Artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming our world. How do we ensure that AI systems reflect and support human values? This is the central question behind the innovative “Values + AI = Impact” series, a collaborative initiative between World Values Day and Bells.
As AI becomes increasingly integrated into our daily lives, businesses, and societal structures, there’s an urgent need to examine this intersection of values and technology. World Values Day, with its global mission of highlighting the importance of values in guiding human behaviour, found a natural partner in Bells, a professional services consultancy with an emphasis on co-creating solutions by using the power of natural intelligence, human intelligence and artificial intelligence.
“AI represents both tremendous opportunity and significant responsibility,” says Rhonda L. Bowen, the series organiser. “The values we embed in these systems today will shape the world of tomorrow, making this conversation not just timely but essential.”
The “Values + AI = Impact” series consists of thought-provoking peer discussions designed to explore various dimensions of the values-AI relationship. Each session brings together diverse values experts and practitioners to examine how values can be practically integrated into AI development and deployment.
Rhonda Bowen is enthusiastic about the way the series is developing. “The format is short and simple,” she says, “but there is such a diversity of participants and ideas that I always gain new insights myself during every session. The range of participants from around the world makes it valuable for people to learn more about how they can use AI in a positive way in their lives. It’s also fascinating to see how it illuminates cultural differences in dealing with new subjects”.
As one of the regular participants remarked, “Sessions always veer off in unexpected directions and raise interesting questions.”
The inaugural sessions, ” Your Values and AI: Alignment and Impact,” held on World Values Day on October 17, 2024, set the foundation by exploring how individuals and organisations can innovate with AI while staying true to their core values. Subsequent sessions have delved into topics like ethical AI frameworks, exchange of opinions on the use of AI in business, and practical approaches to value-centred AI implementation.
What makes these sessions particularly valuable is their balance of theoretical exploration and practical application. Participants aren’t just discussing abstract concepts—they’re gaining actionable insights they can apply in their own work with AI technologies.
Impact
The response to the series has been overwhelmingly positive, attracting participants from across sectors including technology, business, academia, and ethics. Attendees particularly appreciate the interdisciplinary approach, bringing together perspectives that might otherwise remain siloed.
“The conversations happening in these sessions are exactly what we need right now,” commented another participant. “They’re helping us move beyond both techno-utopianism and fear-based reactions to AI, toward thoughtful, values-based approaches.”
Looking Ahead
As the series continues, upcoming sessions will tackle emerging challenges like ensuring AI transparency, addressing algorithmic bias, and developing global ethical standards for AI. The organisers are committed to making these complex topics accessible while still honouring their depth and importance.
“What we’re building here is a safe haven to explore and learn,” explains Charles Fowler of World Values Day. “It helps people who are committed to ensuring that as AI capabilities grow, our capacity for ethical implementation grows alongside them.”
The “Values + AI = Impact” series represents a timely intervention in the AI ethics landscape—one that recognises that the most important questions about artificial intelligence aren’t just technical but deeply human. By creating space for these crucial conversations, World Values Day and Bells are helping to ensure that our AI future is aligned with our highest values.
Join the Conversation: The next sessions in the “Values + AI = Impact” series will be held on May 14, 2025. Register for one of the three 30-minute sessions on that day to secure your place in this important dialogue about our shared technological future. You can book your place here and/or get more details here: https://bells.solutions/valuesplusaiequalsimpact/
