Sara Rendtorff-Smith is a senior international policy leader working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, emerging digital technologies, peace and global governance. She brings nearly two decades of experience in policy development and strategic planning in multilateral organisations across tech policy, humanitarian action, peace and development work.
Since January 2026, Sara has served as Head of the Division for AI and Emerging Digital Technologies at the OECD, leading the OECD’s AI governance work and driving strategic policy development on responsible AI and emerging digital technologies, including quantum and immersive technologies. Core to this work is overseeing the OECD.AI Policy Observatory, the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), the OECD.AI Network of Experts, and the OECD Global Forum on Emerging Technologies, with a view to helping governments manage the opportunities and risks associated with AI and emerging digital technologies.
Prior to joining the OECD, Sara was Chief Policy Advisor on Technology, Peace and Security at the Permanent Mission of Denmark to the United Nations in New York, where she oversaw technology diplomacy alongside security policy for the Middle East and North Africa, and served as Deputy Spokesperson. Earlier in her career, Sara was Applied Research Lead for Data-Driven Governance and AI Policy at MIT, supporting governments, civil society and journalists in applying probabilistic AI for public-interest outcomes. Prior to this, she held several roles with the United Nations across headquarters and the field, spending extended time in the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Kenya, Mali, South Sudan, and Sudan.
Sara is Danish and holds advanced degrees from Harvard University and New York University.
