Religious leaders from 11 of the world’s largest religions have banded behind the call of Rome to address the ethics of artificial intelligence (AI). A recent conference, AI Ethics For Peace, held in Hiroshima, Japan, saw them joined by representatives of 13 nations and even big tech companies for discussions on the ethical use of AI.
The July 10 event was attended by leaders from Eastern religions such as Buddhism, Hinduism, Zoroastrianism, Bahá'í, and others, as well as those from the Abrahamic religions (Christianity, Judaism, and Islam). Each of these representatives signed on to the Rome Call for AI Ethics in a pledge of unity at the historic multi-religious event.
The Rome Call for AI Ethics was issued in February 2020 by the Pontifical Academy for Life. At the event, Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Academy, addressed those in attendance and encouraged them to "work together for the good of humanity."
"This concerns every aspect of our lives, and therefore also every new tool that technological progress makes available to us." Archbishop Paglia said at the event. "Artificial intelligence is one of them: a great tool with unlimited possibilities of application, it can and must be guided so that its potential serves the good since the moment of its design. This is our common responsibility, and in this shared effort we can rediscover real brotherhood."
To serve human genius
According to its official website, the document was developed to support an ethical approach to AI and to promote a sense of responsibility among those who use it in both the public and private sectors. The aim of the Rome Call is “create a future in which digital innovation and technological progress serve human genius and creativity and not their gradual replacement.”
Microsoft, IBM, FAO, and Cisco were among the first big tech companies that signed the Rome Call for AI Ethics, and they were present at the Hiroshima event alongside representatives of the Japanese government, which was present to witness the signing.
During his turn at the podium, Eriko Hibi, Director of the FAO Liaison Office in Japan, spoke on AI's potential to reshape the agriculture industry:
“Artificial Intelligence provides a crucial opportunity to accelerate agrifood systems transformation and achieve sustainable development through optimizing agricultural practices, enhancing supply chain efficiency and empowering smallholder farmers with data-driven innovations and approaches," Hibi said.
Pope Francis did not attend the event, but as it kicked off, he sent a tweet acknowledging the work of attendees:
"Recognizing the contribution of the cultural riches of peoples and religions in the regulation of artificial intelligence is key to the success of your commitment to the wise management of technological innovation,” Pope Francis wrote.
He then sent a message to those at the event:
The fact that you are gathering in Hiroshima to discuss artificial intelligence and peace is of great symbolic importance. [...] It is crucial that, united as brothers and sisters, we remind the world that “in light of the tragedy that is armed conflict, it is urgent to reconsider the development and use of devices like the so-called ‘lethal autonomous weapons’ and ultimately ban their use. This starts from an effective and concrete commitment to introduce ever greater and proper human control. No machine should ever choose to take the life of a human being” (Address to the G7, 14 June 2024).
"In commending your initiative," the Pope said, "I ask you to show the world that we are united in asking for a proactive commitment to protect human dignity in this new era of machines."
The wide array of religions represented by the leaders in attendance made the event especially significant, as it is estimated that around 85% of the world’s population identifies with one of the religious traditions in attendance. This means that, with their signatures, the Rome Call platform is representative of the majority of people on the planet.
