“Even in times of a world driven by artificial intelligence, we never forget our human essence. After all, it is the human imprint that has forged artificial intelligence” while “the future challenges are colossal”, there are those of “the environment”, of the “protection of human and civil rights”, of the “polarization that persists on many levels”. Thus a passage from the speech that the mayor of Florence Dario Nardella delivered today at Syracuse University, in the State of New York, in front of 30 thousand young people, for the traditional Commencement Speech, the speech at the end of the degree course.
The last Italian was Italo Calvino
The ceremony took place today at the Jma Wireless Dome, Syracuse’s city stadium, in front of thousands of people. Previously, the last Italian hosted on this occasion had been Italo Calvino. “First of all” – said Nardella – “there are the issues relating to the environment, climate change and excessive consumption: it is absolutely clear that the current situation is unsustainable”, but “while science and innovation, the positive result of ‘human efforts have facilitated notable progress towards alternative solutions, our actions have fallen short.’ “Second, the protection of human and civil rights” – he continued – Our freedoms and our security are non-negotiable and must be governed with responsibility: social and environmental responsibility, responsibility of the financial market”.
“Recognizing differences as a source of wealth”
Third point indicated by Nardella “polarization persists on many levels: whether it is gender, generation, inheritance, social status or political position, you might say. It seems that we cultivate antagonism rather than unity. We are building a society of enemies It is an almost either-or scenario. Yet the human experience thrives in the nuances between extremes. Polarization leaves no room for personal affirmation, cultural and social growth”, “fighting it does not mean fearing differences but recognizing them as source of wealth”. On artificial intelligence, Nardella believes that “it will not control us”, “it cannot, provided that – and if – we ask ourselves the right questions: are we willing to use AI as a tool to improve our lives? Instead of emphasizing consumption and polarization, can we talk about healing, social justice, sustainable growth and, ultimately, peace?”.
