AI, a New Age of Power

A new kind of intelligence is becoming part of our world. In just a few years, machines have learned to reason, make decisions, and act autonomously. Already, it is not always clear whether their creators or the systems themselves are truly in control.

This shift is not merely technological. It is reshaping the balance of power between governments, which increasingly see artificial intelligence as a matter of sovereignty; companies, which are placing it at the heart of a new economy; and regulators, which are working to define its boundaries. One central question runs through all these developments: who will remain in control of what we are creating, and according to which principles?

It is at this broader level that Confluence, in collaboration with BeCentral, invites participants to reflect on these questions by bringing together, for one evening, perspectives from academic research and public policymaking.

Speakers

Hugues Bersini, professor of artificial intelligence at Université libre de Bruxelles and co-director of IRIDIA, the university’s artificial intelligence laboratory. As one of the pioneers of the field in Belgium, he will provide a researcher’s perspective on what the technology can, and cannot, do.

Matthieu Delescluse, Head of the AI Safety Unit at the European Commission. Closely involved in the development of Europe’s regulatory framework, he will bring the perspective of public policymaking and European technological sovereignty.

Practical information

This conference is organized by Confluence, in collaboration with BeCentral.

📍 BeCentral, Cantersteen 12, 1000 Brussels
🗓️ Monday, October 5, 8:00 p.m.
🎟️ Free admission