Harnessing Technology for Peacebuilding

In today’s digital age, technology plays a crucial role in fostering peace and resolving conflicts. This session will delve into innovative technological solutions that enhance peacebuilding efforts across various contexts.

Speakers

• Welcome by Dr. Alp Ozerdem, Dean and Professor of Peace and Conflict Studies, Carter School
• Introductions by Ryan Brenner and Abbey Ogunwale, UNA-NCA PSC
• Shawn Guttman, Co-Founder and CEO of Project Didi
• Ola Mohajer, Founder and CEO of Transcend
• Sarah June Benjamin, Founder and CEO of PeaceIQ
• Adam Boaz Becker, CEO of HeadOn

Speaker Bios

Shawn Guttman: Shawn Guttman is the Co-Founder and CEO of Project Didi, an innovative initiative that leverages artificial intelligence and machine learning to transform peacebuilding theories into actionable, data-driven tools. With a focus on Zartman’s Ripeness Theory, Shawn aims to provide real-time insights to conflict resolution actors, helping them navigate complex humanitarian crises. He has successfully analyzed over 200 significant events related to the Northern Ireland conflict and is currently expanding his work to the Palestinian-Israeli context. Recognized for his commitment to utilizing technology for peace, Shawn is dedicated to fostering collaborations that amplify the impact of peace initiatives globally. His work exemplifies the potential of merging technology with traditional peacebuilding strategies to create pragmatic solutions for entrenched conflicts.

Ola Mohajer: Ola Mohajer is the Founder and CEO of Transcend, an AI-powered platform dedicated to peace, security, and strategic risk management. As a former refugee and war survivor, Ola’s personal journey drives her commitment to tackling global challenges through innovation and inclusive leadership. With over 15 years in peacebuilding, she has worked as a policy advisor in the Canadian government, a strategist at the United Nations, and a Senior Program Officer at the U.S. Institute of Peace. Her experience includes leading projects in Sudan, South Sudan, Zimbabwe, and Jordan, and authoring U.S. policy guidance focused on civilian engagement in peace processes. Ola holds a master’s degree in international Affairs from Columbia University and dual undergraduate degrees in Biology and Religious Studies from the University of Calgary. A recognized expert, she frequently speaks on AI for peace and civic inclusion. At Transcend, Ola leads efforts to create the first AI-first platform for non-kinetic strategy, enhancing conflict analysis and amplifying local voices for more effective crisis response.

Sarah June Benjamin: As a peace innovator and international attorney, June founded Peace IQ to upskill leaders and their teams to peacefully resolve conflict and build sustainable cooperation in a socially conscious workforce. Her experience as a former refugee from the Liberian Civil War and a Baha’i refugee from Iran inspired June to pursue a J.D. and M.A. in Peace and Conflict Resolution from American University, where she received the Dean’s award for Professional Responsibility. She now combines her experience and network to innovate technology that helps clients turn the small daily decisions that add up to conflict to add up to peace. June partners with the Peace Innovation Institute after serving as the Entrepreneur-In-Residence to foster relationships with thought leaders, industry experts, start-ups, and peace technologists to identify exciting new business opportunities in peace innovation.

Adam Boaz Becker: Adam Becker is a community builder and entrepreneur at the intersection of AI, technology, and society. He is the CEO of HeadOn, a platform for urgent discussions on global issues, and previously managed the MLOps Community, one of the world’s largest AI communities. Adam has founded multiple startups—including one in ML infrastructure and another in political technology, which he successfully sold—and regularly speaks at conferences and on podcasts about AI. He studied Astrophysics and Classics at UC Berkeley.

About UNA-NCA and the Peace and Security Committee

The United Nations Association – National Capital Area (UNA-NCA) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to promoting the ideals and goals of the United Nations through education, advocacy, and outreach programs. UNA-NCA engages citizens in international issues and fosters dialogue on global challenges. As the largest UNA-USA chapter in the United States, serving over 1,000 members in the DC, Maryland, and Virginia area, UNA-NCA engages members, residents, and visitors on critical global issues, directs vital advocacy efforts, and operates meaningful programs to advance its mission. With a focus on bringing global issues to the local stage, our diverse and passionate team of staff and volunteers works to create a forum for all who care about our world, providing paths to engage, learn, and share. To join, reach out to Andrew B. Doll, Managing Director of Programs and Membership, at andrew@unanca.org.

The Peace and Security Committee of UNA-NCA focuses on issues related to conflict resolution, peacebuilding, and global security. This committee raises awareness about the importance of peace initiatives and collaborates with various stakeholders to promote innovative solutions for a more peaceful world. For inquiries, reach out to co-chairs Ryan Brenner (rbrenner@unanca.org) and Abbey Ogunwale (aogunwale@unanca.org).