Dhaka, Sept 25 (V7N) – State Minister for Foreign Affairs Shama Obaed Islam has called for responsible use of artificial intelligence in mediation, with safeguards to protect impartiality, transparency and confidentiality.
She made the call at the 16th Ministerial Meeting of the United Nations Group of Friends of Mediation at Turkish House in New York on Thursday, according to a Foreign Ministry press release issued today.
"We must mediate before grievances become violence, when human and financial costs are lowest," Shama said.
Bangladesh's Peacekeeping Experience
Drawing on Bangladesh's longstanding experience in UN peacekeeping, she urged greater investment in mediation and peacebuilding capacity, including through the Integrated Peacebuilding Competency Programme at the Bangladesh Institute of Peace Support Operation Training (BIPSOT).
She called for stronger partnerships among states, regional actors, local mediators and the UN, while respecting national ownership of peacebuilding efforts. Shama also urged the UN to strengthen its capacity for preventive action through predictable funding, mediation support that can be deployed rapidly, and timely engagement informed by early warning.
Background
The meeting was convened by Finland and Türkiye on the sidelines of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Bangladesh is a leading contributor to UN peacekeeping operations, with over 6,000 peacekeepers currently deployed in various missions around the world. The country has been actively involved in mediation and peacebuilding efforts, both through its peacekeeping contributions and its diplomatic engagements. The call for responsible AI use in mediation reflects growing international recognition of the need to ensure that new technologies are used ethically and transparently in peace processes.
