The Ukrainian Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MFA) has introduced a groundbreaking digital diplomat named “Victoria Shi.” Shi is the world’s first artificial intelligence-created spokesperson for the MFA. She symbolizes the victory of Ukraine and will provide operational and verified information about consular affairs to the public.
Shi’s avatar, modeled after Ukrainian singer Rosalie Nombre, will work alongside real diplomats to save time and resources. This move towards advanced technology is part of the ministry’s efforts to embrace innovation in diplomacy.
Security measures have been put in place to prevent hacking, and a human spokesperson will also be retained to work with Shi. Shi was created by non-governmental organizations and programmers and will read press releases prepared by the ministry.
While Ukraine is highlighting Shi as the first digital spokesperson for a foreign ministry, other countries like Japan have used AI-generated avatars in various public speaking roles. The ban on consular services for military-age Ukrainian men living abroad is temporary, as the government updates military records and prepares for a new law on military mobilization.
Overall, the introduction of Victoria Shi represents a technological advancement and a new era of digital diplomacy for Ukraine.
