It was a conversation about our capacity to think for ourselves, to care for one another, to live with dignity and to have a meaningful say in the forces shaping our lives.

Mary Robinson’s opening keynote invited us to pause and reflect on our shared humanity. Ms Lenihan’s opening remarks placed autonomy, vulnerability and human relationships at the centre of the evening, asking what the richness and complexity of a human life demand of those designing and governing these technologies.

Guided by Miriam O’Callaghan, the discussion brought together perspectives from human rights, law, psychotherapy, the humanities, technology, economics and public policy.

Dr Carolin Huebner’s thought-provoking vignettes brought the trade-offs we are making into sharp focus. The first panel, Noeline Blackwell, Professor Jennifer Edmond, Professor Edoardo Celeste, Dr Johnny Ryan and Dr Richard Hogan explored the human interests and values at stake, and what protecting them requires.

Maria Raine, of the Adam Raine Foundation, shared her son Adam’s story with extraordinary courage and generosity. Her contribution brought the discussion back to the lives and families affected by these systems, and the responsibilities that follow.

Professor Stuart Russell’s contribution challenged us to consider the direction of AI development and the need to demonstrate safety before deployment.

The second panel, David Hickton Professor Dave Lewis Paul Byrne, Fred Logue and Professor John McHale, examined the practical responsibilities of institutions, policymakers and regulators, including the economic and environmental choices involved.

 A spokesperson for the CDE said: “We also warmly thank Sean Ruane for bringing poetry into an evening concerned with the fullness of human experience.

“Our sincere thanks to the Trinity Long Room Hub, the TCD Department of Digital Humanities our DCU EMILDAI, the Children’s Rights Alliance, IHREC and the IASEAI Team, and everyone whose work and support made the evening possible.

“Thank you to all who joined us and contributed so thoughtfully. Making space for civil society, lived experience and public-interest debate is central to CDE’s work. Friday’s conversation gives us much to build on.”