The Future of Mankind in The Era of AI: Benefits and Risks - 21 May 2025 - European Parliament
“The Future of Mankind in the Era of AI: Benefits and Risks,” held on 21 May 2025 at the European Parliament, represented an important international forum dedicated to discussing the profound transformations generated by artificial intelligence in contemporary society. The event, promoted by the Center for Advanced Studies on Artificial Intelligence (CSAIA), brought together academics, institutional representatives, technology experts, legal scholars, and ethical and religious leaders to reflect on the future of humanity in the age of AI.
During the conference, participants explored the major benefits associated with the development of artificial intelligence, including increased productivity, improvements in healthcare services, scientific innovation, and support for complex decision-making processes. Speakers emphasized how AI can contribute to global economic growth, expand educational opportunities, and enhance efficiency in strategic sectors such as medicine, research, industry, and public administration. Particular attention was given to the potential of AI to address global challenges, including climate change, disease prevention, and sustainable development.
At the same time, the discussions focused on the risks connected with the rapid expansion of intelligent technologies. Among the main concerns highlighted were job displacement, the concentration of technological power in the hands of a few large corporations, threats to privacy, misinformation, cybersecurity risks, and the possible reduction of meaningful human control over autonomous systems. Experts also addressed the ethical and anthropological implications of AI, stressing the importance of preserving human dignity, democratic values, and individual freedoms in an increasingly automated world.
The conference underlined the urgent need for a shared international governance framework capable of balancing technological innovation with the protection of fundamental rights. In this context, the European Parliament reaffirmed its leading role in promoting regulations and standards aimed at ensuring that artificial intelligence remains transparent, accountable, safe, and ultimately oriented toward the common good.
