UNESCO Chair Ted Lechterman at World Summit AI in Amsterdam

Ted Lechterman, head of the UNESCO Chair in AI Ethics and Governance at IE School of Humanities, delivered an impactful keynote address on AI democratization at the World Summit AI 2024 in Amsterdam. The event brought together thought leaders and innovators from across technology, business, academia, and civil society to examine the intersections between artificial intelligence and ethical governance.

In his keynote, Lechterman challenged prevailing views of democratization in the context of AI. He argued that true democratic AI must be rooted in public institutions that uphold transparency, accountability, and meaningful citizen participation. His address called for a shift in how AI systems are designed and governed—urging greater public oversight and a deeper ethical framework.

Lechterman also contributed to a panel discussion on public engagement in AI governance, where he underscored the central role of UNESCO in guiding ethical and inclusive national strategies for AI development. His contributions emphasized the vital need to incorporate humanistic values and ethical reasoning into the advancement of emerging technologies.

Additional Notes:

Key Topics: AI democratization, ethical AI, public institutions, governance, public engagement

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