Utilizing AI for Peace Building

Artificial intelligence has inserted itself into our everyday lives quickly over the last few years. It is also a common topic of discussion, whether you are looking at misinformation and disinformation or the use and risks of AI in international security or in education. But how about simply using this technology to explore a topic from a new point of view?

Prof. Tim Kietzmann from the University of Osnabrück’s Institute of Cognitive Science introduced the theoretical principles of AI and various ways it is being used, before the group got creative using tools like ChatGPT and Midjourney.

Prof. Tim Kietzmann from the University of Osnabrück

Both of these AI tools can be fed with well-designed “prompts”– texts that describe what tasks they should perform. GDL Member Khaldun Al Saadi explained how to best “talk” to AI and tasked participants with developing stories and images that captured how they felt about their time in Osnabrück and what it had taught them.

See for yourself …

Genesis of Peacebuilding

In a distant corner of the universe, five playful aliens named Zara, Xander, Astra, Nova, and Orion were traversing the cosmic expanse aboard the starship Stellaris. Their journey, however, took an unexpected turn when their vessel encountered a turbulent spacestorm, causing the ship to crash-land on an unknown planet.

Group 1 prompted Midjourney to create a vision of aliens who crashed on a planet inhabited by kind-hearted beings called the Harmonians

As they ventured out onto the unexplored terrain, the aliens were bewildered and anxious. Their diverse appearances and languages created initial barriers, making communication challenging. Feeling a sense of urgency to find a way back home, the aliens knew they had to put their differences aside and work together if they were to survive and create peace on this foreign planet.

Eager to establish a peaceful existence, Zara, the diplomatic alien, proposed a plan. She emphasized the importance of effective communication and understanding for their collective well-being. Using their extraordinary talents and resources, they constructed a universal translator device capable of bridging the language gap between species.

With the translator, the aliens began interacting with the planet’s inhabitants: kind-hearted beings called the Harmonians. These gentle creatures possessed unique abilities and wisdom, willing to guide the aliens towards harmony and unity. Under their guidance, the aliens learned the power of empathy and active listening, enabling them to understand the perspectives of others.

Realizing that togetherness was crucial in building a peaceful society, Xander, the resourceful alien, proposed the construction of a communal living space. They designed it to be inclusive of all species, accommodating their diverse needs and preferences. This vibrant space became a hub for shared experiences, fostering friendships and nurturing a true sense of belonging.

Electronic Nightmare

Prompt:

Create a science fiction poem in the style of Dr. Seuss with horror elements to describe the impact of electronic junk dropped by the DHL plane into the middle of a metropolitan city with a population of 160,000. The story should centre around health diseases it will cause to the city’s people. This poem should use Gen Z slang. And the name of the town of Osnabrück.

Group 2 prompted Chat GPT to write a science fiction poem in the style of Dr. Seuss with horror elements to describe the impact of electronic junk landing in Osnabrück

In the town of Osnabrück, where the people loved to vibe,
There came a mighty horror from the electronic tribe.
High up in the sky, a DHL plane flew,
Dropping electronic junk that everyone would rue.

With a crash and a bang, the city shook with fear,
As gadgets and gizmos fell from the atmosphere.
The screens and the wires, the circuits and more,
Landing with a thud, spreading terror to the core.

The city’s population, a hundred and sixty thousand strong,
Were now faced with dangers, something so wrong.
For the electronic junk brought with it disease,
Infecting the people, causing them to wheeze.

The young and the old, the entire generation Z,
Were affected by this horror, something they couldn’t see.
The city that once thrived with high-tech flair,
Was now consumed by sickness and despair.

The smartphones became villains, spreading the plight,
Health diseases crept in with every byte.
From constant scrolling to endless screen time,
The people of Osnabrück were caught in a bind.

Sniffluencers and coughfluencers spread their memes,
But no amount of likes could cure the extreme.
The citizens, now quarantined in their homes,
Became prisoners to the electronic syndrome.

But hope lingered in the air, like a whisper in the wind,
For the people of Osnabrück would not rescind.
They fought against the sickness, with strength and might,
Using their collective power to reclaim the light.

With each passing day, the city found its way,
Innovating solutions to combat the decay.
They turned off their devices, picked up a book,
Rediscovering the joy that the real world took.

The screens were replaced with green fields and trees,
As the city of Osnabrück found its ease.
They healed from the sickness, united and free,
Reclaiming their health and their vitality.

So remember the caution, dear Gen Z,
Too much electronics is not the key.
Balance is essential, take care of your health,
In the city of Osnabrück, they learned this wealth.

A Tale of Water Diplomacy in Medieval Munster

Prompt:

Create a short 200 words story in the style of the brothers Grim. The story should be about religious leaders coming up together in Munster in order to solve a water crisis. Use a natural tone and contemporary English.

Four religious leaders come together in Munster in order to solve a water crisis in this story ideated by Group 3

In the peaceful village of Munster, nestled among lush meadows and meandering streams, a devastating water crisis hit. The once abundant wells mysteriously ran dry, leaving the villagers in great distress. Their dry throats and withering crops painted a bleak picture of the hardship they faced. The village elder, recognizing the gravity of the situation, called upon religious leaders from far and wide for help. Among them was Sister Maria, a remarkable woman known for her wisdom and compassion. Sister Maria joined forces with Bishop Wilhelm, Rabbi Isaac, Reverend Thomas, and Sheikh Abdul, forming an alliance to confront this water crisis together. With unwavering determination, Sister Maria took charge, rallying the villagers and urging them to conserve every precious drop of water. She provided guidance on finding alternative water sources, inspiring both women and men to come together in their efforts. …

Day after day, Sister Maria worked tirelessly, scouring the land for hidden springs and waterways. She ensured that every corner of Munster received the vital resource it so desperately needed. Through the collective efforts of Sister Maria and the religious leaders, hope began to bloom in Munster. Their unwavering faith and tireless work helped the village weather the crisis with resilience and unity. News of Sister Maria’s bravery and the united front of the religious leaders spread far and wide, serving as an inspiring example of the power of community. Their achievements became a symbol of triumph over adversity, reminding us of the strength and wisdom that can be found when people work selflessly together. Sister Maria’s name became synonymous with courage and innovation, forever engraved in Munster’s history. Her dedication, alongside that of the religious leaders, successfully resolved the water crisis, leaving a lasting legacy of hope and resilience.

Beyond Borders: Seven Souls, One Peaceful City

Prompt:

Hello, can you write a story about 7 people from different continents, visiting a city in germany, which is usually refered to as the city of peace. They have been for a week and they came to discuss peace and inclusion. Please write this in a light and simple language. Make it concise.

Group 4 generated a story of five strangers under the spell of Peace in Osnabrück

Once upon a time, seven people from different continents gathered in a charming city in Germany, often called the City of Peace. For a week, they shared stories, laughter, and dreams under the bright sky of unity.

In this city, they came together to discuss peace and inclusion, embracing the diversity that bound them. There was Fabio from Africa, Aurora from Asia, Nkosinomusa from South America, Fiamma from Europe, Sanjana from Oceania, Giovana from North America, and Tavares from Antarctica.

They explored the city’s cobblestone streets, marveled at historic landmarks, and tasted the local delicacies, savoring the flavors of friendship…

Each day, they gathered in a cozy conference room, where ideas flowed like a gentle river, and understanding blossomed like spring flowers.

Amidst their discussions, they discovered the beauty of acceptance and the strength in differences. Together, they planted the seeds of peace, nurturing them with kindness and respect.

As the week came to an end, they stood together, not as strangers from distant lands, but as friends who had found a common ground. The City of Peace had worked its magic on them, leaving them with hearts full of hope and a shared vision for a harmonious world.

And so, they bid farewell, promising to carry the spirit of peace and inclusion back to their continents, spreading the message far and wide. In this simple yet profound way, the City of Peace had sown the seeds of understanding among seven souls, echoing the possibility of a better, more inclusive world for all.

Workshop Facilitation:

Elsa Marie D’Silva

Khaldun Al Saadi

Prof. Tim Kietzmann

Editors:

Corinna Fischer

Jasmin Osmanovic

Svenja Prigge