Rafael Torquato Cruz is a Project Coordinator and Community Manager at the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (ESCAP), where he leads the Community of Practice on Artificial Intelligence (COPAI) within the Innovation, Enterprise and Investment Section. His work focuses on advancing inclusive and sustainable science, technology, and innovation (STI) policies across the Asia-Pacific region.
Rafael has directly supported policymakers in co-developing national STI strategies, including Myanmar’s National STI Policy, Cambodia’s STI Roadmap 2030 and National Research Agenda. He co-authored ESCAP’s 2024 policy workbook on private sector engagement in STI, emphasizing startup growth and human capital development in Cambodia, Lao PDR, Thailand, and Viet Nam (CLTV).
Under his leadership, COPAI promotes ethical, inclusive, and culturally grounded AI research and innovation, including the “Generous AI” principles, which integrates Buddhist values into AI Ethics. Rafael has also moderated regional dialogues on generative AI and inclusive innovation, such as the webinar on the future of generative AI in Asia and the Pacific.
He holds a master’s degree in political science and international relations.