Humans in Charge International AI Symposium

For 2024 details, visit our new website on humansincharge.ai

Summary of 2023

The banner of the Humans in Charge conference in the reception hall.

Conference name: Humans in Charge – Steering the AI Age Responsibly

Time and Date: 2 October 2023  |  Budapest

  • A regulatory wave
  • Responsible AI
  • Multi-stakeholders
  • AI Governance

The conference was prompted by the forthcoming European AI regulation and the recent rapid spread of AI which require all relevant responsible stakeholders to tune up thinking and awareness of the new technology in order to maximise societal benefits.

The NMHH, which has made the responsible use of artificial intelligence a top priority, invited 13 international AI experts to speak at the event for them to

  • present the European regulation’s risk-based approach to AI,
  • describe the best practices they know of, either from a government or a private sector perspective, and
  • draw attention to the challenges of AI as well as related areas, such as the protection of personal data and children, or the ethical use of digital services.

The conference was organised around four major themes, each exploring the potential impact of artificial intelligence from a different point of view.

Speeches

The President of the National Media and Infocommunications Authority, emphasized the need for collaboration among researchers, developers, and decision-makers for ethical AI development and usage. Koltay called for further exploration of the AI's legal implications, data protection, and vital ethical standards.
As Data & AI Lead for Public Sector & Health at Microsoft Spain, Sanchez highlighted the need for collaboration between government and private sector in managing AI. He underscored the importance of a cautious yet optimistic approach referencing Spain's AI strategy and the potential for other EU countries to adopt the AI Sandbox model.
Maria Luciana Axente, a renowned AI ethics expert and advocate for children's rights, focused on child protection in the digital age. She explored the opportunities AI offers in education and health but warned of its darker side, including reducing human interaction crucial for childhood development.
Brando, co-rapporteur of the EU’s Artificial Intelligence (AI) Act, said that the title of the NMHH conference encapsulated perfectly what they wanted to achieve with the new Community legislation: a set of human-centred rules that allow strong human oversight, minimise risks and promote the reaping of the benefits.

Panel discussions

The panel discussion on 'Responsible AI in Digital Platforms, Telco & Media' focused on AI's role in these sectors and exploring strategies, challenges, and regulatory compliance. The panel comprised experts from Microsoft Spain, PHI Institute for Augmented Intelligence, OpenAI and T-Systems International.
The panelsists – who are internationally renowned AI experts – discussed AI's power as a constructive force but also potential threats and risks. The main focus was on creating awareness regarding AI safety and security, protecting vulnerable populations, particularly the youth, and the role of institutions and defense against AI misuse.
The world is nearing consensus on ethical AI, presaged by the anticipated EU AI Act. Questions of creating norms, operationalizing them, and establishing governance structures are central. Leaders are expected to understand AI policy, ethics, and communicate its implications effectively.
The fourth panel discusses AI-infused government services as a key area for AI introduction in society. Questions revolve around EU political readiness for AI, creating trustworthy AI environments, the role of AI sandboxes, and partnerships between public authorities and AI leaders. The participating panel experts hail from a diverse array of AI-related fields.

Speakers

View all speakers
Keynote View all speakers Maria
Axente
Maria is a passionate advocate for children rights in the age of AI, serving as member of the Advisory Board for UNICEF #AI4Children and World Economic Forum Generation AI programmes. Responsible AI & AI for Good Lead, PwC UK Maria Axente profile photo
Keynote View all speakers Olivia
Erdelyi
She is an internationally recognized AI ethics and policy expert and consultant. Her work centers around developing sustainable policies and robust regulatory and governance frameworks to enable beneficial development and societal adoption of emerging technologies, in particular AI. Senior Lecturer, Christchurch (NZ) & Bonn Universities Olivia Erdélyi profile photo
Keynote View all speakers Adrián Gonzalez Sanchez Adrián is a university lecturer at HEC Montréal’s École des Dirigeants, and IE University in Spain. He leads several Responsible AI initiatives at the Spanish Observatory OdiseIA and the Linux Foundation’s Trusted AI Committee. Data & AI Lead for Public Sector & Health at Microsoft Spain Adrian Gonzalez Sanchez profile photo Keynote View all speakers Gianluca
Misuraca
Gianluca Misuraca is founder and Vice President on Technology Diplomacy and International Relations of Inspiring Futures (IF), a global advisory consultancy in Strategic Foresight, Social Innovation and Digital Governance with headquarters in Lausanne and Seville. Executive Director, AI4GOV Gianluca Misuraca profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers Kristel
Kriisa
Kristel Kriisa is an adept educator with exceptional digital proficiency, passionate about AI and EdTech. Liaising with the Ministry of Economic Affairs and IT, she leads a project to support public sector organizations seeking to provide AI-based services. AI Project Manager at the Estonian Information System Authority Kristel Kriisa profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers George
Tilesch
He is a senior global innovation and AI expert, executive, and consultant, primarily in the transatlantic space.For over 20 years, George has been active as a cross-sector and cross-industry conduit between AI ecosystems worldwide and as a trusted advisor for world leaders. President, PHI Institute George Tilesch profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers László
Drajkó
Laszlo spent 25 years at senior management positions at leading global technology providers (Microsoft, Graphisoft, Telekom and Compaq) while advocating a variety of technology solutions around the globe. Founder & Managing Parner, Cydrill Software Security László Drajkó profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers Imre
Porkoláb
He is an expert on guerrilla warfare and counter-terrorism in the context of special operations capability development, related leadership theory, successful change management in the V.U.C.A. environment, and innovative methods of organizational transformation... Vice Chair Board of Directors, NATO DIANA Imre Porkoláb profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers Andrea
Halmos
Her work includes the negotiation and implementation of the recently published Interoperable Europe Act, with particular focus on the role of interoperability on common European data spaces, AI in the public sector, GovTech and the digital transformation of local and regional administrations. Deputy Head of Unit, Unit B2 Interoperability, Directorate-General Informatics, European Commission Andrea Halmos profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers Erik
Slooten
An enthusiast and practitioner of Responsible AI, Erik is of Dutch origin and fulfilling his global leadership duties out of Budapest. He is holding an honorary doctorate at the University of Pecs and was awarded Expat CEO of the year in 2021. Global Lead, Delivery Quality & Transformation Cloud Services, T-Systems International Erik Slooten profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers Imre
Bárd
Imre has worked as a Trust & Safety contractor for OpenAI, where he has gained a glimpse of the day-to-day realities of AI development and deployment at scale. researcher, Dutch National Laboratory for AI in Education (NOLAI) Imre Bard profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers Levente
Juhász
He leads on the topics of digital transformation, economic contribution and sustainability on Google’s public policy team for Central and Eastern Europe. Government Affairs & Public Policy Manager, CEE, Google Levente Juhász, profile photo
FEATURED View all speakers Brando
Benifei
He is an Italian MEP serving his second term and is the Head of Delegation of Partito Democratico. He is Rapporteur for the Artificial Intelligence Act. Member of the European Parliament, EU AI ACT Co-Rapporteur Brando Benifei profile photo