Daanish Masood Alavi

Daanish Masood Alavi is an experienced professional working at the intersection of technology, international peace and security, and innovation at the United Nations. Here are some key details about his background and work:

Professional Experience

Daanish currently serves in the Innovation - Political and Peacebuilding Affairs division at the United Nations, a role he has held since November 2019.1 In this position, he focuses on:

• Applying emerging technologies like machine learning, natural language processing, satellite imagery, and virtual/augmented reality to enhance UN peacemaking efforts worldwide.1
• Exploring AI alignment frameworks to integrate global values and ethics into AI systems.1

Background and Expertise

• Over 20 years of experience in conflict resolution and technology.13
• Previously worked in the UN Secretary-General's office and co-led a UN innovation unit.3
• Supported Security Council missions in the Middle East and helped establish an evidence-gathering mission on ISIL atrocities in Iraq.3

Notable Projects and Achievements

• Led the Iraq Water Security Project, which used satellite data to measure water diminishment and correlate it with social unrest, earning a Geospatial Excellence Award in 2022.1
• Directed "The State of Global Peace," a virtual reality experience that premiered at the 2022 Sundance Film Festival New Frontier.12
• Co-founded BeAnotherLab, a VR collective focused on creating transformative encounters between communities in conflict.1

Education and Affiliations

• Holds degrees in analytic philosophy and Middle East Studies.3
• Former affiliate at MIT's Arts, Culture and Technology program.3

Daanish's work combines technological innovation with peacebuilding efforts, aiming to leverage cutting-edge tools and methodologies to address global challenges and promote dialogue in conflict zones.34