In a groundbreaking move, the Ukrainian Foreign Ministry unveils its virtual communications representative
The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry has unveiled its virtual communications representative, Victoria Shi, a digitally rendered figure poised to handle the ministry’s official pronouncements. The launch, which took place on a recent Wednesday, marks Ukraine’s foray into employing advanced artificial intelligence for diplomatic purposes.
Victoria Shi cuts an official figure as she presents herself on virtual platforms in a professional dark suit, acting the part of a “digital person” with realistic human gestures and expressions reminiscent of an in-person address.
Victoria Shi: A Symbolic Name and Innovative Representation
Victoria Shi steps into her role with a name symbolizing triumph and a nod to the Ukrainian word for artificial intelligence. She represents the innovation of a team dubbed The Game Changers, known for their involvement in creating immersive virtual reality narratives about the ongoing conflict in Ukraine.
Shi’s vocal and visual model is inspired by Rosalie Nombre, an Instagram-famous singer who frequently challenges stereotypes while sharing tales of her life as a Russian-speaking, racially diverse Ukrainian from the Russian-controlled region of Donetsk.
Shi’s Role and Persona
Although Shi’s words are carefully crafted by human writers to maintain factual accuracy, it’s her AI-driven persona that will be at the forefront of the ministry’s visual broadcasts. Ukraine’s Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba champions this venture as a pioneering step in conserving the precious time and efforts of the nation’s diplomats.
Protective Measures and Initial Tasks
While Nombre’s participation is on a volunteer basis, it’s emphasized that Nombre’s identity is separate from that of the AI spokeswoman, who solely bears the mantle of delivering official communications. To safeguard against the misuse of Shi’s likeness, the ministry plans to incorporate a QR code on official releases that will direct viewers to authentic written statements on its website.
The AI’s initial pronouncements will address consular matters, a particularly sensitive subject as Ukrainian consular services have recently been put on hold for Ukrainian men of conscription age living overseas. These men are confronted with the possibility of having to return to Ukraine for bureaucratic procedures and the potentiality of being drafted.
Ukraine’s Innovative Approach to Diplomacy
Ukraine’s innovative approach places the nation at the forefront of global diplomacy by incorporating sophisticated AI technology to revolutionize communication protocols within its Foreign Ministry.
