Avoiding the "Race to the Middle". On the Importance of an AI of Empowerment
Dr Alex Carter, Associate Professor for Philosophy and Interdisciplinary Studies, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge
Forum Agenda
Where Artificial Intelligence Meets Humanity. Exploring the intersection of capability, ethics, and global policy.
Day 1:
Cambridge, 19th Aug 2026
09:00
Opening Plenary
11:00
Guest Lecture
Theme I: Towards Environmental AI Ethics: Integrating Environmental Interests in AI Development and Deployment
Dr Milena Ivanova, a Senior Teaching Associate at the Leverhulme Centre for the Future of Intelligence and a Course Director in Philosophy at the University of Cambridge Institute of Continuing Education, a Bye-Fellow at Newnham College
13:15
Guest Lecture
Theme II: AI and the Architecture of Human Goodness: Meaning, Becoming, and the Future of Conscious Agency
Dr Amna Whiston, Lecturer and Philosopher in Moral Philosophy and the Philosophy of Mind, University of Oxford
15:00
Interactive Workshop
Theme III: AI and Arts: Find. Connect. Fight. Play.
Dr Marina Velez Vago, Lecturer and Artist, University of Cambridge, Founder of Cambridge Sustainability Residency for Artists
19:00
Formal Dinner at Sidney Sussex College, University of Cambridge
An evening of cross-disciplinary dialogue within the historic walls of Cambridge, fostering connections between technologists and humanists.
Day 2:
Cambridge, 20th Aug 2026
09:00
Interactive Workshop
Theme IV: Building Difficult AI
Dr Steve Suckling, Founder and Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Interactions (CAII)
11:00
Interactive Workshop
Theme V: Music Creation Empowerment
Dr Sacha Krstulović, Managing Director, understand-AI.today
14:00
Panel Discussion and Q&A
How Can AI Empower Humanity?
Panelists: Dr Alex Carter, Dr Steve Suckling, Dr Sacha Krstulović, Dr Amna Whiston, Moderator: Mr David Quan
16:00
Closing Forum
Closing Remarks and Future Directions
Summary of key insights, reflections on the forum's discussions, and outlining future initiatives for AI and human empowerment.
Note: The detailed agenda will be guided by the live schedule on the day and remains subject to alteration.