The event also highlighted AI's potential in anticipatory humanitarian action, offering new horizons in crisis prevention and mitigation. Predictive models powered by AI could revolutionize how we prepare for and respond to humanitarian crises, from natural disasters to forced displacement. By anticipating these crises, we can proactively engage in conflict prevention. For instance, AI-driven early warning systems can help identify potential flashpoints for violence, allowing peacebuilders to intervene before tensions escalate into full-blown conflicts. However, participants emphasized the importance of balancing technological insights with human expertise and local knowledge. The goal is not to replace human decision-making but to enhance it, providing decision-makers with more comprehensive and timely information.

A crucial theme that emerged during the discussions was the necessity of asking critical questions before implementing AI solutions in humanitarian and peacebuilding contexts. Participants stressed the importance of first clearly defining the problem at hand and then considering whether AI is truly the most appropriate tool to address it. This approach encourages practitioners to examine the root causes of issues, assess existing non-AI solutions, and carefully weigh the potential benefits against the risks of AI deployment. By fostering a culture of critical inquiry, the sector can ensure that AI is used judiciously and effectively, rather than being seen as a panacea for all challenges.

A key theme that resonated throughout the event was the critical need to adapt AI solutions to the unique challenges of peacebuilding and humanitarian work. Unlike in some commercial sectors, AI applications in these fields often need to function in low-resource, high-stakes environments where the consequences of failure can be severe. Participants emphasized the importance of developing AI tools that can operate effectively in resource-constrained settings, a crucial factor for their widespread adoption in the field. This might involve creating lightweight algorithms that can run on basic hardware or developing systems that can function with limited connectivity. Additionally, the discussion touched on the importance of sharing computing resources required to run AI platforms, exploring collaborative models that could make advanced AI capabilities more accessible to humanitarian organizations with limited technological infrastructure. Furthermore, participants highlighted the need to balance the environmental impact of operating AI systems with their potential peace outcomes, emphasizing the importance of sustainable AI solutions in peacebuilding efforts.

The concept of human-centered design was repeatedly emphasized, ensuring that AI remains a "humble collaborator" rather than a replacement for human judgment, particularly in complex conflict situations. This approach recognizes that while AI can process vast amounts of data and identify patterns, the nuanced understanding of cultural contexts, historical grievances, and local power dynamics remains a uniquely human capability. The discussions aligned with ongoing research in the field, including work by PREP, which emphasizes the importance of participatory approaches in AI governance and the need to involve affected communities in the design and implementation processes. The most promising solutions, it was noted, emerge from partnerships that bridge the technology sector with humanitarian and peacebuilding expertise, combining technical innovation with deep contextual understanding.