Branko Balon, professor of Computer Science at ALGEBRA University in Croatia, shares his insights at the panel "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Human Civilizations" during the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations in Qufu, east China’s Shandong Province, July 9, 2025. (Xinhuanet/Liu He)

By Liu He

In Qufu, the birthplace of famed Chinese philosopher Confucius in east China’s Shandong Province, scholars and experts gathered for the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations to explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on human civilization. 

A key panel dialogue, "Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Human Civilizations," brought together 14 experts who shared insights on how cultural values, especially those embodied in Confucianism, can guide the ethical development of AI.

AI's Promise: Driving Progress and Reducing Disparity

Our organization has found that DeepSeek, a Chinese AI model, offers a cost-effective and offline-deployable solution for children in war-torn regions, said Chai Shaojin, a senior research fellow at the Headquarters of Educators Without Borders in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates.

Deploying an "AI teacher" on a basic computer would alleviate the pressure of recruiting enough qualified teachers in refugee camps, said Chai. He believed this is a prime example of how AI development can aid human civilization, resonating with Confucian philosophy of compassion.

Dafne Esteso, academic director at the Argentina-China Studies Center of the University of Buenos Aires, also highlighted China's role as a global leader in AI innovation and regulation. She added the people-centered development value embodied in China's Global AI Governance Initiative not only resonates with ancient Chinese wisdom but also aligns with the aspirations of her homeland, Argentina.

Reflections on AI: Ethical Dilemmas

While AI holds considerable promise for progress, panelists also raised various critical challenges posed by the technology in their respective fields.

Fellah Filali Ferial, president of the Scientific Council of the Algerian Translation Institute, highlighted that generative AI, can reproduce and amplify societal biases in the translation process, reinforcing gender and racial stereotypes.

On navigating AI's ethical challenges, Joerg Matthes, professor at the Department of Communication of the University of Vienna, emphasized the importance of "AI literacy" -- the ability to understand, use, and evaluate AI effectively.

Drawing inspiration from Confucian thought, Matthes suggested that "AI literacy" extends beyond mere technical competence, encompassing a moral and social dimension that guides how humans should ethically engage with AI.

A Call for Shared Commitment

Envisioning the future of AI development, Branko Balon, professor of Computer Science at ALGEBRA University in Croatia, introduced the concept of "harmonizing intelligences" as a foundational goal for human civilization in the AI era. It means aligning artificial cognitive processes with human values, emotional intelligence, and social intelligence, he said.

Balon also highlighted the unique contribution of Chinese philosophy. If AI's future is guided by shared ethical commitments and enriched by China's Confucian tradition, AI can support a future of mutual respect, understanding, and flourishing, he said.

The dive into AI’s ethical and humanistic dimensions during this panel echoes with the broad vision of the 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations, an event dedicated to fostering dialogues among world civilizations and promoting cultural exchange.

During the speech at the opening ceremony of the forum, Chhem Kieth Rethy, senior minister of the Royal Government of Cambodia, underscored the forum’s commitment. Modernization is often measured in GDP (gross domestic product), innovation rankings, or the pace of digital adoption. But we should not forget that true development is also cultural, ethical, and spiritual, he said.

The Nishan Forum on World Civilizations focuses on dialogues among world civilizations. The forum fosters academic, international and open dialogues as a platform for international cultural exchange and cooperation.