Whose voices are shaping artificial intelligence, and whose are being left out? AI increasingly influences how people learn, communicate and access information, making questions of cultural diversity, inclusion and human rights more urgent. These questions are at the heart of the second North-South Intercultural Conference, organised by the North-South Centre of the Council of Europe in Andorra on 3 and 4 November.

Held in partnership with the Government of Andorra, and part of the iLEGEND III (Intercultural Learning Exchange through Global Education, Networking and Dialogue) a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, the conference takes place while Ambassador Andreu Jordi, Permanent Representative of Andorra to the Council of Europe, serves as President of the North-South Centre’s Executive Committee. Under the theme “Intercultural Dialogue in the Age of AI: Education for Democratic and Inclusive Digital Societies”, the conference brings together more than 70 policymakers, educators, young people and civil society representatives, including members of the Global Education Network. Participants from Europe, Africa and the Middle East share practical experience, address common challenges and promote approaches to AI that uphold human rights, cultural diversity and democratic values.

The conference opened with remarks by H.E. Imma Tor Faus, Minister of Foreign Affairs of Andorra, who called for an AI that respects democratic values and human rights and serves people.

Mr Claus Neukirch, Director of Programme Co-ordination at the Council of Europe, highlighted two Council of Europe new recommendations: the Recommendation on Equality and Artificial Intelligence, which addresses discrimination and calls for equality and meaningful participation throughout the AI lifecycle, and the Recommendation on Artificial Intelligence Literacy. He noted that AI literacy goes beyond technical skills: people need to understand how AI affects their rights, exercise critical judgement and participate in decisions about its use. 

Ms Irene Kitsou-Milonas, Special Representative of the Council of Europe Secretary General on antisemitism, anti-Muslim hatred, and all forms of religious intolerance, called for AI to reflect human diversity, including that of religious communities, and referred to the Council of Europe’s unique normative framework. She stressed that nothing can replace genuine, face-to-face intercultural exchanges and called for more opportunities to build connections across differences; work on education and youth provides important platforms for this.

Mr Josep Dallerès, publisher, writer and former Ambassador of Andorra to the Council of Europe, warned that computing power, data and AI funding are concentrated in a few countries and companies, risking deeper global inequalities. He called for the benefits of AI to be shared more fairly. During Andorra’s 2013 Chairmanship of the Committee of Ministers, the country initiated the work that led to the Reference Framework of Competences for Democratic Culture. Mr Josep Dallerès recalled that the Framework’s core competencies—critical thinking, autonomy, empathy, and critical understanding of language and communication—are precisely those needed to navigate the age of AI.

The programme includes two roundtables exploring how education and AI literacy can foster inclusion and constructive engagement with cultural diversity, and how young people can use intercultural and interfaith dialogue to promote peace in the age of AI. Civil society organisations will share practical experience in workshops led by the Fòrum de la Joventut d’Andorra, the Albania Sustainable Development Organization, Cymru Global and MITRA France.

The conference marks the conclusion of iLEGEND III, third circle of a joint programme of the European Union and the Council of Europe, co-funded by both organisations and implemented by the North-South Centre. Participants will reflect on the programme’s achievements in digital transformation, inclusion, global citizenship, intercultural dialogue and democratic participation.