HelloWork

The dialogue should include people who are often not heard, such as refugees, migrants, and communities from developing countries. From my experience with HelloWork!, displaced people face many challenges, like finding jobs, getting legal protection, and using digital tools. So, these real-life problems must be included in AI governance discussions to prevent a wider digital gap. The dialogue should focus on practical actions. This includes pilot projects, partnerships, and financial support. For example, AI-based job platforms, training programs, and job-matching systems like HelloWork! can show how AI can be used in a responsible way to improve people's lives. Success requires cooperation between many groups, such as governments, businesses, civil society, and international organizations. This cooperation should lead to real commitments, not just discussions. It should include clear rules for data sharing, ethical standards, and programs to build skills. Finally, there should be a system to monitor progress and ensure accountability over time. Without follow-up actions, the dialogue may not lead to real change. In summary, the Global Dialogue on AI Governance will be successful if it moves beyond discussion and creates inclusive, practical, and measurable results that benefit everyone, especially those who are most vulnerable.

AI capacity-building;

My selection of AI capacity-building is grounded in direct field experience with HelloWork!, an initiative supporting displaced people from Myanmar in accessing employment opportunities in Thailand. This experience has highlighted a critical gap: while AI is rapidly transforming labor markets, vulnerable populations-particularly refugees and migrants-remain excluded due to limited digital access, skills, and legal barriers. AI capacity-building offers a practical and scalable solution to address this inequality. Through HelloWork! Project (2), we have implemented AI-integrated vocational training, including digital literacy, job-readiness skills, and the application of AI tools such as ChatGPT for employment and freelancing. These interventions are designed to align with evolving labor market demands in Thailand, enabling participants to transition from informal or unstable work into more sustainable livelihoods. Importantly, my approach to AI capacity-building is human-centered and inclusion-driven. It prioritizes equipping marginalized communities with the ability not only to use AI tools, but to benefit from them in a safe, ethical, and productive way. This directly contributes to reducing the digital divide and advancing equitable access to economic opportunities. Furthermore, AI capacity-building strengthens long-term resilience. By enhancing adaptability and digital competencies, it enables displaced populations to better respond to future labor market disruptions driven by technological change. In this context, my selection reflects a commitment to leveraging AI as a tool for inclusive development. It demonstrates how targeted, community-based capacity-building initiatives can translate global AI advancements into tangible, local impact-ensuring that no one, especially those most vulnerable, is left behind.

There are several cross-cutting and emerging issues that are often underrepresented in current AI governance discussions. First, the issue of digital inequality among displaced and undocumented populations requires greater attention. Refugees and migrants frequently lack access to legal identity, digital infrastructure, and safe online environments. As a result, they are at high risk of exclusion from AI-driven services and opportunities, which may further deepen existing socio-economic inequalities. Second, AI literacy and localized capacity-building remain critical gaps. Many global discussions focus on advanced AI development, but insufficient attention is given to how vulnerable communities can practically understand and use these technologies. Without targeted, context-specific training, AI adoption may remain limited to already advantaged groups. Third, data invisibility and representation is an emerging concern. Displaced populations are often underrepresented or misrepresented in datasets, which can lead to biased AI systems that fail to address their needs or, worse, reinforce discrimination. Inclusive data governance frameworks are therefore essential. Fourth, the intersection of AI with legal identity and protection systems is a growing issue. For populations without formal documentation, the use of AI in areas such as employment screening or digital verification may unintentionally create additional barriers rather than solutions. Finally, there is a need to address the ethical use of AI in fragile and humanitarian contexts. This includes safeguarding privacy, preventing exploitation, and ensuring that AI systems do not unintentionally expose vulnerable individuals to risk. In summary, AI governance must move beyond technical and regulatory dimensions to address these interconnected social challenges. A more inclusive, context-aware approach is essential to ensure that emerging technologies benefit all, particularly those most at risk of being left behind.

Governance gaps in AI are already having a significant impact on displaced communities and the informal labor sector in Thailand and the broader Southeast Asian region. One of the most critical challenges is the lack of inclusive policy frameworks that address the needs of refugees and undocumented migrants. Many displaced people face legal and structural barriers that limit their access to formal employment, digital services, and AI-driven platforms. Without clear governance mechanisms, AI systems used in recruitment, verification, and service delivery risk reinforcing exclusion rather than reducing it. Another major gap is unequal access to AI capacity-building and digital infrastructure. While AI adoption is accelerating across industries, vulnerable populations often lack the skills and tools needed to participate. This creates a widening digital divide, particularly in border areas such as Mae Sot, where many displaced communities reside. There are also concerns related to data protection and representation. Displaced populations are often underrepresented in datasets, which can lead to biased AI outcomes. At the same time, weak data governance increases the risk of misuse of sensitive personal information, especially for individuals without legal protection. However, these challenges also present important opportunities. AI can be a powerful tool for inclusive economic development if supported by appropriate governance. Initiatives like HelloWork! demonstrate how AI-driven job matching, vocational training, and digital tools can improve employability and connect marginalized communities to labor market opportunities. Furthermore, ongoing global discussions on AI governance create an opportunity to integrate local, community-based solutions into broader policy frameworks, ensuring that innovation is both ethical and inclusive. In summary, while governance gaps pose serious risks of exclusion, they also open pathways to design more equitable, people-centered AI systems that support vulnerable populations and strengthen long-term resilience.

The AI Dialogue can play a critical role in advancing international cooperation by serving as a neutral and inclusive platform that brings together governments, international organizations, the private sector, and civil society. In a rapidly evolving technological landscape, no single country or institution can effectively govern AI alone. The Dialogue can help align diverse perspectives and build shared understanding across regions and sectors. First, it can support the development of common principles and standards for ethical and responsible AI. By fostering consensus on key issues such as transparency, accountability, human rights, and data protection, the Dialogue can reduce fragmentation and promote interoperability between national frameworks. Second, the AI Dialogue can facilitate knowledge sharing and capacity-building, particularly for developing countries and vulnerable communities. By highlighting practical experiences and scalable models—such as community-based AI training and employment initiatives—it can help translate global commitments into local impact. Third, it can promote multi-stakeholder partnerships and coordinated action. Through the Dialogue, stakeholders can move beyond discussion toward concrete collaboration, including joint projects, funding mechanisms, and technical assistance programs that support inclusive AI adoption. Importantly, the Dialogue can also ensure that underrepresented voices are included in global decision-making. This is essential to ensure that AI governance frameworks are equitable and responsive to real-world challenges, particularly in humanitarian and informal sectors. Finally, the AI Dialogue can contribute to accountability and long-term cooperation by encouraging follow-up mechanisms, progress tracking, and continuous engagement among stakeholders. In summary, the AI Dialogue has the potential to act as a bridge between global policy and local practice—strengthening international cooperation to ensure that AI is governed in a way that is inclusive, ethical, and beneficial for all.

The AI Dialogue should build on existing work at global, regional, and community levels. This helps avoid repeating the same efforts and makes the overall impact stronger. At the global level, it can connect with international organizations, such as UN agencies, that work on AI ethics, digital inclusion, and human rights. These groups provide useful guidelines, but they need better connection to local actions. At the regional and national levels, it is important to work with governments and private companies. They are involved in digital development, job creation, and innovation. They help ensure AI policies match real job market needs and support economic growth. Community-level programs are also very important. For example, HelloWork! supports displaced and vulnerable people through AI-based training, job-matching, and digital skills development. These programs show how AI can be used in a practical and inclusive way. They also highlight real challenges, such as lack of access, low digital skills, and limited trust in technology. The AI Dialogue adds value by connecting all these levels. It can link global policies with local actions, share good practices, and expand successful solutions. It also ensures that community experiences are included in global decision-making. In addition, the Dialogue can improve cooperation and bring together funding and support for joint projects and training. It can also help align rules, standards, and policies across countries. In summary, by building on existing efforts and improving collaboration, the AI Dialogue can support more inclusive, effective, and coordinated AI governance.

Different stakeholders play complementary roles in ensuring the AI Dialogue is inclusive, practical, and impactful. Governments can provide policy direction, regulatory frameworks, and national strategies that align AI development with public interest and human rights. Private sector actors can contribute technical expertise, innovation, and resources, while ensuring responsible and ethical deployment of AI systems. Civil society and NGOs can represent community needs, advocate for inclusion, and monitor accountability, especially for vulnerable populations. International organizations can facilitate coordination, provide global standards, and support capacity-building across countries. Academia and research institutions can offer evidence-based insights, risk analysis, and evaluation of AI impacts. To maximize these contributions, the AI Dialogue should adopt a multi-level and action-oriented structure. First, it should include thematic working groups (e.g., ethics, employment, data governance, inclusion) where stakeholders can engage in focused discussions and co-develop solutions. Second, the Dialogue should combine high-level plenary sessions with practical workshops and case-study exchanges. This ensures a balance between policy discussion and real-world application, allowing participants to learn from successful initiatives. Third, it is important to create inclusive participation mechanisms, such as virtual access, multilingual support, and dedicated sessions for underrepresented groups, including refugees and grassroots organizations. Fourth, the Dialogue should result in clear outputs, such as policy recommendations, partnership agreements, and pilot initiatives, rather than remaining purely discussion-based. Finally, a follow-up and monitoring mechanism should be established to track progress, encourage accountability, and sustain long-term collaboration. In summary, by combining diverse stakeholder contributions with a structured, inclusive, and action-focused format, the AI Dialogue can deliver meaningful and lasting impact on global AI governance.

Several important voices remain underrepresented in global discussions on AI governance, particularly those from refugees, migrants, stateless persons, and informal workers, as well as communities in the Global South. These groups are often the most affected by technological change, yet they have the least influence in shaping policies that impact their lives. From my experience working with HelloWork!, displaced populations face barriers such as limited digital access, lack of legal recognition, and low AI literacy. As a result, their perspectives are rarely included in discussions on AI systems that increasingly shape employment, access to services, and social protection. This creates a risk that AI governance frameworks may unintentionally reinforce exclusion and inequality. To address this gap, more inclusive participation mechanisms are needed. This includes providing financial and logistical support for representatives from marginalized communities to join global dialogues, as well as enabling remote participation through accessible digital platforms. In addition, there should be stronger support for community-based organizations and grassroots initiatives. Programs like HelloWork! can act as bridges between global policy discussions and local realities by bringing practical insights and lived experiences into the conversation. Another important step is to invest in localized AI capacity-building, ensuring that underrepresented groups have the knowledge and skills to engage meaningfully in governance discussions, not just as beneficiaries but as contributors. Finally, AI governance processes should adopt a human-centered and participatory approach, actively seeking input from diverse communities through consultations, surveys, and pilot programs. In summary, including underrepresented voices requires intentional design, targeted support, and sustained engagement to ensure that AI governance is truly inclusive and equitable.

To foster meaningful and dynamic engagement, the AI Dialogue should move beyond traditional discussions and adopt more interactive, inclusive, and practice-oriented formats. First, multi-stakeholder co-creation workshops can bring together governments, private sector, civil society, and community actors to jointly design solutions. From my experience with HelloWork!, collaborative approaches are essential—especially when addressing real challenges such as employment access and digital skill gaps among displaced populations. Second, case-based sessions and live demonstrations can connect policy with real-world impact. For example, initiatives like HelloWork!, which use AI tools for job matching, vocational training, and digital skill development, can be presented as practical models. These examples help participants better understand how AI can be applied responsibly to improve livelihoods in vulnerable communities. Third, the Dialogue should include dedicated "community voices" sessions, where refugees, migrants, and grassroots organizations share their lived experiences. In HelloWork!, we have seen how direct engagement with displaced individuals provides critical insights into barriers such as limited access to technology and low digital literacy—perspectives that are often missing in global discussions. Fourth, interactive digital tools—such as live polling, breakout groups, and virtual participation—can ensure broader inclusion, especially for those unable to attend in person. Fifth, innovation labs or policy hackathons can encourage participants to co-develop and test new ideas. These formats can help transform local solutions, like HelloWork!'s AI-integrated training programs, into scalable models. Finally, action-oriented follow-up sessions should be included to translate dialogue into concrete commitments, partnerships, and pilot initiatives. In summary, by combining inclusive participation with practical, experience-driven formats, the AI Dialogue can become a more impactful platform that connects global policy with local realities.

Effective AI governance requires a combination of policies, practical approaches, and community-based solutions that ensure AI is used responsibly and inclusively. At the policy level, human rights-based AI frameworks are essential. Approaches that emphasize transparency, accountability, fairness, and data protection help ensure that AI systems do not reinforce discrimination or exclusion. These principles are particularly important in sensitive areas such as employment, where algorithmic bias can directly affect access to opportunities. In practice, AI capacity-building initiatives play a critical role in addressing governance challenges. For example, HelloWork! integrates AI into vocational training by teaching displaced individuals how to use digital tools for job searching, resume development, and freelancing. This approach not only builds technical skills but also promotes responsible and informed use of AI among vulnerable populations. Digital employment platforms and job-matching systems also offer concrete solutions. When designed with inclusive principles, these platforms can connect marginalized communities to labor market opportunities while maintaining ethical standards in data use and decision-making. Another important approach is multi-stakeholder collaboration, where governments, private sector, civil society, and international organizations work together to develop and implement AI solutions. This helps align innovation with public interest and ensures that different perspectives are considered. In addition, monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are key to effective governance. Regular assessment of AI systems-especially their social impact-can help identify risks, improve performance, and ensure accountability over time. In summary, combining strong ethical policies with practical, community-driven initiatives-such as HelloWork!'s AI-based training and employment support-demonstrates how AI governance can move from theory to real-world impact, ensuring that technological progress benefits all, especially vulnerable populations.