Misuraca emphasized that although we live in a world saturated with data, computing power, and increasingly sophisticated algorithms, many fundamental questions remain unanswered. Echoing Tim Berners-Lee’s vision for a safe and open internet, he argued that we must return to the foundational principle of collaboration among technologists, policymakers, and citizens. Only by aligning these diverse stakeholders, he noted, can society maximize AI’s benefits while minimizing risks, such as bias and privacy infringements.

Just as the printing press once revolutionized information sharing, AI is reshaping how we interact with—and within—our institutions. Yet machines remain dependent on human oversight: often, as in the case of the historic “Mechanical Turk,” human intelligence lurks behind apparently “self-sufficient” devices. The concept of human-centric AI, Misuraca explained, highlights our responsibility to design systems that work for people, rather than merely replace them. This perspective underpins global initiatives—such as the EU’s proposed AI Act and the United Nations’ Global Digital Compact—that aim to ensure technological progress remains equitable and beneficial.

Misuraca underscored the growing significance of AI for governmental functions, from data-driven policy to efficient service delivery. However, he cautioned that public administrations often lack the necessary skills and organizational structures. Citing a UK government survey revealing that 70% of civil servants see skills as the main AI adoption barrier, he illustrated a widespread need for interdisciplinary education and training.

To address these gaps, Misuraca introduced the AI for Gov Master program—a pioneering, EU co-funded initiative uniting experts from design, computer science, public policy, and ethics. By training professionals from multiple fields together, the project aims to create so-called “functional specialists”: individuals who understand legal, technical, and ethical dimensions of AI. This model, recognized by the UN as a best practice, is now expanding globally in partnership with UNESCO to foster a new generation of public-sector AI leaders.

Misuraca concluded that AI’s transformative power demands more than ad hoc solutions: it requires an international, human-focused effort to shape governance systems that prioritize societal well-being. As the world stands on the brink of new virtual frontiers—metaverse or otherwise—he urged governments, academic institutions, and industry to collaborate, ensuring AI augments human capacity rather than undermines it. “We can only achieve this,” he said, “if AI is designed and deployed in a truly human-centric way.”