China and America and world leaders in AI and technology investment, plugging several billion euros every year. Similarly, the United Nations pays a lot of attention to a worldwide responsible AI Strategy and here in Europe, there is a commitment to a strategy based on a ‘human centric’ approach. The Netherlands is also attempting to place its own stamp on the use of AI through a sectoral approach and the formation of an AI research ecosystem. With the AINED initiative, the Netherlands has already taken the first steps that are now being built upon.

Yet many questions remain; how can the opportunities offered by AI be used optimally worldwide to tackle social issues, if at the same time outcomes of the cultural, social and political impact of artificial technologies are still hotly contested? Is the answer at the national level, should governments and corporates guarantee social norms, values and human rights, both in terms of policy and in the application of AI? Do we need to think differently about fundamental rights such as “equal treatment” in the Digital Age? What do cultural or interpretational differences in terms such as ‘transparency’ and ‘interpretability’ mean when AI makes decisions about the legislation that applies to citizens, such as whether or not to grant benefits via an algorithm? Does the use of data lead to new forms of discrimination or may it exacerbate (unintentional) cultural and social inequalities?

These questions only scratch the surface, we hope to address a whole range of diverse questions with you on 11 April.

The programme for the day:

14.30: Registration

15.00: Welcome by ECP + the Municipality of The Hague

15.15: Speech Human Rights ambassador – Marriët Schuurman

15.30: Speech Judith Alkema – Wageningen University & Research (she has carried out research on behalf of the UN)

15.45: Speech Arjan El Fassed – Google

16.00: Speech NGO

16.15: Debate

17.00: Drinks & Bites

Register here