As part of the AIA Colloquium, Yi hyun Kang presented her latest observations on the use of artificial intelligence in the context of international climate diplomacy. She reported on her recently completed field research conducted during the 64th session of the subsidiary bodies of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC SB 64) in Bonn. In addition to observing the negotiations, she conducted 17 guided interviews with delegates, representatives of nongovernmental organizations, developers of AI applications, and representatives of indigenous groups and youth organizations. Among other things, she first examined the heterogeneous and complex landscape of actors within the UNFCCC.

In addition to the states that organize themselves into various negotiating groups and coalitions—such as the G77 and China, the European Union, or the Alliance of Small Island States—numerous non-state actors, such as environmental, business, youth, and research organizations, play an important role. Accreditation to UNFCCC conferences, she noted, fosters the formation of international cooperation networks. For her project, Yi hyun Kang defined AI as machine-based systems capable of generating predictions, content, recommendations, or decisions based on input. In diplomacy, generative AI in particular holds promise for alleviating the burden of time-consuming tasks such as evaluating extensive documents or creating summaries. At the same time, researchers are debating whether AI itself could become an influential player in international negotiations in the future.

The interviews revealed a broad spectrum of opinions on the use of AI. Some participants rejected its use on principle and emphasized the importance of human communication as well as linguistic and cultural diversity. Other interviewees expressed skepticism regarding a lack of control, data protection, and potential impacts on the quality of interpersonal interactions. There were repeated concerns that participants might listen to one another less attentively if AI automatically documents and summarizes the content of conversations. In contrast, other interviewees highlighted the opportunities offered by the technology. For delegations from resource-poor countries in particular, AI could help bridge information gaps and facilitate participation in complex negotiations. At the same time, it was pointed out that unequal access to such tools could actually reinforce existing power asymmetries. In her conclusion, Yi hyun Kang emphasized that AI is being used increasingly in climate negotiations. While the changes have been rather subtle so far, they could influence working methods, interactions, and power dynamics within international climate diplomacy in the long term. Further observations and in-depth research are therefore necessary.