AI Should Liberate Not Enslave, Says Congress in Bali
A summit focusing on the theme of “Artificial Intelligence and Human Sense” concluded on September 6 at the United in Diversity campus in Bali, Indonesia. The event was part of the 11th International Congress of Scholas…
A summit focusing on the theme of “Artificial Intelligence and Human Sense” concluded on September 6 at the United in Diversity campus in Bali, Indonesia. The event was part of the 11th International Congress of Scholas Chairs, which gathered over 200 participants, including academic and social leaders, religious authorities, entrepreneurs, politicians, and youths from 35 countries. Their discussions centered around a pivotal question in the age of rapid technological advancement: how to prioritize human intentions in the development and implementation of artificial intelligence.
The gathering commemorated the second anniversary of Pope Francis’s apostolic journey to Indonesia and the signing of the Istiqlal Interreligious Declaration. Notably, the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue participated in this meeting, emphasizing the ongoing dialogue.
During the Congress, Monsignor Indunil Janakaratne Kodithuwakku Kankanamalage, Secretary of the Dicastery for Interreligious Dialogue, underscored that “Artificial Intelligence must liberate, not enslave.” He asserted that education plays a crucial role in developing critical thinking and ensuring that technology serves human needs and fosters genuine connections. His sentiments were echoed by participants, including Alaa Murabit, known for her activism.
María Paz Jurado, Executive Director of Scholas Occurrentes, also spoke to the assembly, emphasizing the need to ask not just what technology can achieve but to consider what kind of humanity it could help shape. She referred to Leone XIV’s encyclical “Magnifica humanitas,” which champions the safeguarding of essential human qualities against the encroachment of automated processes. Jurado articulated the call for educational frameworks that would nurture both human and artificial intelligence, encouraging a future built on dignity and community.
The discussions highlighted critical issues surrounding AI, including fostering wisdom, cultivating emotional intelligence, and preparing for future job markets. Participants identified five challenges to address: the need for wisdom in decision-making processes, emotional intelligence, active citizenship, preparation for emerging careers, and the development of new leadership models for global governance.
As part of the conference’s reflective pedagogy, the event utilized the “Agora” methodology, facilitating a space for dialogue and sharing diverse perspectives. One poignant moment included testimony from a participant, who shared her belief that “Artificial Intelligence has no meaning on its own; it is up to human beings to give it meaning.” This underscores the fundamental assertion that technology should serve humanity rather than define it.
By revisiting concepts such as the “culture of encounter” and advocating for “algor-ethics,” the Congress not only commemorated Pope Francis’s past efforts but also prepared for future dialogues on the responsible integration of technology into society. The Balinese notion of “Tri Hita Karana,” which embodies harmony among humanity, nature, and the divine, provided a spiritual foundation for these discussions.
At the close of the event, plans were announced for the subsequent world congress to be hosted in Brazil in September 2027, indicating a commitment to continuing these crucial discussions that began in Vatican City in 2014.
