

Helena Machado was invited by the Academia das Ciências de Lisboa—one of Portugal’s oldest and most prestigious scientific institutions, founded in 1779—to deliver a keynote on the social challenges and ethical dilemmas of the digital age.
Helena emphasized that Artificial Intelligence (AI) is both a powerful opportunity and a complex risk. Its future impact will depend on the choices we make today—on how inclusive, transparent, and socially responsible we are in shaping its development.
She argued that AI governance must go beyond tech companies and experts. Only through dialogue and collective action can we build an ethical, inclusive, and sustainable digital society. The future of AI must be in the hands of all.