AI has the potential to transform our society for the better. However, as rapid advances in Frontier AI spark growing concerns over lost human control and algorithmic opacity, some tech titans are challenging human-centred governance and the place of humanity in AI development. Some are even promoting dystopian visions of a post-humanist world.
At Web Summit in Lisbon, two leading voices will join forces to demand a human-centred framework for the development of artificial intelligence.
On Wednesday, 11 November at 10:55 am, the Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights, Michael O’Flaherty - Europe’s top human rights official - and the Secretary of Culture of the Dicastery for Culture and Education, Bishop Paul Tighe - a key bridge between the Holy See and Silicon Valley on AI ethics under Pope Leo XIV - will hold a featured 20-minute discussion on re-centring humanity at the core of technological innovation.
Moderated by France 24 anchor and producer Georja Calvin-Smith , the panel will address the growing list of AI-driven harms to people's everyday lives and reports of rogue agents, as well as explore why this must not distract from ensuring that those responsible for AI harms are held to account.
They will argue that a humanist approach is essential for society's well-being.
Event details
- Event: Putting Human Rights into Artificial Intelligence
- Date & time: Wednesday, 11 November 2026 | 10:55 AM – 11:15 AM WET (UTC+0)
- Location: Web Summit, Lisbon, Portugal - Stage 11 - Policy Summit
Speakers
- Michael O’Flaherty, Council of Europe Commissioner for Human Rights
- Bishop Paul Tighe, Secretary of Culture, Dicastery for Culture and Education (Holy See)
- Moderator: Georja Calvin-Smith, Producer and anchor, France 24
Key discussion themes
- Grounding AI in human rights: Making the international human rights framework the legal and moral foundation for AI oversight.
- Resisting the subordination of humanity: Reclaiming human agency, dignity, and control against runaway machine autonomy and unchecked technological expansion.
- Disarming AI harms: Countering real-world harms to people's everyday lives and existential risks in an increasingly artificial age.
Media opportunities
- Session attendance: Accredited Web Summit media are invited to attend in person.
- Interview requests: Limited interview availability following the session may be arranged upon request.
Media contact: Gaëlle Bausson, + 33 6 66 27 24 41 [email protected]