A4G powers up AI ethics movement with DTU symposium

Spearheaded by Nitin Dhawan, co-founder of A4G Impact Collaborative, the symposium united diverse voices to shape AI governance frameworks that promote human-centered ethics and will inform future policy and practical solutions

In a landmark step toward shaping the ethical future of artificial intelligence, the A4G Impact Collaborative (AI for Good) held Responsible AI—Governance & Ethics Symposium at Delhi Technological University recently. This initiative marks a powerful expansion of A4G’s mission to ensure that AI systems remain aligned with the highest human values, advancing compassion, equity, and sustainability.

The symposium was spearheaded by Nitin Dhawan, co-founder of the A4G Impact Collaborative. Serving as both architect and moderator, Dhawan's leadership brought together diverse perspectives while emphasizing that "AI must remain governed by and aligned with the best of what makes us human."

"This symposium represents a critical first step in developing governance frameworks that ensure AI serves as a force for collective flourishing rather than deepening existing divides," said Dhawan. "The insights generated will directly inform policy recommendations and practical governance approaches in the months ahead."

Anil Antony National Secretary & National Spokesperson, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), a key panellist at the symposium, emphasized India's unique position in the global AI landscape, stating: "India has a historic opportunity to create AI with Indian characteristics, much as we did with UPI. By infusing our technological development with our cultural values of inclusivity and spiritual wisdom, we can offer the world a model of AI governance that balances innovation with human wellbeing."

The symposium put together by DTU & A4G Collab convened a powerful coalition of global leaders in AI ethics, governance, and policy, including: Anil Antony – National Secretary & National Spokesperson, Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP), Dr. Vivienne Ming – Theoretical Neuroscientist & AI Visionary, BBC’s 100 Women, Prof. David Danks – Chair of Data Science & Philosophy, University of California, Nandini Singh – Executive Director, IBM India & South Asia – Public Sector, Dr. Nandini Chatterjee Singh – Senior Project Officer, UNESCO & Cognitive Neuroscientist, Dr. Ramanand – Founder-Director, Center for Policy Research and Governance (CPRG), Sharad Arora – Steering Committee Member, AI for Good, Geneva, Dr. Shakti Goel – Chief Architect & Data Scientist, Yatra.com amongst other changemakers across academia, industry, and policy.

Key highlights:

·       Distinguished Panels: The morning session focused on "Human Values and Legal Frameworks for AI Integration," featuring insights from philosophers, ethicists, and legal scholars. The afternoon panel addressed "AI's Impact and Societal Governance Models" with contributions from economists, technologists, and policy experts.

·       Breakthrough Insights: Panelist Prof. Ajit Sinha described AI as potentially enabling "capitalism without labour"—a fundamental restructuring that renders existing economic frameworks obsolete. Dr. Shakti Goel emphasized that culturally rooted ethical frameworks must underpin global AI systems, while Vivienne Ming cautioned that technology should elevate rather than replace human potential.

·       Cross-Sector Collaboration: The event united government officials, industry leaders, academics, and civil society representatives in recognition that AI governance requires unprecedented collaboration across sectors.

Dr. Prateek Sharma, Vice Chancellor of Delhi Technological University, said, "DTU is proud to host this landmark event that aligns perfectly with our commitment to technological innovation guided by human values. The collaboration between academia, industry, and civil society exemplified today is exactly the model needed for responsible AI development."