Editor's note: Belunn Se, a special commentator on current affairs for CGTN, is a senior industry observer based in Shenzhen, China. The article reflects the author's opinions and not necessarily the views of CGTN.

　　The 11th Nishan Forum on World Civilizations starts in Nishan, Qufu, Shandong Province – an event that continues to serve as a vital platform for global dialogue and cultural exchange. This year's theme, "Beauty in Diversity: Nurturing Understanding Among Civilizations for Global Modernization," proposes a profound vision that blends Chinese wisdom with a global perspective. At its heart is a call for mutual respect among civilizations and a shared path toward modernization.

　　One of the forum's most compelling subtopics this year is "The Development of Artificial Intelligence and the Future of Human Civilization." This is not just a discussion about technology, but also a collective inquiry and global dialogue about the direction of civilization itself, which is about how humanity understands itself, how we coexist with the intelligence we create, and how we safeguard ethical continuity in an era of accelerating change.

　　The human reflection in a technological mirror

　　We are riding the crest of a technological revolution. Artificial intelligence, brain-computer interfaces, humanoid robots, mechanical prosthetics, and gene editing – terms that once seemed the stuff of science fiction – are rapidly becoming part of our everyday reality, reshaping the structure and trajectory of human society.

　　Today's AI systems have already surpassed human performance in many specialized fields. From AlphaGo's precision in board games, to AI tools detecting early signs of cancer in medical imaging, to exoskeletons and artificial hearts assisting the disabled, these innovations reflect the growing synergy between carbon-based and silicon-based intelligence, bringing immense benefits to humankind.

　　But humanity's ambitions for AI go far beyond task optimization. What truly captures the world's attention is the rapid emergence of Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) – machines that are developing human-like, and even superhuman, capabilities in perception, reasoning, interaction and self-learning. In creating AI, we are, in effect, creating a mirror – one that reflects not only our intellect and creativity but also our ethics, fears, responsibilities, and aspirations.　　

　　From creator to coexistence

　　Throughout hundreds of thousands of years of evolution, humanity has progressed from primitive tools to the digital universe – from cave paintings to space exploration. Technology has always driven the advance of civilization. But now, for the first time, we face a new question: Will the intelligence we create reshape us in return?

　　The relationship between carbon-based and silicon-based intelligence is no longer a simple tool-and-user dynamic. With technologies like Neuralink pushing the limits of brain-machine interaction, direct neural communication between humans and machines is becoming a reality.

　　At the same time, the development of AR (Augmented Reality) and VR (Virtual Reality) technologies is quietly breaking the boundary between the virtual and the real. Through immersive and interactive systems, the digital world is no longer confined to two-dimensional screens; it is becoming a tangible, perceptible presence in our daily lives and work.

　　Moreover, AI systems are gaining the ability to recognize and even simulate emotions. The idea of machines possessing "emotional intelligence" is no longer far-fetched. When these intelligent entities begin to develop self-awareness, can we still call them "tools?"

　　As one commentator aptly put it: "The true value of AI research goes beyond technical advancement. It is both a 'key' to overcoming human limitations and a 'mirror' that forces us to confront the evolution of our civilization."

　　Will it become an amplifier of ethics and morality, prompting us to reconsider what it truly means to be human? Or will it evolve into a Pandora's box of hidden dangers – blurring identity, distorting values, and inviting abuse? These are questions that every technologist, policymaker and ordinary citizen must now face.

　　Moral boundaries and humanistic values

　　In the world of science fiction, author Isaac Asimov famously proposed the "Three Laws of Robotics," which have since become ethical guidelines for thinking about AI:

　　A robot may not harm a human being, or through inaction, allow a human being to come to harm.

　　A robot must obey the orders given by humans, except where such orders conflict with the First Law.

　　A robot must protect its own existence as long as such protection does not conflict with the First or Second Law.

　　These laws, though fictional, serve as a moral compass for navigating the development of intelligent machines. But are they enough? As AI evolves to learn, reason, and make value-based judgments, will it still remain under human control? When algorithms become self-evolving ecosystems rather than fixed lines of code, will we still be able to draw boundaries?

　　This is why we must act with foresight. Ethical frameworks and governance mechanisms must be established before technological capabilities outpace our ability to manage them. Technological progress must remain grounded in the values of civilization – compassion, responsibility, and respect for life.

　　Dialogue among civilizations: From Qufu to the world

　　Through the Nishan Forum, China is once again stepping forward to shoulder its responsibility as a global cultural leader. The choice of venue is no coincidence – Nishan is the birthplace of Confucius, and a symbol of the core Chinese values of benevolence, ritual, and harmony. The theme "Beauty in Diversity" embodies the call for mutual respect, learning and coexistence among civilizations.

　　At a time when globalization coexists with geopolitical tension, civilizational dialogue is more vital than ever. In the West, conversations about AI governance often center on regulation and control, while Eastern philosophies emphasize relationships, holistic balance and human-centered values. These perspectives are not mutually exclusive. In fact, they can complement each other, just as different civilizations can enrich one another, diverse approaches to technology governance can inspire innovation through mutual learning.

　　At the forum, it is not only about algorithms and technologies, but also, more importantly, about brainstorming fundamental questions: Who are we? Where are we going? As we look ahead to the next 50 or 100 years, how will we deal with AI robots, bioengineered humans, and genetically modified beings? How will we answer the profound questions the next generation will ask about what it means to be human?

　　The answers won't be found in any single technology or policy debate. They lie in the enduring spirit of civilization, in our innate curiosity, our sense of duty and our capacity for love.

　　Civilizations pass on their light through generations; technologies build layer upon layer of progress. We must both look up to the stars and keep our feet on the ground. As we ride the wave of artificial intelligence, we must neither lose ourselves nor fear the unknown. Instead, we should embrace this new era with open hearts and shape a future of coexistence through empathy and shared purpose.

　　In Nishan – in the birthplace of Confucius – humanity will once again engage in dialogue with the future. Through conversation, we will find direction. Through diversity, we will achieve unity. And through shared beauty, we will move toward a world that is warmer, wiser, and more peaceful.