Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Future Communities
The Symposium on Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Future Communities will be hosted in collaboration with American and European experts from the industry and academia.
Event Dates: 19th - 23rd August 2024 (Registration closed on May 31st 2024)
Event Hosts: Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland, and Nazareth University, USA
EU Pioneer Alliance Partners: Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Czech Republic; Avans University of Applied Sciences, Netherlands; and University of Zilina, Slovakia.
Location of the event: Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Vanha Maantie 9, 02650, Espoo, Finland
Participants’ profile: Interested experts from the AI industry and academia, with students, trainers, and decision makers.
The Artificial Intelligence (AI) Symposium will be hosted in collaboration with American and European experts from industry and academia. The Symposium is aimed at exploring the impact of AI on Future Cities and Communities and stimulating a thought-provoking journey into the world of AI and its profound impact on the modern world.
Join us for an immersive 5 days where leading experts, thought leaders, educators and industry pioneers will explore the positive impacts: ethical, educational, and policy dimensions of Artificial Intelligence across the globe. The Symposium will include keynote speeches, panels, workshops, and engaging discussions focused on AI in the digital era and how AI aligns with human values and benefits all.
The AI Symposium will be complemented by a 2-day of expert Cyber Security training offered by CyberSecPro Digital Europe Programme project. The training is recommended for all participants of the Symposium since it is a component that will make a full physical week of the EU Erasmus partners’ Blended Intensive Programme (BIP). Before the physical week, an online mandatory preparatory session will be hosted in June, and it is required for all EU participants to receive grants for their BIP participation. EU partners can redeem Erasmus+ staff training grants from their institutions if they are accepted to join this event.
Overarching Theme: Artificial Intelligence and its Impact on Future Communities
Objectives:
- To learn the foundation of the AI in a Digital Era
- To explore the transformative impact of AI on the future cities and communities
- To ponder on the ethical considerations and responsible AI developments
- To explore solutions of AI impact on the field of education
- To discuss the role of education and policy in shaping AI's future
- To envision a future where AI can align with human values and benefits all.
Takeaways from the programme
- Exclusive Insights from the Forefront of AI: Seize the opportunity to gain unparalleled insights into the future of artificial intelligence from world-renowned experts. Missing this symposium means missing out on cutting-edge knowledge that could influence the direction of your projects and research.
- Networking with a Global AI Community: This Symposium is a rare gathering of international AI professionals, academics, and industry leaders. The chance to build valuable connections here is unparalleled, offering pathways to collaborative ventures and insights into global AI trends.
- One-Week Intensive Format: The programme allows for focused learning and deeper knowledge acquisition within a manageable timeframe.
- Hands-On Learning and Future Visioning: Engage in immersive workshops and discussions that tackle real-world AI applications, ethical considerations, and the envisioning of AI's future. This Symposium is not just about where AI is today; it will suggest where it can take us tomorrow. Missing it is missing the chance to be part of shaping our future.
- Deep Dive into AI and Cybersecurity: The programme offers a comprehensive understanding of both AI and cybersecurity, ultimately equipping you to leverage your know-how of the intersection of these two fields.
The Symposium Programme
Day 1, 19.08.2024: Introduction to AI and its Impact on the Future Communities
Speaker: Jeffrey Allan, Director, Institute for Responsible Technology (IRT), Nazareth University, USA.
Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Finland
Ambassador of Switzerland to Finland
Director, Data Business Unit, Data, Safety and Security Department, Ministry of Transport and Communications, Finland.
Day 2, 20.08.2024: Exploring AI Applications and Implications in Various Sectors including Education.
Morning sessions: AI Applications and Implications
09:00-09:30 (Place: Main Lobby)
Registrations
09:30-10:30 (Place: Tuomo Auditorium)
Keynote address: Accelerating the Upgrade of Human Capacities in the Era of Fast-Growing AI.
Speaker: Christopher Evatt, Consciousness Leadership -Author-Mentor and Keynote Speaker
Networking Break
10:45-12:30 (Place: Tuomo Auditorium)
Panel Discussion: AI in the Workplace: Reshaping Jobs and Skills
Moderator: Johanna Larsson,Project Manager, Helsinki Region Chamber of Commerce with Extensive Experience in the International Expert Recruitment for Finnish Companies
Panelists: Michal Pluhacek, Assoc.Prof.Department of Informatics and Artificial Intelligence, Tomas Bata University, CzechRep; Stylianos Karagiannis, Technical Expert and Developer, PDMFC- An IT company, Portugal; Paresh Rathod, Thematic Leader (Cyber RDI) and Expert EU Cybersecurity Agency-ENISA, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
Networking Lunch - Bar Laurea Restaurant
Afternoon sessions: AI in Education with Focus on Students and Upskilling Existing Workforce
13:30-14:15 (Place: Tuomo Auditorium)
Tutorial: Overview of available AI tools for academics and students
Speaker: Michal Pluhacek, Professor, Faculty of Applied Informatics, Department of Informatics and Artificial Intelligence, Tomas Bata University in Zlín.
Networking Break
14:30 – 15:15 (Place: Tuomo Auditorium)
AI for students
Speaker: Tomas Kadavy and Adam Viktorin, Faculty of Applied Informatics, Department of Informatics and Artificial Intelligence, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Czech Republic
Networking Break
15:30 – 16:30 (Place: Tuomo Auditorium)
AI for Upscaling the Academic Workforce
Speaker: Roman Šenkeřík, Professor and Head of AI Lab, Faculty of Applied Informatics, Department of Informatics and Artificial Intelligence, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Czech Republic
16:30 – 17:00 (Place: Tuomo Auditorium)
Open discussion and closing remarks
Speaker: Roman Šenkeřík, Professor and Head of AI Lab, Faculty of Applied Informatics, Department of Informatics and Artificial Intelligence, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Czech Republic
Day 3, 21.08.2024: Reflecting on AI Policies in EU-USA and the Future of AI in Communities
Professor (Cybersecurity), University of Piraeus, Chief Technology Officer and Co-founder, Trustilio BV with Extensive experience in EU AI & Cybersecurity areas. Served in various European Commission-EU institutes.
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- Joseph Porter, Associate Dean, School of Business and Leadership, Nazareth University, USA
- Roman Šenkeřík, Head of AI Lab, Tomas Bata University in Zlín, Czech Republic
- Tanja Johansson, Director, Laurea University of Applied Sciences, Finland.
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1630- Closing reception and farewell
Day 4, 22.08.2024: Cyber Security Training and Excursions: CyberSecPro Digital Europe Programme
Day 5, 23.08.2024: Cyber Security Training and Concluding the week.
Biographies of the speakers
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Speakers
Moderator: Paresh Rathod
Honoured with the meritorious medal by the President of the Republic of Finland [Finnish Order of the White Rose, Cross of Merit], Paresh Rathod is a seasoned technocrat, cyber expert, innovator, educator, and thought leader with a passion for creating a safer digital world, services, and solutions. Paresh Rathod serves as the Head of Research and Innovation at Trustilio BV in the Netherlands. He is also a Thematic Leader (Cyber RDI) and Educator (ICT) at Laurea University of Applied Sciences in Finland. Paresh has been a key contributor to various organizations and initiatives including the European Cybersecurity Organisation (ECSO, Brussels), where he co-chaired the working group, and the European Union's Cybersecurity Agency (ENISA), where he served as an expert-rapporteur in AHWG for the European Cybersecurity Skills Framework development work. He brings his expertise and experience to bear as a senior advisor to many businesses and organisations, providing strategic guidance and helping them navigate the ever-evolving cybersecurity, AI, and technology landscape. He participates in the EU innovation projects encompassing cybersecurity, cutting-edge technologies like AI and secure business solutions. Paresh Rathod has fostered many international cooperation including the MoU of NSA-CNSS enterprise security programme coordination between Finland and the USA in year 2010 and many others. Paresh's personal mission is to serve, help, contribute, inspire, and uplift people and organizations associated with. He comes from a humble and educated background, with his grandfather having worked closely with Mahatma Gandhi and his father being a scientist. Paresh and his family are guided by biblical principles. Paresh aims to continue serving in futuristic development-oriented projects, communities, and businesses.
Panellist: H.E. Mr. Adam Vojtěch, Ambassador of Czech Republic in Finland
Adam Vojtěch is the current Ambassador of the Czech Republic to Finland. His previous role was as the Minister of Health of the Czech Republic.
Panellist: H.E. Mrs. Agnès Cukierman, Ambassador of France in Finland
Agnès Cukierman’s career in the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs encompasses extensive experience as a diplomat, complemented by her roles in budgetary and financial management, internal audits, and human resources. Over the years, she has managed large teams and complex projects, led significant reforms, and ensured efficient use of resources. As a diplomat, she has handled sensitive political and cultural issues, representing France’s interests in various international settings. Notably, during her assignment at the French Embassy in Moscow, she monitored internal politics, human rights, and humanitarian aid. Her roles have also involved navigating international finance, implementing audit processes, and optimizing organizational structures in France and abroad. Currently serving as the French Ambassador to Finland, Agnès continues to leverage her extensive experience to foster bilateral relationships and advance France’s diplomatic objectives on the global stage. Her contributions have focused on promoting effective governance, financial integrity, and international cooperation throughout her career.
Panellist: H.E. Mr. Douglas T. Hickey, Ambassador of United States of America in Finland
Douglas Hickey was sworn in as the U.S. Ambassador to the Republic of Finland on April 6, 2022. Previously, Ambassador Hickey served as the Managing Director of Hickey Gryphon QOF. He has more than 30 years of operational experience holding senior-level positions in the telecom, internet, and technology industries. President Obama appointed Ambassador Hickey as the United States Commissioner General at Expo Milano in 2014. As Commissioner General, he oversaw the creation of the USA Pavilion that told America’s food security story to spur a global conversation about the challenges of feeding the planet.
Ambassador Hickey has also served as the President and CEO of San Francisco-based BinWise, Inc., the leading provider of analytics to premier restaurant, hotel, and entertainment groups around the world, and before that was Managing Director of Hummer Winblad Venture Partners. Ambassador Hickey was CEO of Critical Path, the leading provider of messaging services to corporations around the globe. He was also President and CEO of Global Center, which became one of the first and largest providers of advanced web hosting and content distribution on the web.
Panellist: H.E. Mrs. Sabrina Dallafior Matter, Ambassador of Switzerland in Finland
Since August 2023 H.E. Sabrina Dallafior Matter has been posted in Helsinki as Ambassador of Switzerland to Finland. She holds a master’s degree in Eastern European History and Russian Studies from the University of Basel, her hometown. In 2000 she joined the Swiss Diplomatic Service and started her career at the Swiss Mission to the EU. Thereafter, she stayed in Brussels and worked at the Swiss Mission to NATO. Back at the Headquarters in Berne, she covered various multilateral security policy issues and subsequently became Head of the OSCE Office. From 2008 to 2012 she was posted once again at the Swiss Mission to the EU in Brussels. Back in Berne, she was Deputy Head of the Human Security Division. From 2016 to 2019 she was Ambassador and Permanent Representative of Switzerland to the Conference of Disarmament and Deputy Permanent Representative to the United Nations and other International Organisations in Geneva. From 2019 to 2023 she was Consul General of Switzerland in Milan.
More information
- Conrad Lyaruu
- Specialist, International affairs
- Conrad.Lyaruu@laurea.fi
- Tel 358400762616
- International Networks, funding for Educational Projects, and Joint Programmes
- Paresh Rathod
- Senior Lecturer
- Paresh.Rathod@laurea.fi
- Tel (09) 8868 7955
Events
Graduation Ceremony
The graduation ceremony celebrates all the students graduating in December 2024 and students that have graduated after the last graduation ceremony on 7th of June 2024.