President Karis: We must find a way to subordinate new technology to our will

Speaking at the Arraiolos Group dinner in Tallinn tonight, which is being held in association with the ongoing Tallinn Digital Summit, President Alar Karis said that AI is a technology that will shape our future and cannot be ignored, but that at the same time we cannot overlook global tensions and crises.

"Around the world, ideological conflicts and confrontations are on the rise, including those which directly affect Europe," the head of state remarked, referring to the war in Ukraine and the violence in the Middle East. He denounced terrorism and excessive use of force, and condemned Russia's aggression in Ukraine, including its attacks on civilians and the deportation of children. He said the international community must further isolate Russia and continue to provide wide-ranging support to Ukraine.

Speaking about the impact of new technologies, President Karis underscored the need to build a future based on human rights and democratic values. "We must ensure that technology serves people, not the other way around," he cautioned. The head of state highlighted Estonia's AI Leap initiative, giving all secondary school students and teachers access to AI tools in order to mould common awareness and the ability to make responsible use of the technology.

"The aim is to bring AI into the learning process in a streamlined way," he said. "Only in this way can we maintain control of the machine, learn with it and develop with it. Like riding a bike, learning to master AI is easier at a young age. That way, we can fashion a generation who understand and guide this new technology, and thrive within it."

Full text of President Karis' address (in English)

Video and photos (Ivan Panasjuk, Marko Mumm & Raigo Pajula/Office of the President): https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCwN2q