Deepak Chopra highlighted that humanity is at a critical inflection point. AI, gene editing, and immersive technologies are set to radically reshape the world over the next 20 years.

A central theme of his talk was the idea that AI mirrors the intentions and ethics of its creators. “The reality AI creates is the reality we provide,” he stated, stressing that technological progress must be accompanied by an evolution in consciousness, ethics, and responsibility.

Chopra’s session left us with a profound question: Will AI be a tool for human flourishing, or will it accelerate our downfall? The answer, he suggests, lies in how we choose to shape its future.

Stefan Schoepfel & José Carvalho, co-founders of the Value AI Institute, emphasized that AI must move beyond efficiency and become a driver of sustainable business growth and social transformation.

Frauke Goll (appliedAI Institute) emphasized that AI should go beyond efficiency, focusing on trust, collaboration, and specialized systems, with multi-agent AI playing a key role in enhancing transparency, explainability, and credibility in business and society.

Sylvain Duranton (BCG X) emphasized AI’s role in predicting climate risks and developing adaptive strategies, underscoring the need for open collaboration to tackle global challenges.

Ann Dunkin (US Department of Energy) reinforced that while AI is a powerful tool, human intelligence and thoughtful direction remain essential, citing its impact on optimizing wind farms and streamlining sustainable project approvals.

Ambassador Bitange Ndemo captured the broader vision, stating that AI can be a driver of social impact, including the fight against poverty—a call to view AI as a tool for real-world transformation, not just efficiency.

James Landay (Stanford University) called for a shift from user-centered AI design to community-driven solutions, emphasizing that AI systems inherently embed values whether intentional or not. He urged greater responsibility in ensuring that AI reflects a diverse and inclusive reality, recognizing its impact on entire societies, not just individuals.

To achieve this, he advocated for open, interdisciplinary research, highlighting the need for collaboration between technologists, designers, humanists, social scientists, and artists to reduce cultural bias and ensure fairness on a global scale.

Petra Becker spoke about the transformative power of art, emphasizing its role in shaping how we engage with change and innovation. Art has always been a catalyst for transformation, challenging perspectives and inspiring new ways of thinking. In the age of AI, its role becomes even more crucial, helping us navigate complexity, foster creativity, and shape technology that aligns with human values.

By embracing art as a lens for exploration, organizations can move beyond rigid structures and unlock new possibilities, using AI to enhance human potential, create deeper connections, and generate lasting value. The intersection of AI and art is not about replacing creativity but expanding it, enabling us to reimagine what is possible for both individuals and businesses.

Bjørnar Jensen (McKinsey) stressed that long-term success depends on innovation, not stability, urging businesses to embrace change and act boldly. He highlighted the transformative impact of AI, noting that while technology’s short-term effects are often overestimated, its long-term impact is underestimated.

AI-driven disruption will reshape industries and create entirely new business models, with at least half of the largest companies in a decade being unknown today. The workforce is also evolving, as AI is fundamentally changing professions, from consulting to mechanics to healthcare, demonstrating its rapid ability to automate tasks once thought uniquely human.