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UM academic contributes to an International Manifesto on Human-Centred AI
Prof. Vanessa Camilleri from the Department of Artificial Intelligence, Faculty of ICT, University of Malta, was among the international experts who contributed to the recently published Košice Manifesto on human-centred artificial intelligence in higher education.
The manifesto was developed as part of the 6th ASEF Higher Education Innovation Laboratory (ASEFInnoLab6), a prestigious initiative of the Asia-Europe Foundation (ASEF), which brought together over 40 academics, researchers, and higher education leaders from across Asia and Europe.
The conference, held in Košice, Slovakia, in December 2025, focused on exploring how universities can shape the future of AI in ways that are ethical, inclusive, and aligned with human values.
Building on several months of international collaboration, the Košice Manifesto outlines ten key principles to guide higher education institutions in navigating the integration of AI. Central to the manifesto is the recognition that AI should support human development rather than replace or define it. It emphasises the importance of fostering critical thinking, creativity, ethical responsibility, and cognitive autonomy, while strengthening the role of educators in guiding students through an increasingly AI-mediated world.
The manifesto also highlights the responsibility of universities to act as active contributors to AI governance and innovation. Rather than being passive adopters of emerging technologies, higher education institutions are encouraged to shape AI policy, expand AI literacy across disciplines, and build collaborative ecosystems that connect academia, industry, policymakers, and society.
Prof. Camilleri’s participation reflects the University of Malta’s growing engagement in international efforts to shape the future of artificial intelligence in education. Her contribution to the Košice cohort reinforces the University’s commitment to advancing responsible AI innovation, supporting interdisciplinary collaboration, and ensuring that technological progress remains grounded in human values.
The Košice Manifesto represents an important milestone in cross-regional cooperation and provides a shared vision for how universities can help build an inclusive, ethical, and human-centred AI future. The manifesto can be accessed online.
