Irakli Beridze

Irakli Beridze is the Head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics at the UNICRI. With over two decades of experience in multilateral negotiations, Irakli has been involved in the highest levels of scientific and technical cooperation with governments, UN agencies, think tanks, civil society and private industry. An authority on the impacts of rapid technological change and innovation on sustainable development, Irakli is regularly called upon by leading institutions for his insight on traditional threats and risks from AI. He is now available to hire for speaking engagements, where he discusses the potential risks and solutions AI can contribute to development.

After earning his J.D. In International Law and Legal Studies at the University of Iberia, he joined Concord University to complete a bachelor’s degree in Political Science and Government before enrolling at the University of Tampere to earn a master’s degree in International Relations and National Security Studies. He joined the Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons as a Special Projects Officer in 2000, then became Deputy to the Director, followed by Senior Advisor to the Director General. In 2016, he served as a Committee Member at The IEEE Global Initiative on Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems.

Following that, he joined IPsoft as a Member of the Steering/Program Committee, AI Pioneers Forum. In 2018, he served as an Observing Member of the High-Level Expert Group on Artificial Intelligence for the European Commission before becoming a Member of The Global Artificial Intelligence Council at the World Economic Forum. First joining the UNICRI as a Programme Coordinator, Irakli is currently the Head of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. He is credited with establishing the first UN programme on AI and organising the UNICRI training, educational and mentoring programmes on AI and robotics worldwide.

Irakli also spearheaded the UN Group of Friends of CBRN Risk Mitigation and Security Governance and has played a significant role in combating global chemical terrorism. Now he is highly sought after as a speaker and advisor on international security, scientific and technological developments and AI. One of the foremost experts on the threats of AI, Irakli captivates audiences with his leading industry insights and unrivalled expertise.