International Open Roundtable in the Framework of SDG 4.0: Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence

On December 5, 2024, the Faculty of International Relations of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University hosted an International Open Roundtable under the guidance of Acting Associate Professor of the Department of Diplomatic Translation, K.N. Shokhayeva, and with the support of the Center for Intercultural Communication and Translation Studies.  

The event was organized within the framework of Sustainable Development Goal 4 – Quality Education. The main topic of discussion was "Opportunities and Threats of Artificial Intelligence", which attracted significant interest among participants, including 3rd-year students of the Faculty of International Relations.  

The centerpiece of the event was a presentation on the advantages and disadvantages of Artificial Intelligence, delivered by participants and supported by thought-provoking discussions with the audience. To enrich the session, two short videos were screened between presentations: one explored the creative opportunities provided by AI, while the other highlighted its risks and potential dangers. These videos helped frame the discussion and stimulated active engagement among attendees.  

The roundtable was marked by the participation of distinguished international guests who shared their expertise and perspectives:  
- Charlotte Tarby, a guest professor from the French National Education Program in collaboration with the France Embassy in Kazakhstan.  
- Arwa Ait Benlaassel, an IT department specialist from Morocco.  
- Anna Gamburd, the 3-d year student  from Harvard University (USA).  

Anna Gamburd delivered a compelling speech, sharing her personal experiences and examples of how AI has both positively and negatively impacted her life. Another participant, Aigerim Alibekova, the 4 year student from the Abylai Khan Kazakh University of International Relations and World Languages, also contributed valuable insights to the discussion, enriching the exchange of ideas.  

At the end of the roundtable, certificates of recognition were awarded to the most active participants. Special gifts were presented to the international guests as tokens of appreciation for their contributions.  

The roundtable was a resounding success, combining insightful presentations, active audience engagement, and a productive exchange of ideas. It provided participants with valuable knowledge and highlighted the importance of international collaboration in addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by Artificial Intelligence.