Thematic Areas

Concept Note

The theme of the conference is “From Access to Action: Rethinking Information Practices in an AI-driven Society”. 

The rapid proliferation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is fundamentally reshaping how we create, disseminate, access, and utilize information. While the digital age has focused significantly on access to information, the rise of AI necessitates a critical shift in our focus towards action. This conference, “From Access to Action: Rethinking Information Practices in an AI-Driven Society,” aims to explore the evolving landscape of information and knowledge management, moving beyond mere access to consider how AI influences our ability to understand, interpret, and ultimately act upon information effectively and ethically. The conference will delve into critical questions surrounding the changing nature of information, particularly the impact of AI-generated content and algorithmic curation on veracity and trust. It will also examine the new information literacy skills required to navigate an AI-saturated environment, emphasizing critical evaluation and understanding algorithmic bias. Ethical considerations and responsible AI practices will be central, addressing fairness, transparency, and the potential for manipulation. Furthermore, the conference will explore how to harness AI as a tool for generating actionable insights from data, transforming raw information into valuable knowledge for decision-making. The evolving roles and responsibilities of information professionals in this new landscape will be discussed, alongside the necessary policy and governance frameworks to ensure a responsible and equitable information ecosystem. Ultimately, this conference seeks to foster collaboration among diverse stakeholders to envision the future of information practices, empowering individuals and societies to move beyond mere access and leverage information effectively and ethically in an increasingly AI-driven world.