Advancing Human Security through AI

Human security challenges—including access to clean water, equitable healthcare delivery, and the protection of fundamental rights—are becoming increasingly complex amid climate change, demographic pressures, and geopolitical instability. At a time where advances in development are deeply needed, advances in AI and digital infrastructure present new opportunities to strengthen human security. 

From resilience in water systems management to disease surveillance and strengthening health systems, AI-enabled tools have the potential to speed up development progress through early warning systems, increased productivity in the workforce, and enhanced data-driven decision-making if implemented properly. However, the integration of AI into development and human security efforts also raises important questions related to governance, equity, accountability, and access. While AI is becoming an increasingly present force in people's lives, without inclusive policies, it has the potential to exacerbate existing development and human security challenges.

This session seeks to outline the role of AI-enabled tools across the food and water security, global health, human rights, and development sectors, the challenges and benefits of AI integration for human security, and examples of the practical application of such tools. The conversation will contribute to the cross-sector dialogue on how AI can serve as a collaborative force, rather than a source of fragmentation, across development, humanitarian, and human rights communities to further enhance security efforts.

The CSIS Futures Summit is made possible through generous support from Chevron Inc. (Founding sponsor), ADM, Cisco, and the Embassy of Denmark in Washington D.C.