La Universidad Austral The Argentine Council for International Relations (CARI) brought together specialists to reflect on the ethical and social challenges of artificial intelligence. The meeting addressed its impact on work, education, and life in society, as well as the need to promote innovation geared toward the common good.

Austral University hosted a day of dialogue on the challenges that artificial intelligence poses for individuals, work, and society. The event took place on Friday, October 16, at the Buenos Aires campus, as part of the international conference “Wisdom and Dignity in Times of Artificial Intelligence: Celebrating Magnifica Humanitas . ”

The proposal brought together leading figures from the academic, economic, religious and diplomatic fields to analyze the transformations associated with artificial intelligence from a comprehensive perspective, capable of linking technological advances with their human and social implications. 

The opening was led by Julián Rodríguez, rector of the Universidad Austral, who pointed out the importance of asking what human values ​​should be preserved in the face of technological advancement and stressed the need to place the dignity of the person at the center of this process.  

Technology at the service of the individual 

The first panel, “The Ethics and Culture of Work in the Age of AI,” featured Felipe Larraín, economist and former Minister of Finance of Chile, and Reverend Andrea Roberto Ciucci, Chancellor of the Pontifical Academy for Life. The discussion was introduced and moderated by Gustavo Beliz. 

The discussion focused on the scope of the current technological revolution and the capacity of artificial intelligence to perform processes that, until recently, were considered exclusively human. This raises a central question: what is truly human about work, and how can it be preserved amidst its transformation? 

The presentations made it possible to identify different challenges: responsibility for decisions made or assisted by algorithms, the transmission of knowledge between generations, equity in access to the benefits of technology, and the preparation of workers and organizations for changes in the labor market.  

Throughout the panel, it was emphasized that ethical reflection should not stem solely from fear of the unknown, but also from a sense of wonder, responsibility, and a commitment to directing innovation toward human development. From this perspective, artificial intelligence can contribute to more productive and, at the same time, more humane work, provided its implementation safeguards human dignity and the common good.  

Training and retraining 

Another key theme was the need to anticipate potential job displacements resulting from automation. Experts pointed out that this transition requires a shared commitment among businesses, governments, universities, and civil society organizations. 

Among the alternatives analyzed were the creation of job retraining mechanisms, the development of incentives for companies that invest in the training of their employees, and the generation of tools that allow small and medium-sized enterprises to incorporate artificial intelligence responsibly.  

The conversation also highlighted the role of universities. In addition to integrating humanistic and technological training, educational institutions are called upon to promote critical thinking and establish criteria that allow the use of artificial intelligence as a tool to enhance learning, without replacing intellectual effort or creativity.  

Leo XIV facing a new world scenario 

The day continued with the panel “Leo XIV in the New World Order,” moderated by Pascual Albanese, director of the Working Group on the Role of Religions in International Relations at CARI. Participants included José Octavio Bordón, Tomás Múgica, Lourdes Puente, Enrique del Percio, and Vicente Espeche Gil. 

The discussion focused on the challenges of the international arena, the weakening of multilateralism, the need to revive dialogue, and the role religions can play in building peace. It also addressed the governance of artificial intelligence based on rules, shared responsibilities, and a genuinely human perspective.  

The closing remarks were delivered by Gustavo Martínez, Secretary of Coordination and Institutional Affairs of CARI. 

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