DBU Takes First Place at UNESCO's 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI

Representing DBU with excellence, Dr. Danxia (Christina) Chen, Dr. Cicely Jefferson, and Dr. Joanne Hix captured first place at UNESCO's 3rd Global Forum on the Ethics of AI, receiving top honors on the international stage. As a certified data scientist, Dr. Christina Chen teaches courses mainly in DBU's Carter School of Business (CSB) and the College of Humanities and Social Sciences. Most recently, she has focused on teaching AI techniques to data scientists in DBU's Master of Science in Ethical AI and Strategic Decision Sciences program. Dr. Jefferson serves as the Dean of CSB and Dr. Hix is a professor of management in the CSB.

The research team's award-winning research idea, "Carrot or Stick: A Comparative Study of AI Ethics Policies Across Countries," began in Fall 2024 by Dr. Chen. After initial exploration, Dr. Chen dove deeper into the research and spent many nights burning the midnight oil to finish and perfect the analysis by the submission deadline.

"Through my research, I noticed that previous studies have focused on a specific area or a particular country. Few have explored cross-country and cross-disciplinary comparisons of AI ethics policies. This motivated me to fill in a huge research gap in comparative AI ethics studies," Dr. Chen remarked.

During her comprehensive literature review, she found a 2025 AI Index Report from Stanford University, highlighting the United States, China, and the United Kingdom as leaders in AI technology and development. These three countries became the primary focus of their research. As they worked through the similarities and differences between these countries, Dr. Chen noticed the "carrot" and the "stick".

Dr. Chen remarks, "All three countries at the beginning prioritized AI development and technology advancement ('carrot'). At the intermediate stage, they grappled with a smorgasbord of ethical and social issues. Subsequently, a series of AI ethics policies, governance, laws, and regulations were established ('stick')."

She wasn't alone in her research process. Dr. Chen recalls, "I had an incredible research team supporting me every step of the way. I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Cicely Jefferson, Dean of the Carter School of Business. Despite her demanding administrative duties, she still devoted time to collaborate with me. I am also deeply grateful for Dr. Joanne Hix and Dr. Jon K. Reid's valuable contributions to the research."

After submitting their research, it wasn't long before they received an invitation to present at UNESCO's forum in Thailand. Drs. Chen, Jefferson, and Hix accepted the invitation and began excitedly preparing for their presentation. Later, Dr. Chen represented the research team to attend this special event.

Dr. Chen shares, "It was not until I attended the UNESCO Forum opening meeting that I discovered the full significance of this opportunity. I learned from the AI Ethics Committee Chair's opening remarks that they had received over 600 submissions, and only 36 were selected for presentation." Dr. Chen found it to be an incredible privilege to present at the same session as researchers from Harvard University and the Alan Turing Institute.

It wasn't until one day before the closing ceremony that Dr. Chen learned their research had earned first place. They received the Best Paper Award—First Place in the National, Regional, and Global AI Governance track. Dr. Chen felt it was a miracle from God. She reflects, "I was so excited to represent DBU and our research team at this significant event and bring DBU to the global spotlight! The timing of this award also aligns beautifully with DBU's Carter School of Business Capital Campaign, "STAND FIRM. STAND OUT."

Dr. Chen shared her sincere appreciation for Dr. Adam C. Wright, DBU President; Dr. Gary Cook, Chancellor; and Dr. Norma Hedin, Provost. Their support strongly impacts Dr. Chen's research and teaching on University Hill. She also acknowledged Randy Byers, DBU Vice President for International Affairs, for his support of international outreach initiatives.

"My heartfelt thanks go to my outstanding research team and the entire DBU family. Throughout my presentation journey, I could feel God's wisdom and strength, and the power of the DBU Family's prayers. I am thankful for my dear American adopted families: the Linams and the Harveys. They have supported me so graciously. I am deeply blessed. To God be the glory!"