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Avishan Bodjnoud ✓
Chief, Information Management, United Nations Depts of Political, Peacebuilding and Peace Operations DPPA-DPO
Avishan Bodjnoud is the Chief of the Information Management Unit at the United Nations, specifically within the Departments of Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA) and Peace Operations (DPO). In this role, she focuses on leveraging data analytics and responsible artificial intelligence to enhance operational effectiveness and decision-making processes within the UN framework.245
Professional Background
Bodjnoud has a strong academic foundation, having graduated from Amirkabir University of Technology (Tehran Polytechnic). Her career at the UN has included significant contributions to global security management and data-driven reporting systems in the Department of Safety and Security.56 She is recognized for her expertise in digital transformation and her efforts to align technological advancements with the UN's mission to promote peace and stability worldwide.12
Contributions and Initiatives
At the UN, Bodjnoud has been involved in various initiatives that emphasize the importance of digital technologies in achieving sustainable development goals. She has participated in conferences aimed at fostering collaboration on AI for sustainable development, highlighting the need for effective governance frameworks to manage AI technologies responsibly.24 Her leadership in these areas underscores her commitment to integrating innovative solutions into UN operations.
LinkedIn Profile
For further insights into her professional journey and contributions, Avishan Bodjnoud's LinkedIn profile can be found under the username avishanbodjnoud.3
Highlights
🌍 Exciting news about our latest GenAI workshop in the United Nations Assistance Mission in Afghanistan (UNAMA)!
🔗 A collaboration between the Information Management Unit (UN Political and Peacebuilding Affairs (DPPA)-United Nations Peacekeeping) and the Innovation Cell of DPPA, with great support from UNAMA leadership and Damla Aras, PhD, the UN 2.0 champion in UNAMA, recently held a three-day workshop on generative artificial intelligence (AI), which brought together 180 staff members. This event reflects the growing interest in harnessing AI technology across UN field missions for enhanced efficiency and innovation.
💡 Responsible AI Use was a key theme throughout the workshop, covering data biases, inaccuracies and hallucinations.
The workshop emphasized robust data governance to ensure UNAMA’s operations remain ethical, secure, and impactful.
🛠️ Skill Development and Application Participants gained hands-on experience in prompt engineering and explored AI tools for data analysis and visualization. This practical approach empowers staff to leverage AI in their daily workflows, driving mission success through modernized practices.
🚀 Advancing UN 2.0 | United Nations This initiative is part of the broader UN 2.0 vision to modernize operations. Through advanced AI integration, with a focus on improved data-driven decision-making and overall mission effectiveness. This workshop represents a significant step towards embracing innovation within UNAMA and the wider UN community.
Together, we’re building a future-ready, innovative UN that thrives in today’s digital age! #AIForPeace #UN2.0 #InnovationInAction #GenerativeAI #UNAMA #AI4Good
🌟 Just wrapped up an incredible experience speaking at the DataConnect Conference by Women in Analytics (WIA) 🌟
Grateful to my leadership at the UN for approving this engagement and recognizing its value to the organization, in alignment with the Secretary-General’s UN 2.0 | United Nations vision, as well as for my personal and professional development.
I had the privilege of discussing a crucial topic: "AI for Peace." This topic is close to my heart as it delves into the nature of conflicts and the pivotal role of technology in enabling mankind to survive. Preparing for this talk was a labor of love. I spent three months ensuring the presentation was not only relevant but also infused with personal notes that I’ve never shared before. The goal was to connect on a deeper level and bring fresh insights to the audience and I thank Acacia Duncan for being such an excellent speaking coach. In my talk I traced the journey from Alan Turing's decoding of the Enigma machine and his foundational work in AI to demonstrating how neural networks and NLP algorithms can impact the lives of vulnerable populations in conflict zones. I also compared the implications of nuclear science with AI, discussing the critical need for global and parallel AI governance across various sectors, concluding that it is up to us to ensure AI becomes the best thing that has happened to humanity.
A big thank you to the amazing organizers of DataConnect Kelsey Dingelstedt Rehgan Bleile (Avon) Lauren Burke-McCarthy for bringing together all these outstanding women in data, analytics, and AI, and for fostering our connections over the years. To
Dr. Joy Buolamwini Sol Rashidi Noelle R. Priya Sarathy, Ph.D, CDMP Harshinee S. Nithya ( Nithhyaa) Ramamoorthy Danishta Saiyed
Salema Rice Valerie A. Logan the inspiring women in data, analytics, and AI – your presence and contributions are shaping the future of our field.
I also want to express gratitude to the amazing men who have been supporting and promoting women in Analytics. We couldn’t do this without your support Dave Cherry Cal Al-Dhubaib Ben Blanquera
A heartfelt thank you to everyone who stopped by to discuss and sent private kind messages after the talk—I am so glad to hear that the talk resonated with you.
A huge shoutout to my amazing friends who cheered for me from the front row! Muimtaz (Mimi) Shalash Lujain 👩🏻💻 Alazamلجُِين العزْام 💁🏻 Tiarne Hawkins You incredible women in tech inspire me every day, and I'm so proud to call you my friends! And thank you Women in Analytics (WIA) for these everlasting friendships. I hope we continue to uplift and celebrate each other’s achievements, working towards the equality and equity that is crucial in AI and beyond.
Here’s to more women coming together, cheering for each other, and driving meaningful change! 💪👩💻✨ #DataConnect #AIforPeace #WomenInTech #Inspiration #EqualityInAI #SupportEachOther
