XISS Inaugurates Three-Day International Conference on AI and Governance
The Xavier Institute of Social Service (XISS) in Ranchi has officially commenced its three-day International Conference, a flagship event marking the institute's Platinum Jubilee celebrations. The conference, titled "Reimagining Governance for Sustainable Futures: Balancing Profit, Purpose, and People in the Age of AI," opened on Thursday, bringing together a diverse assembly of academicians, industry leaders, policymakers, and practitioners from across India and abroad.
Focus on Ethical AI and Sustainable Governance
Inspired by the Jesuit tradition of social justice and human dignity, the conference aims to explore the critical intersections of technology, ethics, governance, and sustainable development. The inaugural sessions emphasized aligning technological advancements with ethical values to foster people-centric and sustainable governance models.
Dr Joseph Marianus Kujur, SJ, Director of XISS, set the tone in his opening address, stating, "This conference is a call to honour our past while courageously interrogating the future, ensuring that ethics, sustainability, and human values guide governance in the age of artificial intelligence." He highlighted that efficiency often overshadows empathy in AI-driven systems, urging a focus on ethical leadership and social justice.
Insights from Distinguished Speakers
Fr Ajit Kumar Xess SJ, Chairman of XISS-GB, congratulated the institute on its platinum jubilee and discussed the essence of true governance. "True governance must be human-centred, inclusive, and ethically grounded, where leadership decisions respect people, institutions, and the ecological systems we depend on," he remarked.
Chief Guest Mr Prabir Jha, Founder and CEO of Prabir Jha People Advisory, addressed the audience with a compelling perspective on modern governance challenges. "We live in a BANI world -- Brittle, Anxious, Non-linear, Incomprehensible. Governance is not compliance theatre, but the moral and strategic architecture of institutions," he said, emphasizing that growth without responsibility is hollow.
Prof Joseph M Phillips, Dean Emeritus and Professor of Economics at Seattle University, USA, warned about the risks of AI without ethical oversight. "Artificial intelligence is transforming economies and education, but without ethical reasoning and responsible governance, its growing concentration of power and impact on inequality is unsustainable," he noted.
Integrating Ancient Wisdom with Modern Technology
Mr Pankaj Bansal, Co-Founder & Managing Partner of Caret Capital and Board Member of the Prime Minister's KarmYogi Bharat Initiative, advocated for a blend of traditional wisdom and contemporary AI insights. "Purpose is why we exist, vision is how you reach it, and values are what guide you. We must strategically link ancient wisdom with modern AI-era for leadership while keeping diversity, health, visibility, service, and higher purpose at the top," he stated.
Dr Vinay Ranjan, Director (HR) at Coal India Ltd, highlighted the demands of leadership in a VUCA (Volatility, Uncertainty, Complexity, and Ambiguity) World. "Leadership demands adaptability, digital readiness, and the courage to learn through discomfort, because real impact is measured by outcomes, not effort alone. Competitors can copy technology, but not culture," he asserted.
Conference Proceedings and Activities
The inaugural day featured the release of books and journals, felicitation of dignitaries by the XISS Director, and a vote of thanks by Dr Amar E. Tigga, Dean Academics, who emphasized a focus on deliverables and societal service. The session concluded with a group photograph, symbolizing a thoughtful start to the conference.
Later in the day, two plenary sessions were conducted on the topics:
- Human Capital, Technology, and Organisational Transformation
- Inclusive Development, Rural Management Futures, and Technological Empowerment
Additionally, 13 research papers were presented on the first day, showcasing diverse perspectives on governance and sustainability in the AI age.
This international conference serves as a pivotal platform for dialogue and collaboration, aiming to shape future governance frameworks that harmonize profit, purpose, and people in an increasingly technology-driven world.
