TLDR: A GLOBSEC CEE Her Roundtable in Prague on September 11, 2025, discussed how emerging technologies, particularly artificial intelligence, can both bolster and threaten democratic resilience. The event, titled “Resilient Futures: The Role of Technology in Strengthening Societies,” brought together women leaders to examine AI’s potential in areas like crisis preparedness and healthcare, alongside its risks such as disinformation and cyberattacks. Key discussions emphasized AI as an amplifier of values, the importance of human resilience, and the need for ethical governance with women’s perspectives at its core.
On September 11, 2025, GLOBSEC hosted a significant CEE Her Roundtable in Prague, under the theme “Resilient Futures: The Role of Technology in Strengthening Societies.” This pivotal event convened women leaders, innovators, and changemakers from diverse sectors to delve into the complex interplay between emerging technologies and democratic resilience. A central focus of the discussion was artificial intelligence (AI), exploring its capacity to both fortify and challenge the fabric of societies.
The roundtable, moderated by Lukáš Benzl, Executive Director of the Czech Association for AI, featured prominent speakers including Kateřina Lesch from EmbedIT, Kateřina Anna Magna from Microsoft, Alžběta Solarczyk Krausová of Respectful AI, and Eva Telěcká from MSD Czech Republic. The dialogue underscored that while AI is rapidly reshaping societal functions, it presents a spectrum of opportunities and inherent risks.
Participants highlighted AI’s potential to significantly support societal resilience through advancements in crisis preparedness, healthcare, education. However, the discussion also brought to light the amplified threats posed by AI, such as the proliferation of disinformation, increased vulnerability to cyberattacks, and the exacerbation of social inequalities. Specific concerns were raised regarding children’s digital safety, the rise of deepfakes, and the impact of disinformation on electoral processes.
Key takeaways from the robust discussion included the understanding of AI as an “amplifier of values.” The consensus was that technology itself is neutral, reflecting the values of its creators and users. In this context, women’s leadership was identified as crucial for embedding empathy, ethical standards, and resilience into technology governance. Another vital point emphasized that true resilience begins with people—fostering resilient users and minds capable of critically and authentically engaging with AI systems, extending beyond mere infrastructure and data.
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The debate also stressed the necessity of balancing the immense opportunities AI offers, such as increased efficiency and flexibility in daily and professional life, with the new vulnerabilities it introduces. The session concluded with a collective call to “stay human,” advocating for a focus on resilience at both individual and societal levels, promoting AI literacy, and establishing robust ethical governance frameworks. Crucially, the participants urged for women’s voices to be central in shaping the future of technology, ensuring inclusive and responsible development.
