Symposium : Global AI Governance in the Public and Planetary Interest

Digital sovereignty, citizen participation, and environmental protection: AI governance involves choices that affect society as a whole.

On October 21, 2026, the University of Helsinki will host an international symposium “Global AI Governance in the Public and Planetary Interest,” bringing together researchers, public officials, businesses, and civil society to address these issues.

The French contribution will foster dialogue between research, civic innovation, and political discourse. Frédéric Pascal, director of the DataIA Institute at Paris-Saclay University, will discuss ways to take control of our digital future, from training to AI models and infrastructure. David Mas, Head of Artificial Intelligence at Make.org, will explore AI’s potential to enrich civic participation and democratic life. Pierre Noro, a lecturer at Sciences Po Paris and co-moderator of the opening session, will examine the tensions between sovereignty, democracy, and the environmental consequences of AI development.

These perspectives will fuel a collective reflection on the conditions for responsible AI. Supported by the French Institute in Finland, this symposium highlights the value of Franco-Finnish cooperation in informing the scientific and political choices that will shape our societies.

Admission is free and open to the general public upon registration. You can also participate to the event via live stream.

The discussions will continue on October 22 at 5:15 p.m. at the Orion Cinema with a screening of the documentary Ghost in the Machine by Valerie Veatch, followed by a discussion with the director via videoconference and Pierre Noro.