At this year’s World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS+20) in Geneva, the „fAInance for Good: Harnessing AI to AImprove the Global Financial Systems“ panel brought together insights at the crossroads of artificial intelligence, finance and humanitarian impact. Against the backdrop of rapid technological change, panelists and participants focused on how AI-driven financial innovation can transform economies and, crucially, broaden inclusion and trust.
Bridging Two Decades of Change – and Looking Forward
Twenty years ago, smartphones, cryptocurrencies and advanced AI seemed like science fiction. As these technologies accelerate, what will the world look like in two more decades, with AI – and even humanoid robots – embedded in daily financial life? The panel reflected on digital disruption and the importance of steering it toward social good.
The Panel: Diverse Voices and a Humanoid Perspective
Co-moderated by Christine Papadopoulos and Christoph Santer, who masterminded the session concept. Christine brings global expertise spanning finance, AI and communications, focusing on guiding organizations through AI transformation. Christoph, as the mastermind behind the fAInance for Good initiative, has pioneered conversations at the intersection of technology and social impact. Together, they are currently writing their second book for Penguin Random House publishers.
The discussion was uniquely enriched by „Robert the Robot,“ a humanoid expert crafted by David Hanson, Ph.D., and Metodi Dimitrov. Robert’s interventions balanced technical accuracy with forward-thinking perspectives, illustrating how human-machine collaboration could soon support financial literacy and ethical decision-making.
The Panel: Diverse Voices and a Humanoid Perspective
Carmen Hett serves as UNHCR’s Corporate Treasurer, bringing over 25 years of experience in corporate finance and strategic resource allocation. As a leader in transformational technologies, she has pioneered the use of blockchain to deliver humanitarian assistance and manage emergency responses. Her expertise spans capital structures and strategic resource allocation for growth initiatives, with particular focus on managing global financial resources for humanitarian aid and inclusive economic development.
Paola Valencia is an international speaker and co-founder of the Alpine Tech Forum, a platform designed to connect technology silos and foster cross-disciplinary dialogue. Her approach combines systems thinking with hands-on experience, working closely with leadership teams to align technology with mission-driven goals. She specializes in building strategic partnerships and delivering solutions that balance practical implementation with future readiness, maintaining a deep commitment to sustainability and equity.
Jorge Fernandes works at the UN World Food Programme Innovation Accelerator in Munich, focusing on economic empowerment and financial inclusion for vulnerable populations served by WFP. His expertise spans both B2C and B2B perspectives while supporting several high-tech startups. His work centers on developing scalable solutions that can reach underserved communities through innovative financial technologies
Dr. David Hanson Ph.D., is a visionary in AI and robotics whose research explores how intelligent agents—like humanoid robots—can assist in financial literacy, education and responsible decision-making. His work focuses on creating robots that can meaningfully interact with humans, particularly in contexts where technology can enhance accessibility and understanding of complex financial concepts.
Metodi Dimitrov, at 27, is already steering his third venture as co-founder and CEO of RobotBulls, a leading AI wealth management platform. This fintech entrepreneur and artificial intelligence specialist focuses on digital asset management and AI-powered financial tools. Driven by a mission to help people achieve financial freedom, he advocates for the transformative potential of cryptocurrency and decentralization. His collaboration with David Hanson on the humanoid robot Robert demonstrates the growing acceptance of receiving financial advice from AI-powered systems.
Robert the Robot contributed insights on the future of AI in finance, demonstrating how innovative approaches can blend human and artificial intelligence for greater good. Robert embodies the shift toward AI-assisted financial services, offering both automation efficiency and the relatability of a humanoid interface—particularly appealing to younger generations who value speed, objectivity and lower costs compared to traditional human advisors.
From Buzzwords to Real Impact
The panel focused on applications already making a difference: UNHCR’s digital cash for refugees, WFP’s accelerator projects, and innovations from stablecoin solutions to mobile platforms (M-Pesa, UPI) expanding financial reach. Panelists agreed that AI in finance must be explainable, transparent and community-powered—technology deployed without local context risks deepening rather than bridging divides.
Why This Year Felt Different
With 11,000+ participants from 150+ countries at WSIS+20 and the AI for Good Global Summit, over 200 live demos showcased AI, robotics and blockchain advances aimed at humanitarian outcomes.
Looking Ahead
Positive transformation in global finance requires intentional design, ethical leadership and unwavering focus on inclusion. As AI and humanoid robots edge closer to mainstream economic roles, dialogue like this remains vital.
Thanks go to the WSIS+20 and AI for Good teams, all participating panelists, and especially those—human and humanoid—who continue pushing the boundaries of responsible financial innovation for the good of all!
See you in 2026, as we continue these essential conversations.
Here you can find more information about the panele discussion including the recording of the zoom session: