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<\/h4>\n<\/h4>\nPress Release<\/p>\n
Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Convening Explores the Future of AI, Human Development and Human Dignity<\/strong><\/p>\n Fourth open conversation in the series to help shape discussions on AI during the 81st United Nations General Assembly<\/strong><\/em><\/p>\n Rome, Italy, 11 September 2026<\/em>\u00a0\u2013 Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ convened global thought leaders, policymakers, technologists, academics, faith leaders and development practitioners in Rome, Italy, on 4-5 September for the fourth convening in a global discourse series exploring how artificial intelligence is reshaping human development and the future of societies.<\/p>\n Convened under the leadership of United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, the gathering was hosted by the United Nations Office for Partnerships at the Pontifical Gregorian University and builds on previous discussions held in Cairo, Mexico City and Xi\u2019an.<\/p>\n \u201cToday, artificial intelligence is entering a space where machines can speak with us, teach us and increasingly imitate human reasoning,\u201d said Deputy Secretary-General Mohammed. \u201cThat should make us curious. But it should also push us to think much harder about what remains distinctly human, and what we want human development to protect and strengthen.\u201d<\/p>\n Hosted in one of the world’s historic centers of philosophy, learning and faith, the convening examined three interconnected themes:\u00a0<\/strong>AI and Human Civilization, AI and Human Development and AI and Human Dignity.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Secretary-General, Ant\u00f3nio Guterres, has given us a simple principle for how we approach this brave new world: technology must serve people,\u201d the Deputy Secretary-General said.<\/p>\n Participants reflected on the implications of AI for education, creativity, trust, social cohesion and human relationships, and discussed how governance frameworks, ethical principles and public institutions can keep pace with rapid technological change.<\/p>\n They examined its implications for the ways people communicate, learn and work. They also considered how AI can expand educational opportunities, strengthen human capabilities and support progress toward sustainable development, while ensuring that no one is left behind.<\/p>\n Participants also examined the implications of AI for democracy, trust and the information ecosystem, including the risks posed by misinformation and disinformation. They further discussed questions of inclusion, representation and human rights, noting that many AI systems do not adequately reflect the world’s linguistic, cultural and knowledge diversity. Participants emphasized the importance of equitable access to technology and a human rights-based approach to AI development.<\/p>\n Faith leaders brought centuries-old reflections on human dignity, moral agency and the meaning of a good life to conversations about the questions artificial intelligence is now raising.<\/p>\n Reflecting on the ethical, spiritual and human dimensions of technological change, participants emphasized the importance of ensuring that advances in artificial intelligence remain grounded in human values, moral responsibility and respect for human dignity.<\/p>\n \u201cNow that the AI genie is out of the bottle, we have a responsibility to make sure human development keeps pace with human innovation,\u201d the Deputy Secretary-General noted.<\/p>\n AI and Human Development Series<\/strong><\/p>\n The AI and Human Development convenings are part of a global conversation that is moving from region to region and will culminate at the United Nations, our global town hall, during the\u00a081st session of the United Nations\u00a0General Assembly.<\/strong><\/p>\n Hosted in locations of historical and cultural significance and turning points of civilization, the series creates space for reflection on how technological change intersects with the evolution of societies, institutions, human values and relationships. The convenings explore how artificial intelligence is influencing human development and what principles should guide its future trajectory.<\/p>\n The series builds on the Secretary-General’s Global Dialogue on AI Governance and will inform key global processes leading to the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, including discussions related to the Pact for the Future, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence, and broader efforts to strengthen international cooperation on AI governance.<\/p>\n In 2027, the initiative will expand to support country-led, community-based open conversations worldwide in the lead-up to the Sustainable Development Goals Summit.<\/p>\n About the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Office for Partnerships<\/strong><\/p>\n As the global gateway to the United Nations, the Ä¢¹½ÊÓƵ Office for Partnerships convenes and co-creates essential partnerships and programmes, as well as manages catalytic funding to accelerate solutions to keep the promise of the Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n About the Pontifical Gregorian University<\/strong><\/p>\n The Pontifical Gregorian University is a leading international institution of higher learning in Rome, bringing together students and scholars from around the world. It serves as an important center for dialogue on ethics, human dignity and contemporary global challenges.<\/p>\n