Artificial intelligence (AI) has shifted from science fiction to everyday reality. But what exactly is it, and how is it reshaping the socioeconomic landscape? What is at stake for governments, businesses, and citizens?
AI has advanced significantly in recent years and is now an integral part of everyday life. Interactive voice assistants on mobile phones, targeted online advertising, autonomous vehicles, and autonomous weapons illustrate the diverse applications of AI in contemporary society. This course provides in-depth knowledge to help participants to critically assess the consequences of AI, as well as understand the opportunities and challenges it presents across a wide range of fields, including policy and diplomacy. It offers interdisciplinary coverage of the subject, encompassing technical, political, legal, economic, security, and ethical dimensions related to AI.
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?
Director of Knowledge, Diplo
Director of Digital Trade and Economic Security, Diplo
Administrator, Bioethics Unit, Council of Europe
Researcher - AI & Data Lab, Diplo
Head of AI & Data Lab, Diplo
The course consists of 5 modules:
DiploFoundation (attn Tanja Nikolic)
Anutruf, Ground Floor, Hriereb Street Msida, MSD 1675, Malta
The course will last for a total of 6 weeks, structured as follows:
The course is based on a collaborative learning approach, involving a high level of interaction over a five-week period. This interaction takes place in two main forms:
Each module is discussed over seven days, during which you are expected to actively engage in the exchange of ideas, examples, and experiences with fellow participants and lecturers from around the world. Some modules may also include additional online activities, such as quizzes and exercises. Weekly interaction concludes with a one-hour live class meeting, conducted via Zoom or as a text-based chat. These sessions provide an opportunity to discuss the week’s topic in real time with the lecturer and other participants.
To complete the course successfully, an average of 5 to 7 hours of study time per week is required. This includes both synchronous and asynchronous discussions, as well as any additional online activities. Throughout the course, you will also receive guidance and personalised feedback on your classwork from the course team.
Participants who successfully complete the course receive a certificate issued by Diplo Academy, which can be printed or shared electronically.
To learn more about the methodology used in this course, watch the video below.
The fee for this course is €550.
Applicants are encouraged to actively explore scholarship funding from local or international institutions.
Fill out the short form to begin your application process for this course.
Applying for financial assistance? Please indicate this on the application form and, upload your CV, along with a motivation statement that includes:
Note: Financial assistance from Diplo is available only to applicants from developing countries! Late applications will be considered only if places are still available.
A minimum of 15 applications is required for the course to run.
Diplo Academy reserves the right to cancel the course if enrolment is insufficient. In the event of cancellation, Diplo will notify applicants shortly after the application deadline. Applicants who have paid an application fee may either transfer the fee to another course or request a refund.
