Tokyo Forum 2026 Official Newsletter

｜session sneak peek｜

｜Human Society and AI｜

Demystifying AI: Human Society and Technological Advancement

｜FRI. 11.20｜15:45 - 16:45｜

SHIMAZU Naoko
SHIMAZU NaokoProfessor and Deputy Director, Tokyo College, the University of Tokyo Institute for Advanced Study, the University of Tokyo
Giovanna TINETTI
Giovanna TINETTIProfessor of Astrophysics and Vice Dean (Research) of the Faculty of Natural, Mathematical, and Engineering Sciences, Kings College London
Ahmed Cassim BAWA
Ahmed Cassim BAWAProfessor, Johannesburg Business School, University of Johannesburg
Grant Jun OTSUKI
Grant Jun OTSUKIAssociate Professor, Graduate School of Arts and Sciences, the University of Tokyo
Zefan SRAMEK
Zefan SRAMEKPostdoctoral Research Fellow, the University of Tokyo Institute for Advanced Study, Tokyo College, the University of Tokyo

As AI advances at unprecedented speed, a growing asymmetry is emerging in how different sections of society engage with it. AI can be discriminatory, yet also enabling; disruptive, yet full of possibility. To demystify the polarized debate between wonder and fear, the panel critically engages with the genealogy of the ‘civilisational’ ideas and technological determinism prevalent in the AI discourse. Does AI deepen global unevenness, or can it serve as an enabler for those at the lower economic threshold? What is the role of universities in this changing, and challenging, new environment in empowering future generations? Discussions on AI need to be embedded in a more inclusive, and diverse, public discourse, enabling a wider societal engagement with this transformative technology.

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Program

｜Exclusive Interview｜

Prof. Shimazu being interviewed on camera, surrounded by the production crew A monitor showing the live video feed of Prof. Shimazu during the interview Prof. Shimazu speaking to the camera crew during the on-site filming

An exclusive interview to Prof. Shimazu will be available soon.

Having grown up in an international environment, Prof. Shimazu returned to her home country three years ago. With her background in global history, she will be presenting an interdisciplinary session on AI and society, bringing different perspectives into dialogue to demystify the wonder and fear surrounding AI.