TLDR: DiploFoundation recently concluded a significant initiative in the Gulf, engaging with Oman and Qatar to explore the intersection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and diplomacy. The program, led by Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, focused on integrating cultural traditions into global AI ethics, enhancing government AI expertise, and fostering responsible AI deployment in governance and international policy.
DiploFoundation has undertaken a pivotal series of engagements in the Gulf region, specifically in Oman and Qatar, to delve into the evolving relationship between Artificial Intelligence and diplomatic practice. This initiative, spanning from September 23 to September 29, 2025, aimed to foster dialogues on how AI is reshaping diplomacy, governance, and policymaking, while ensuring ethical and culturally informed approaches.
In Muscat, Oman, Dr. Jovan Kurbalija, a key figure from DiploFoundation, delivered a public lecture titled ‘Artificial Intelligence and Geopolitical Shifts: Challenges and Opportunities for Diplomacy.’ He also led an interactive workshop focused on the future of digital and tech diplomacy, addressing the burgeoning role of tech ambassadors and the imperative for state engagement with technology companies. During his visit, Dr. Kurbalija met with institutions actively advancing Oman’s National AI Strategy and its innovation ecosystem, contributing to discussions on the responsible deployment of AI in governance and policy, and capacity development for government staff.
Following the engagements in Oman, DiploFoundation participated in the international conference ‘AI Ethics: The Convergence of Technology and Diverse Moral Traditions’ held in Doha, Qatar. Dr. Kurbalija joined a panel dedicated to transnational AI principles, where discussions centered on how diverse ethical and cultural frameworks can effectively guide the establishment of global standards for responsible AI. A core theme throughout these Gulf engagements was the critical need to balance technological innovation with ethical responsibility. Key discussions revolved around equipping government personnel with essential AI expertise, ensuring that technology integration into governance reflects deeply held cultural values, and shaping diplomatic practices through strategic collaboration with technology companies.
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DiploFoundation’s program is built upon its extensive and ongoing research into how Arabic and Islamic philosophical traditions can significantly enrich and inform global debates on AI. This initiative is designed to create a platform for advancing globally inclusive, practical, and ethical approaches to AI within international policy and diplomacy, by actively bringing these unique perspectives to the forefront of the global conversation.
