In a landmark event held on July 9-10, 2024, in Hiroshima, Japan, the Vatican brought together leaders from various religious traditions to advocate for ethical guidelines in artificial intelligence (AI). This historic meeting, occurring in the city where one of the atomic bombs was dropped during World War II, sought to address the profound implications of AI on humanity and emphasize its potential for positive impact.
Event Overview
The gathering in Hiroshima saw participation from representatives of 11 different religious traditions, including Muslims, Jews, Catholics, and Eastern faiths such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and Bahá’í. The event aimed to shift the narrative around AI from its potential threats to its role in fostering a more ethical and peaceful world.
More than 150 attendees from 13 countries engaged in discussions and workshops over the two-day event. The congress concluded with the signing of the Rome Call for AI Ethics, a document outlining principles such as transparency, inclusion, accountability, impartiality, reliability, and privacy. This document was initially drafted by the Pontifical Academy for Life in collaboration with the Italian government and major tech companies, including Microsoft and IBM.
Key Messages and Documents
Pope Francis, through a message read by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, urged a proactive commitment to safeguarding human dignity in the era of AI. Archbishop Paglia highlighted AI as a “great tool” with the potential to promote peace and reconciliation among peoples.
Sheikh Abdallah Bin Bayyah, president of the Abu Dhabi Forum for Peace, echoed this sentiment, envisioning a future where technology contributes to building a more tolerant and virtuous world. Rabbi Eliezer Simcha Weiss emphasized that AI could deepen faith and explore the mysteries of creation.
The event also featured the “Hiroshima Appeal,” a second document presented by the Rev. Paolo Benanti. This appeal calls on world leaders to use AI for peace and conflict resolution, advocating for the cessation of violence.
Challenges and Cooperation
Rev. Andrea Ciucci, a Catholic priest involved in coordinating the event, highlighted the significance of bringing together diverse religious leaders to address AI’s ethical implications. He noted the importance of focusing on common goals for the betterment of humanity rather than theological debates.
Rev. Ciucci, who works with 150 scientists at the Academy for Life and leads the RenAIssance foundation, emphasized that AI, while challenging, is crucial for ensuring ethical development. His work includes promoting the Rome Call for AI Ethics among leaders in the field.
Global Impact and Future Initiatives
IBM’s AI Ethics Global Leader, Francesca Rossi, supported the Vatican’s efforts, stating that the Rome Call’s principles are human-centric and shared by multiple religions. Rossi noted that technology companies are increasingly focused on ensuring that AI adheres to ethical standards concerning bias, discrimination, and privacy.
The Hiroshima gathering aimed to transform the narrative around AI, much like the city itself has evolved from its past of devastation to a symbol of peace. The Vatican plans to continue its advocacy for ethical AI use, with upcoming summits and events marking the five-year anniversary of the Rome Call.
Conclusion
The Vatican’s Hiroshima event represents a significant step towards promoting ethical AI development and fostering interfaith cooperation. By focusing on peace and shared human values, the gathering sought to harness AI’s potential for positive change while addressing its ethical challenges.
FAQ
Q: What was the purpose of the Vatican-sponsored event in Hiroshima?
A: The event aimed to advocate for ethical guidelines in the use of artificial intelligence and to promote peace and unity among different religious traditions.
Q: What is the Rome Call for AI Ethics?
A: The Rome Call for AI Ethics is a document that outlines principles for the ethical use of AI, including transparency, inclusion, accountability, impartiality, reliability, and privacy.
Q: Which religious traditions participated in the event?
A: The event included representatives from Islam, Judaism, Christianity, Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, and the Bahá’í faith.
Q: What is the Hiroshima Appeal?
A: The Hiroshima Appeal is a document urging world leaders to use AI for peace and conflict resolution, promoting the cessation of violence.
Q: How does the Vatican plan to continue its advocacy for AI ethics?
A: The Vatican plans to host additional summits and events to mark the five-year anniversary of the Rome Call and to continue promoting ethical AI use globally.
