RIT Kosovo’s Team Showcase Cutting-Edge AI Solutions for Global Advocacy

At the 2nd International Conference on Metaheuristics in Engineering and its Applications (METASOFT), held in Bhubaneswar, India, Professor Michael Hess, an expert in Peace and Conflict Studies at RIT Kosovo, played a pivotal role in guiding a groundbreaking research paper that was recognized as one of the best works at the conference. Titled "Towards an Autonomous Information: Network Algorithms & AI for Advocacy in the Sahel," the paper was published in the prestigious AIP Conference Proceedings, indexed by Scopus.

Professor Michael Hess, an expert in Peace and Conflict Studies at RIT Kosovo, played a pivotal role in guiding the research. It was his innovative idea to explore the intersection of AI, network algorithms, and global advocacy, which laid the foundation for the project. His extensive experience in American foreign policy and conflict resolution was instrumental in grounding the research in real-world advocacy and diplomatic contexts, shaping the study’s approach and findings.

Dalina Canhasi, one of the youngest contributors to the team, brought her expertise in technology and international studies to the project. Dalina made the presentation at the conference and focused on using network algorithms to promote global awareness and fairness in information dissemination, particularly in relation to underrepresented crises. Dalina is committed to combining technology with real-world impact.

Korab Jashari, a seasoned collaborator from RIT Kosovo, provided his expertise in network algorithms and data analysis, ensuring the methodologies developed were both robust and practical for real-world applications. His contributions were vital in shaping the paper’s body and the proposed solutions.

Prof. Dr Debabrata Samanta, was a guest speaker at the conference. His technical guidance and mentorship played a key role in developing the AI-driven methodologies that form the core of the research, offering innovative solutions to global advocacy challenges, particularly in marginalized regions.

The METASOFTConference is one of India’s most prestigious academic events, attracting over 210 submissions from researchers worldwide. The RIT Kosovo team’s paper, which introduced innovative algorithms to prioritize fair representation and safeguard information security, stood out for its focus on AI-driven solutions to global crises. The paper’s findings underscore the potential of AI to combat media bias and increase awareness of regions like the Sahel, where crises are often overlooked.

This research represents a significant contribution to global advocacy and the use of technology for social change. By highlighting the importance of equity in information dissemination, the study opens new possibilities for amplifying voices from underrepresented communities, while also showcasing RIT Kosovo’s ongoing contributions to international academic discourse.