’ conditions and opportunities to self-rule; at the group level, AI gives some groups a competitive advantage and challenges the equality of rights among them; and, at the institutional level, AI affects the independence of the state to provide services to its citizens.

The roundtable’s outcome document finds that participants underscored the need for AI global governance frameworks that prioritize equity, inclusion, and accountability. Discussions highlighted the urgency of addressing systemic flaws, amplifying diverse voices, and adopting ethical approaches to decision-making.

First published in
January 27, 2025

Understanding the links between multilateralism and democracy

The Kofi Annan Foundation and the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy convened the second in a series of thematic roundtables exploring the intersections of democracy and global governance, as part of the project “Understanding the Links Between Multilateralism and Democracy to Tackle Global Challenges More Effectively”. The project seeks to further a common understanding of how democratic, ethical, and inclusive leadership is essential to solving global challenges.

This session organised on 28 November focused on artificial intelligence (AI) and its implications for democratic practices and the multilateral system. Close to 30 experts from international organizations, civil society, academia, and the private sector participated, examining how AI intersects with democracy and multilateralism.

At a time when the use of AI is raising concerns for the resilience of democratic systems and principles, the roundtable discussion focused on the potential impact of AI on democracy, governance and human rights protection, looking at how multilateralism and current global efforts to regulate AI, such as the global digital compact, can play a role.

The event was introduced by Corinne Momal-Vanian, Executive Director of the Kofi Annan Foundation and Christine Lutringer, Executive Director of the Albert Hirschman Centre on Democracy. It was moderated by Declan O’Brien, Head of Democracy and Multilateralism Programmes at the Kofi Annan Foundation.

The discussion departed from the Issue Brief authored by Jerome Duberry, Managing Director of the Tech Hub and Senior Researcher at AHCD, which asks the questions: how does AI affect democracy? And, how can AI be democratized? The paper examines three areas of impact at different analytical levels: at the individual level, AI affects citizens’ conditions and opportunities to self-rule; at the group level, AI gives some groups a competitive advantage and challenges the equality of rights among them; and, at the institutional level, AI affects the independence of the state to provide services to its citizens.

The roundtable’s outcome document finds that participants underscored the need for AI global governance frameworks that prioritize equity, inclusion, and accountability. Discussions highlighted the urgency of addressing systemic flaws, amplifying diverse voices, and adopting ethical approaches to decision-making.