The Future of Democracy and AI: An Urgent Debate in Berlin
‘Taking risks for democracy and peace’ - Hillary Clinton (Date), 2024
March 21st, 2025
The World Forum organised by Cinema for Peace was held in Berlin, bringing together political, social and cultural leaders committed to building a better world. The event, which took place at the Adlon Hotel near the Brandenburg Gate, served as a key platform to address the global crisis of democracy and the challenges of artificial intelligence and technology. With the presence of influential figures such as Hillary and Bill Clinton, the forum sought practical solutions to pressing issues by creating legislative proposals to inspire tangible changes in politics and society.
The absence of democracy was the common thread running through the discussions at the forum. From a philosophical and psychological perspective, the situation of democracy in the digital age and the threats it faces were analysed. Hillary Clinton stressed that ‘information determines how we think, and how we think determines what we do’, emphasising the need to combat disinformation and strengthen democratic institutions. Mechanisms to prevent invasions, sanction human rights violations, and ways to redefine political leadership in global crisis situations were discussed. In addition, strategies to confront authoritarian regimes and protect freedom of expression from abuses of power were explored.
The impact of artificial intelligence was one of the most debated topics. Throughout the conference, political leaders, scientists and religious representatives discussed the risks of technology on democracy and privacy. ‘The emphasis on AI is the biggest problem we are facing in our world,’ warned Clinton. Strategies to regulate the use of algorithms in social media, ensuring transparency and accountability, were discussed. The creation of a Global AI Council was proposed to oversee governance and mitigate risks in key sectors, ensuring that technological innovation does not undermine democratic values.
Conflict and peace was another key point. Figures such as Vladimir Kara-Murza and Ehud Olmert highlighted the unwillingness to reach peaceful settlements. ‘The hand of a dictator is covered in blood, outside borders’, Kara-Murza denounced, urging stronger international cooperation against authoritarian regimes. Olmert, Israel's former prime minister, emphasised the need to negotiate an end to the war and two-State solution. ‘There is a majority of Israelis who do not support the voices of war,’ he said. The forum explored strategies for resolving the Israeli-Palestinian conflict and ensuring security in the region by promoting inclusive dialogue and sustainable agreements.
The event also addressed issues such as identity and gender, the agricultural revolution, Africa's development and the impact of China, remote job creation and fair taxation systems. Despite the challenges, the Global Forum left a message of hope: the solution to global problems lies in the hands of society and leaders committed to change. As Clinton reminded us, ‘we don't have to give up on peace’.
