Sara Rendtorff-Smith

University of Delvare (Static)

Sara Rendtorff-Smith heads the Division on 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 technologies such as quantum, bio-, neuro- and converging technologies. Core to this work is overseeing the OECD.AI Policy Observatory, the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI), OECD’s integrated network of experts, as well as the OECD Global Forum on Technology (GFTech), with a view to providing evidence, tools, frameworks and policy advice to manage the opportunities and risks associated with AI and emerging technologies.

Before 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. Sara previously served as Applied Research Lead for Data-Driven Governance and AI Policy at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, supporting governments, civil society, and journalists in applying probabilistic AI for public-interest outcomes. Sara has also held various positions with the United Nations and international NGOs, where she led complex strategic planning processes and evidence-based policy development. Her work has taken her to Afghanistan, Central African Republic, the Democratic Republic of Congo, Kenya, Lebanon, Liberia, Mali, South Sudan, and Sudan.

Sara is Danish and holds advanced degrees from Harvard University and New York University.

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