Sara Rendtorff-Smith is a senior international policy leader working at the intersection of artificial intelligence, emerging digital technologies, peace and global governance. Since January 2026, she has served as Head of the Division for AI and Emerging Digital Technologies at the OECD, where she leads strategic policy development on responsible AI, digital transformation and international cooperation. Prior to joining the OECD, she 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 Middle East and North Africa policy 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. She brings nearly two decades of experience across humanitarian action, peacekeeping, development and multilateral institutions, with extensive field and headquarters work in fragile and conflict-affected contexts, including Afghanistan, the Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mali, South Sudan, and Syria. She holds advanced degrees from Harvard University and New York University, and her work is grounded in systems thinking, evidence-based policy and inclusive governance.
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