EUPeace conference in Pilsen: Using AI for peace and justice!

EUPeace conference in Pilsen: Using AI for peace and justice!

From September 22nd to 25th, 2025, the conference and autumn meeting of the European university alliance EUPeace took place in Pilsen, Czech Republic. Under the title “Advancing Justice, Peace, and Inclusiveness in Times of AI,” key topics were addressed that illuminate the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on global justice, peace and inclusion. Prof. Dr. Evelyn Korn, Chairwoman of the EUPeace Governing Board, welcomed the participants at the University of West Bohemia (UWB), where the conference took place.

The event gathered scientists, students and policy makers to discuss the opportunities and risks of AI. Key topics included social inequality, migration, human rights, climate change and access to inclusive healthcare. AI was highlighted not only as a technological challenge, but also as an ethical and socio-political challenge, which underlines the relevance of the topic.

Diverse perspectives on artificial intelligence

The first day of the conference offered insights into AI research in the Czech Republic, presented by Lukáš Benzl and Miloslav Konopík. A panel discussion enabled an exchange about the diverse opportunities and challenges of AI in education, society and politics. During the course of the conference, the EUPeace Research Hubs were introduced on the second day, which deal with security-related topics, climate justice, migration and human rights.

On the third day, the focus was on interdisciplinary approaches in special “creative spaces”. Topics such as cultures of remembrance, climate justice and digital tools for women's health were discussed here. At the same time, important alliance committees met, including the Governing and Education Boards. An interim assessment of the first half of the EU funding period was drawn, with the approval of new projects in the EUPeace Fund also playing an important role.

EUPeace: Mission and Vision

The EUPeace Alliance, consisting of nine institutions from seven European countries, pursues the mission of providing skills, knowledge and experiences to promote peace, justice and inclusive societies. EUPeace includes more than 198,000 students and 15,300 researchers and offers over 1,870 study programs. The member universities, including the Philipps University of Marburg and the Justus Liebig University of Gießen, are rooted in regions that are characterized by diversity and transformation.

The alliance is also planning a new course offering, known as the “European Track”, which will be offered from the winter semester 2025/2026. Programs such as the Virtual European Exchange Program (VEEP) aim to promote cross-border studies and intercultural experiences, resulting in stronger networking among universities. Without a doubt, EUPeace is looking for sustainable structures for cooperation, education and outreach in the European higher education landscape.

The EUPeace Alliance is inspired by the rebuilt Mostar Bridge, which is seen as a symbol of dialogue and reconciliation. This shows that higher education not only promotes academic knowledge but also social responsibility.

In summary, the EUPeace conference provided an important platform to reflect on the role of artificial intelligence in a just and peaceful world. It remains to be seen how the insights gained will be converted into concrete measures and projects in order to achieve the alliance's goals.

Philipps University of Marburg reports that the EUPeace Alliance will continue to play a central role in shaping peace and justice in the future. More information can be found on the official website EUPeace. More detailed aspects of the event content can be found in the conference's comprehensive documentation, available via this PDF is accessible.