Global experts debated the threats and promise of artificial intelligence (AI) at a gathering in Paris on Thursday, ahead of a summit of world leaders on the fast-moving technology.
Thousands are expected for the event aiming to find common ground on a technology that has upset many business sectors in less than two years — as well as to keep France and Europe on the map as credible contenders in the AI race.
Paris’ ambitions also stretch to stoking citizens’ interest in real-world uses of AI, taking stock of global governance of the technology and promoting ethical, accessible and frugal options.
Scientists including Yann LeCun, AI chief for Facebook owner Meta and a father of the current surge in the technology, were discussing its impact on fields including work, health and sustainability from Thursday at the prestigious Polytechnique engineering school.
Saturday and Sunday will see talks on AI’s impact on culture before heads of state and government from around 100 countries and global tech industry leaders gather on Monday and Tuesday.
High-profile attendees will include US Vice President JD Vance, Chinese Vice Premier Zhang Guoqing, European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen and German Chancellor Olaf Scholz. Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi is co-hosting the summit as Macron seeks to involve the Global South in a technology battle that is for now largely playing out between the United States and China.
Source: Reuters
