Community Call – AI Series | Episode 2: AI and Makers at Risk

This episode of the series will focus on the diverse risks makers working in conflict zones are exposed to in times of ever more sophisticated technological advancements.

We will explore how AI technologies create new front lines in the strive of makers to bring their skills to the support of people in conflict zones. Whilst new technologies can be used to enhance safety, they are bearing exponential risks of exposing makerspaces as targets for violence in areas where they play crucial roles.

In this event we will identify which types of support mechanisms are urgently required in order to create needs-driven safeguarding mechanisms and explore how existing safeguarding mechanisms from the rights defenders community can play a supportive role.

Guests Spotlight:

Nawres Arif: 

An industrialist, painter, and sculptor who merges art and technology by creating robots. A self-taught expert in 3D design and digital fabrication, he designed an interactive Motion Capture suit showcased at TEDx Baghdad 2013. In 2013, he founded Iraq’s first Makerspace and Fab Lab, fostering local innovation. During the COVID-19 crisis, he produced over 13,000 protective masks, gaining international recognition. Nawres Arif promotes entrepreneurship and STEM education, aiming to reshape Iraqi society and advance digital learning through Science Camp.

Konstantin Leonenko: 

Originally from Donetsk, Ukraine, Konstantin has spent the last 20 years living abroad, but keeping Ukraine in focus. He holds degrees in industrial automation and algorithmic music composition and is a FabAcademy graduate. Over the last 12 years he has designed, built and managed numerous digital fabrication workshops in Ukraine and the UK, serving startups, universities, NGOs and local communities. Most recently he led three mobile maker teams as part of the TOLOCAR project – delivering humanitarian maker solutions where it matters most. His interdisciplinary background allows him to engage with a broad range of stakeholders, helping them create spaces where ideas are turned into reality.

Annie Zaman:

Annie is a journalist and the co-founder of Exile Hub, supporting at-risk journalists and Human Rights Defenders (HRDs) in exile. Born in Pakistan, she has worked in Pakistan, Afghanistan, Myanmar,  Germany, the UK, and Thailand. Annie launched Pak Votes, the first digital newsroom to cover Pakistan’s 2013 elections, monitoring violence via social media. She also authored Speak Up Barometer– Pakistan, exploring digital participation and freedom of expression. Annie also serves as an advisor to Free Press Unlimited (FPU) on Freedom of Expression and Crisis Management. Her work spans community engagement efforts and strategic partnerships, aiming to strengthen freedom of expression in challenging environments. Annie’s deep commitment to press freedom and expertise in crisis management make her a vital voice in safeguarding media professionals and communities at risk.

Kersti Ruth Wissenbach – Moderator: 

Kersti is a political sociologist with deep roots in the participatory communication and communication rights movement. She is the founder of Cultiva Lab, a socio-ecology driven consultancy and exploration space that is rooted in the permaculture principles of People Care, Planet Care, Fair Share. Cultiva Lab works with citizens, organisations and public sector institutions to embrace all-life-affirming understandings and approaches in their work. Prior to establishing Cultiva Lab, she spent nearly twenty years working at the intersection of digital transformation, sustainability, and justice in the international development cooperation sector and in academia. Kersti has extensively collaborated with activist groups, NGOs, and public sector institutions, leading strategic planning, policy advice, and the implementation of civic participation processes globally.