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
10:45
Guest Lecture
Theme I: Designing AI with Human Values
Dr Malak Sadek, Centre for Human-Inspired Artificial Intelligence, Lead HIVE CAI Lab, University of Cambridge
13:15
Guest Lecture
Theme II: An Anthropological Critique of AI-Driven Governance
Dr Natalie Morningstar, Director of Studies in HSPS and History and Politics, Fitzwilliam College, University of Cambridge
15:00
Guest Lecture
Theme III: 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
16:45
Interactive Workshop
Theme IV: AI and Arts: Find. Connect. Fight. Play.
Dr Marina Velez Vago, Lecturer and Artist, Founder of Cambridge Sustainability Residency for Artists, University of Cambridge
19:30
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
09:30
Interactive Workshop
Theme V: Building Difficult AI
Dr Steve Suckling, Founder and Director of the Centre for Artificial Intelligence Interactions (CAII)
11:00
Interactive Workshop
Theme VI: Music Creation Empowerment
Dr Sacha Krstulović, Managing Director, understand-AI.today
13:30
Interactive Workshop
Theme VII: Diverse Voices, Smarter AI: The Case for Gender Equity
DL Hanadi Jabado, Managing Partner Sana Capital, Deputy Sheriff (The King's Representative)
16:00
Panel Discussion and Q&A
How Can AI Empower Humanity?
Panelists: Dr Alex Carter, Dr Steve Suckling, Dr Sacha Krstulović, DL Hanadi Jabado, Moderator: Mr David Quan
17:30
Closing Forum
Note: The detailed agenda will be guided by the live schedule on the day and remains subject to alteration.