In a compelling exploration of ethical boundaries in artificial intelligence, the Sovereign Order of Malta’s Permanent Observer Mission to the UN convened a high-level panel at the United Nations in New York last week. Held in recognition of World Interfaith Harmony Week and ahead of the Artificial Intelligence Action Summit in Paris, the event focused on whether Ethical Boundaries can be applied to Artificial Intelligence. The panel attracted over 200 attendees, including diplomats from many UN member states.
Chaired by Dr. David Gibson, head of Fordham University’s Center on Religion and Culture, the discussion featured distinguished speakers from various faith traditions and AI research fields. Order’s Ambassador at the UN, Dr. Paul Beresford-Hill, opened the session, followed by a welcome address from H.E. Ambassador Isabelle Picco of Monaco.
Keynote speakers Fr. Paolo Benanti, AI ethics advisor to Pope Francis and professor at the Gregorian University in Rome, and Professor John Tasioulas, Director of the Institute for Ethics in AI at the University of Oxford, provided thought-provoking insights on the intersection of technology, morality, and human rights.
Fr. Benanti highlighted AI’s role in reshaping democracy, human agency, and social structures. He warned that computational power has shifted from being a force for democratic participation, as seen in the Arab Spring, to a potential threat, as evidenced by misinformation, polarization, and political instability such as the Capitol riots. “We are moving from an economy of attention to an economy of intention,” he said, stressing AI’s ability to influence behavior and political realities.
Professor Tasioulas called for AI ethics to be rooted in established moral and legal traditions rather than new, ideologically driven frameworks. He advocated for a human right to human decision-making, stronger corporate accountability, and AI governance under democratic oversight.
The panel also included Professor Nathalie Smuha (KU Leuven Faculty of Law and Criminology), who explored AI through Jewish ethical thought, emphasizing human relationships, diversity, and responsibility. Dr. Muhammad Aurangzeb Ahmad (Department of Computer Science at University of Washington, Tacoma) offered Islamic perspectives, underscoring the moral agency AI threatens to erode. Professor Benedetta Audia (Procurement in International Development at George Washington University) presented the United Nations’ approach to AI, outlining efforts to promote fairness, transparency, and global cooperation.
Closing the session, Ambassador Beresford-Hill underscored the vital role faith-based communities play in guiding AI’s ethical development. He urged the UN to prioritize human rights and inclusive AI benefits for all.
The event showcased a rare convergence of technological expertise and interfaith dialogue, reinforcing the Order of Malta’s commitment to ethical leadership in global innovation.
