The rapid development of artificial intelligence is raising new challenges related to data security, the autonomy of AI agents, human oversight, and accountability for AI-driven decisions. These issues were at the center of discussions during the session “Global Dialogue on AI Ethics: Expert Forum on New Challenges.”
Jimena Sofia Viveros Alvarez, Deputy Chair of the International Law Association’s Committee on AI and Technology Law, emphasized that advancing AI requires not so much developing new ethical principles as putting them into practice. She pointed to UNESCO’s recommendations on AI ethics, adopted by 190 countries, as an example and stressed the importance of monitoring how these principles are implemented across different countries and legal systems.
“We need to exchange experiences, definitions, and concepts. We need common institutions, diverse perspectives, and widely recognized principles that we can share so that we can move forward together toward a common goal,” she added.
Fadwa AlBawardi, CEO of Fadwa AlBawardi Consulting Office, addressed the growing risks and ethical challenges associated with the development of agentic AI.
She stressed the importance of maintaining human oversight of AI systems and ensuring that their actions adhere to fundamental principles of accountability, safety, fairness, and respect for individuals.
Ganta Srinath Reddy, founder and CEO of The AI SCHOOL and DeepAnnotate.ai, noted that the rapid pace of AI development makes it increasingly difficult to predict which professions will be in demand 10 to 15 years from now. As a result, he said, education should focus not only on specialized knowledge but also on transferable skills. He identified critical thinking, communication, creativity, and collaboration as essential competencies for the future.
“Creativity should be at the core of everything we do. Communication is a divine gift given to every human being. We can – and must – communicate with others, and we have the capacity for empathy and compassion. Machines do not possess these qualities,” Reddy emphasized.
Director of the MGIMO AI Center Anna Abramova stressed that ethics must be at the heart of AI governance. However, she noted that ethical principles alone are not enough and must be supported by appropriate legislation.
Sergey Izraylit, Deputy Chairman of the Executive Board and Managing Director of the Skolkovo Foundation, discussed the potential impact of artificial intelligence on the labor market over the next two to three years. He questioned predictions that AI would replace human workers, emphasizing instead its potential not only to automate individual tasks but also to increase human productivity.
The discussion also explored the potential negative consequences of AI. Isabel de Sola Criado, Head of the Coordination Unit at the UN Office on Digital and Emerging Technologies, warned that malicious actors could exploit artificial intelligence for harmful purposes.
“In an uncertain environment, we need to be prepared for things to go wrong. We need an emergency stop button – a direct line to someone with the authority to intervene and shut down the system if necessary, much like the person holding the ‘nuclear briefcase,’” she said.
