GENEVA, Jul 3 – As Artificial Intelligence (AI) continues to transform innovation across the globe, fundamental legal questions surrounding ownership, accountability, and human rights are becoming increasingly urgent. Addressing these issues on an international platform, Dr. Ma Kalthum Ishak, senior lecturer from the Faculty of Management, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), represented Malaysia at the 2026 Alumni Workshop on UN Human Rights Mechanisms, held in Geneva, Switzerland, from 29 June to 3 July 2026.

The prestigious five-day programme was jointly organised by the Norwegian Centre for Human Rights (NCHR), University of Oslo, and the Geneva Human Rights Hub (GHRH). It brought together selected alumni from across the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) region to deepen their understanding of United Nations (UN) human rights mechanisms, strengthen collaboration among regional academics and practitioners, and explore emerging global challenges at the intersection of law, technology, and governance.

Throughout the programme, participants engaged in expert lectures, practical workshops, panel discussions, and institutional visits led by specialists from the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR), members of the Human Rights Committee, UN Special Procedures mandate holders, and internationally renowned academics. The workshop examined the operation of key UN human rights mechanisms, including treaty body reporting procedures, the Human Rights Council, fact-finding missions, commissions of inquiry, and Special Procedures. Participants also explored how digital technologies and AI are reshaping international human rights monitoring, documentation, and governance.

Dr. Ma Kalthum delivered an academic presentation entitled “Who Owns the Future? Artificial Intelligence, UN Mechanisms and Intellectual Property.” The presentation examined one of the most significant legal questions emerging from the AI era: Who owns an invention created by Artificial Intelligence?

Beginning with a thought-provoking hypothetical scenario, “Imagine an AI invents a cure for cancer overnight. Who owns the invention?”. The presentation illustrated how AI is fundamentally transforming the innovation ecosystem. It demonstrated how advances in data, algorithms, foundation models, and generative AI are challenging traditional concepts of inventorship, copyright, patents, and ownership under existing intellectual property frameworks.

A significant component of the presentation focused on the complementary roles played by UN agencies in AI governance. The World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) was highlighted for its leadership in global intellectual property policy, the OHCHR for promoting a human rights-based approach to AI, and the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) for developing international digital standards. Together, these institutions contribute to building a coherent global governance framework for responsible AI development.

To demonstrate the practical implications of these legal challenges, Dr. Ma Kalthum analysed the landmark DABUS patent litigation involving AI-generated inventions. The comparative discussion examined decisions from the United States, the United Kingdom, and Switzerland, illustrating how different jurisdictions continue to recognise only natural persons as inventors despite AI’s growing role in innovation. The presentation stimulated lively discussions among participants on the future evolution of international intellectual property law and AI regulation.

Beyond academic discussions, participants were given exclusive opportunities to observe proceedings at the Palais des Nations, engage directly with UN Special Rapporteurs and treaty body experts, and explore contemporary issues relating to human rights education, advocacy, and the use of AI in international monitoring systems.

Reflecting on the experience, Dr. Ma Kalthum described the programme as an invaluable opportunity to gain first-hand exposure to the practical operation of the UN human rights system while expanding international academic collaboration.

“The workshop provided a unique platform to exchange ideas with experts and fellow academics from across ASEAN while deepening my understanding of how international human rights mechanisms are responding to emerging technological challenges. The experience will significantly strengthen my teaching, research, and future collaborations in Artificial Intelligence governance, intellectual property, and business and human rights.”

Dr. Ma Kalthum extends its sincere appreciation to the NCHR, University of Oslo, and the GHRH for their generous sponsorship and commitment to strengthening the capacity of ASEAN scholars through international collaboration.

The knowledge, international networks, and interdisciplinary perspectives gained through the programme are expected to further strengthen UTM’s commitment to advancing impactful research, innovative teaching, and meaningful global engagement. The experience also reinforces the University’s aspiration to contribute actively to international policy discourse on AI, human rights, intellectual property, and sustainable development while producing globally competent graduates and researchers capable of addressing future societal challenges.