Open Hands Initiative

About the Open Hands Initiative

The Open Hands Initiative is a non-profit organization dedicated to people-to-people diplomacy. Through dialogue and mutual exchange, our programs meets young people where they are, offering an opportunity to engage across borders while learning about a topic of significant global relevance and mutual interest.

About the Program

Across the globe, AI dominates headlines as it becomes further engrained into our everyday lives. It brings with it incredible opportunities, but also ethical questions.

The "AI Ethics Virtual Exchange" aims to give emerging young leaders the chance to engage with their counterparts from around the world on this critical issue and provide them with the knowledge and insight to successfully navigate today's AI-centric world and the challenges it brings.

The "AI Ethics Virtual Exchange" is a part of the Open Hands Initiative's "Coffee & Conversation" program, a platform to engage virtually on issues that matter to young people. To learn more about the program, please visit our website: https://openhandsinitiative.org/programs/virtual.html

Program Format & Time Commitment

The "AI Ethics Virtual Exchange" is conducted virtually via Zoom and Google Classroom. The program takes place over the course of six weeks. Fellows meet for 90 minutes every Thursday from May 21 to June 25 and are provided with learning materials and homework activities before each session to enhance their learning. Fellows should expect to invest between 2-3 hours per week during the program – half on their own time, and half during the live sessions.

While this is primarily a dialogue-based program, it will include panels with AI experts to enrich and deepen understanding.

Application Criteria

• Be between 18-30 years old
• Be comfortable speaking English
• Demonstrate interest in the topic and a desire to engage across cultures
• Commit to participate in all six virtual sessions

Proven leadership, community engagement, or relevant studies or work experience that shows how the program would be beneficial for their professional, personal, or academic pursuits is a plus.

Program Benefits

The goal of this program is to stimulate reflection, critical thinking, and discussion about ethical and responsible AI through intercultural dialogue.

Fellows can expect to learn about:

• AI Ethics: Explore the philosophical and ethical aspects of building and using AI algorithms and applications, considering both risks and opportunities.
• AI's Impact on Humanity: Understand AI's impact across society in fields such as labor markets, public health, climate, the arts, and more.
• AI Regulation & Governance: Examine the need for and possible pathways to regulation and governance of AI. Analyze existing ethical frameworks.
• AI's Role in Advancing Scientific Breakthroughs: Hear directly from innovators who are using AI to make our world a better place.
• The Future of AI: Rapid technological advances mean a more robust AI is on the horizon; what will it entail and are we ready for it?

As part of the program, fellows will participate in an interactive dialogue training to improve communication skills across lines of difference. The training emphasizes empathy and collaboration, essential leadership capacities for today's world.

Ready to apply? Please fill out the Interest Form.