The Forum's Program
9-11 February 2025
As part of the AI Action Summit, the Paris Peace Forum co-organized and led several key events to foster international dialogue and collaboration on AI governance. From discussions on AI’s impact in Africa to high-level exchanges on cybersecurity, children’s development, and disinformation, these sessions brought together policymakers, experts, and industry leaders to shape a more inclusive and responsible AI future.
Sunday 9th February
Cockt.ai.l Reception – Co-Organized with Boston Consulting Group
On the eve of the AI Action Summit, the Paris Peace Forum, together with the Boston Consulting Group, hosted a cocktail reception to welcome participants and celebrate international cooperation on AI.
Monday 10th February
Closed-Door Discussion on AI Challenges in Africa
Building on the discussions held at the 7th edition of the Paris Peace Forum (PPF) on November 12, 2024, this closed-door session delved deeper into the challenges and opportunities of AI development in Africa. Bringing together key stakeholders, the conversation focused on infrastructure, governance, and innovation, while also addressing strategic collaborations to support the continent’s AI ecosystem. Hosted by the World Economic Forum, the PPF, and the French-African Foundation, this dialogue aimed to ensure continuity and actionable progress in shaping Africa’s AI future.
AI and Children’s Development: a Multistakeholder Dialogue
We launched a multistakeholder coalition at the Paris AI Action Summit. The coalition defined and shared assessments on the benefits and risks of AI in children’s development, facilitated the exchange of best practices, and discussed actionable paths forward—all with companies, regulators, experts, and civil society.
Tuesday 11th February
The “AI-Cyber Nexus” side event
On the sidelines of the second day of the AI Action Summit, the Forum gathered industry, public sector, and cyber policy experts to assess AI-driven cyber risk initiatives and integrate cybersecurity into AI governance. The discussion informed global cooperation efforts led by the Paris Peace Forum.
AI for Development: Solutions for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future – AFD event in partnership with the Paris Peace Forum
This event focused on how artificial intelligence (AI) can support sustainable and inclusive development. It showcased innovative AI solutions in key sectors such as education, health, agriculture, and social inclusion, while also addressing critical issues like digital sovereignty and AI ethics in developing countries. Featuring presentations from pioneering startups and organizations, as well as a high-level panel discussion, the event explored AI’s potential to drive positive change and foster international collaboration in emerging economies.
Closed-door meeting of the Smart Africa ministerial network
Smart Africa is a pan-African initiative launched by African heads of state to drive socio-economic development through digital transformation. It unites 40 countries, representing over 1 billion people, with a shared commitment to advancing ICT access, broadband connectivity, and Africa’s transition to a knowledge economy. The network’s latest ministerial meeting on the margins of the AI Action Summit was co-organized with the Paris Peace Forum.
High-Level Dinner: “Fighting Fake News on Social Media: a Key Challenge for Africa?”
This unique gathering organized by the French-African Foundation, Concerto Global Public Affairs, Jeune Afrique Media Group, and the Paris Peace Forum brought together government leaders and policymakers, media executives, tech entrepreneurs, and key stakeholders to explore the impact of fake news on African societies. Through thought-provoking discussions, the event aimed to address key questions: how significant is the impact of fake news on African societies? Can AI and technology offer effective solutions to this challenge? How can governments, media, tech companies, and civil society collaborate to combat disinformation efficiently?