hedgehog lab in Newcastle plays a critical role in designing Akord AI, which aims to support peacebuilders worldwide.
- Akord AI is the first AI-powered platform dedicated to aiding peacebuilding efforts, initially focusing on Sudan.
- With ongoing global conflicts at a peak since World War II, the urgency for tools like Akord AI has intensified.
- Peacebuilders often struggle with limited access to information; Akord AI provides essential resources.
- The platform, available in Arabic and English, offers AI-assisted research and access to peacebuilding documents.
Newcastle’s hedgehog lab has partnered with Conflict Dynamics International to develop Akord AI, an innovative digital platform designed to support peacebuilding activities worldwide. This tool is described as the ‘world’s first AI-powered co-pilot for peacebuilders’.
The platform initially targets efforts to resolve conflicts in Sudan, one of the most severe current crises, where civil organisations are pivotal in humanitarian and peace initiatives. However, plans are in place to expand its reach globally.
Today, the need for effective peacebuilding solutions has reached a critical point, with 56 ongoing conflicts, more than at any time since World War II. These conflicts have led to an estimated 117.3 million people being displaced and 162,000 conflict-related deaths in 2023 alone.
In the face of these challenges, civic actors, including women’s groups, youth movements, and political entities, are striving to manage the crisis and foster peace. Akord AI aims to assist them by overcoming common obstacles such as a lack of access to reliable information and resources.
Akord AI provides users with a custom-trained AI assistant for research and technical queries, helping to explore innovative ways of handling dialogue, mediation, governance, and peacebuilding. Additionally, it offers access to a growing resource library and country-specific knowledge, including historical ceasefire agreements and constitutional documents.
The platform ensures transparency and credibility by automatically citing sources and allowing users to upload and analyse their own documents. It is available in both Arabic and English, making it accessible to a diverse user base.
Sarat Pediredla, CEO of hedgehog lab, expressed pride in collaborating on such an impactful project, highlighting the honour of being chosen by CDI to develop this crucial initiative.
The founder of CDI, Gerard Mc Hugh, emphasised the transformative potential of Akord AI, noting its ability to democratise peacebuilding resources and promote inclusive approaches to peace.
Upon its launch, peacebuilders in Sudan have already begun utilising Akord AI. The platform is set to extend its support to other regions afflicted by conflict, including Somalia, Syria, Libya, Yemen, and Congo.
Akord AI stands as a remarkable innovation in peacebuilding, offering critical support to those working tirelessly towards global harmony.
