National Debate
2/26/20241 min read
On February 23rd, 2023, the Wired Youth: Science Forum national debate was held in the Parliament of Malta. The subcommittees on AI and Education, AI and Ethics, and AI and Jobs, formed during the bootcamp, presented their resolutions to an esteemed audience.
During his welcome address, the Honourable Speaker Anglu Farrugia emphasized the pivotal role of science in shaping our future. He reiterated Parliament's commitment to bridging the gap between science and citizens and highlighted the importance of evidence-based policy in guiding decision-making processes. Professor Gianluca Valentino from the Faculty of ICT at the University of Malta, also in attendance, stressed the importance of evidence-based policy and the need to boost enrolment in STEM subjects.
The subcommittee on AI and Education, comprising Lara Meli from St Aloysius College and Kessidy Zammit and Martin Nasrallah from Junior College, debated AI's impact on education. They explored AI's potential to enhance learning while addressing concerns about its misuse.
The subcommittee on AI and Jobs, featuring Leon Muscat, Sarah Cassar, and Veselina Marcheva, presented their resolutions on AI and employment to Deputy Speaker Hon David Agius. They emphasized the need for upskilling and reskilling programs for the evolving job landscape.
The subcommittee on AI and Ethics, led by Gabriel Borg Ferrando from St Martin's College and Emma Muscat from St Aloysius College, highlighted the importance of fairness, accountability, and transparency in AI development. They stressed the need to address biases in algorithms and safeguard user privacy.
This debate was a valuable experience for the young participants, allowing them to present their hard work and realise their potential to drive change. It underscored the importance of evidence-based policy in guiding decisions related to AI development and deployment. Additionally, it highlighted the necessity of continuous dialogue and ethical practices to ensure the responsible use of AI and its positive impact on society.
