Artificial Intelligence Lecture Series

The Balsillie School of International Affairs and Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum are pleased to present an Artificial Intelligence Lecture Series. Covering the benefits, drawbacks, dangers, and governance challenges, this lecture series will provide thought-provoking insights into the past, present, and future of AI.

Navigating AI Security Risks: Insights and Strategies for the Future

Date - Tuesday, June 4

Time - 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., doors at 6:00 p.m.

Join Aaron Shull from the Centre for International Governance Innovation (CIGI) as he explores the multifaceted security challenges presented by generative AI. This session will guide you through the web of potential threats, from the amplification of conventional cyber risks by AI technologies to the complexities of AI's utility in both defence and offence. We will examine scenarios where AI not only strengthens existing cybersecurity measures but also serves as a powerful tool in the arsenal of cyber adversaries, including the creation of sophisticated malware and deepfake techniques.

Aaron Shull is the managing director and general counsel at CIGI. He is a senior legal executive and is recognized as a leading expert on complex issues at the intersection of public policy, emerging technology, cybersecurity, privacy and data protection.

Conceptualizing Governance of Artificial Intelligence: Opportunities and Challenges

Date - Tuesday, July 9

Time - 6:30 p.m. – 7:30 p.m., doors at 6:00 p.m.

Speaker - Maral Niazi

With the rise of the artificial intelligence (AI) frontier, the world is on the cusp of a technological renaissance. This extraordinary and transformative opportunity will reshape every facet of life as we know it. As a result, humanity is confronted with the monumental responsibility of governing this transformative force—a challenge that requires unprecedented collaboration, innovation, and ethical foresight. This presentation will explore the complex landscape of AI governance in mitigating the societal challenges associated with AI while harnessing its potential. The talk will highlight national and international initiatives related to AI governance, showcasing how effective governance of AI—protecting the public interest and human rights—can promote sustainable development, enhance democratic processes, and foster an equitable technological future.

Maral Niazi is a Digital Policy Hub doctoral fellow and a Ph.D. candidate at the Balsillie School of International Affairs. She takes a multilateral and multistakeholder approach to studying the global governance of Artificial Intelligence, focusing on the many impacts of AI on society and humanity.

Event Venue & Nearby Stays

Ken Seiling Waterloo Region Museum, 10 Huron Road, Kitchener, Canada