Key Takeaways
- UNESCO Peru will debut at the Lima International Book Fair (FIL Lima) with a two‑part series titled The Ethical Horizons of Artificial Intelligence: Technology in the Service of People.
- The panels aim to stimulate public debate on the ethical principles, rights, and responsibilities that should steer AI development and use.
- Former President Francisco Sagasti will open the series on 24 July in a conversation moderated by UNESCO Representative Guiomar Alonso.
- The second session on 31 July will feature lawyer‑activist Dilmar Villena interviewed by UNESCO Peru’s Technical Coordinator Astrid Arbildo, focusing on transparency, inclusion, and human‑rights‑based AI governance.
- Both discussions are organized with the UNESCO Chair on Knowledge and Innovation for Social Transformations at the University of the Pacific and the civil‑society group Hiperderecho.
- By situating AI ethics within a major cultural venue, UNESCO Peru seeks to reach diverse audiences and embed responsible technology discourse into Peru’s civic life.
UNESCO Peru’s Historic Presence at FIL Lima
For the first time, UNESCO Peru will have a formal stand and program at the Lima International Book Fair (FIL Lima), widely regarded as one of the nation’s premier cultural and civic gatherings. The fair draws authors, publishers, scholars, and thousands of visitors each year, offering a unique platform where literature, ideas, and public debate intersect. By choosing this venue, UNESCO Peru signals its intention to bring global conversations about technology and ethics into everyday public spaces, reaching audiences that extend beyond academia and policy circles into the broader citizenry that frequents the fair.
Introducing the Series “The Ethical Horizons of Artificial Intelligence”
The initiative unveiled at FIL Lima bears the title The Ethical Horizons of Artificial Intelligence: Technology in the Service of People. As described by UNESCO Peru, the series comprises two panel discussions designed to foster public reflection on the principles, rights, and responsibilities that ought to guide the ongoing technological transformation. The organizers emphasize that the conversations will address “the need to establish ethical frameworks and governance mechanisms that make it possible to harness the benefits of artificial intelligence while responding appropriately to its potential risks.” This framing underscores a balanced view that acknowledges AI’s promise while vigilantly guarding against its challenges.
Objectives: Prompting Public Reflection on AI Principles and Governance
At its core, the series seeks to move AI discourse from specialist forums into the public sphere, encouraging citizens to contemplate what ethical stewardship of intelligent systems should look like. By examining foundational questions—such as who decides how algorithms are trained, what safeguards protect personal data, and how benefits can be equitably distributed—the panels aim to surface a shared understanding of responsible innovation. UNESCO Peru hopes that these dialogues will inspire not only awareness but also concrete calls for policies, regulations, and corporate practices that place human well‑being and sustainable development at the forefront of AI advancement.
First Panel: Former President Francisco Sagasti on Innovation for Well‑Being
Opening the series on 24 July, former President of the Republic Francisco Sagasti will be interviewed by Guiomar Alonso, UNESCO Representative in Peru. The conversation, organized in partnership with the UNESCO Chair on Knowledge and Innovation for Social Transformations at the University of the Pacific, will explore how technological innovation can be directed toward people’s well‑being and sustainable development. Sagasti, known for his advocacy of inclusive growth, is expected to share insights on aligning AI initiatives with national development goals, stressing that progress must be measured not only by economic gains but also by improvements in health, education, and environmental stewardship.
Second Panel: Dilmar Villena on Transparent, Inclusive, and Rights‑Respecting AI
A week later, on 31 July, the discussion will continue with Astrid Arbildo, Technical Coordinator at UNESCO Peru, interviewing Dilmar Villena, a lawyer specializing in technology regulation and Executive Director of the civil‑society organization Hiperderecho. The session will probe the conditions necessary to promote AI that is transparent, inclusive, responsible, and respectful of human rights. Villena’s expertise in tech law and advocacy is anticipated to shed light on regulatory gaps, the importance of algorithmic accountability, and mechanisms that ensure marginalized communities are not left behind in the AI revolution.
Partnerships Amplifying the Dialogue: University of the Pacific and Hiperderecho
Both panels are bolstered by strategic collaborations that enrich their depth and credibility. The partnership with the UNESCO Chair on Knowledge and Innovation for Social Transformations at the University of the Pacific brings academic rigor and interdisciplinary perspectives to the conversations, linking scholarly research with practical policy insights. Simultaneously, the involvement of Hiperderecho, a leading Peruvian NGO dedicated to digital rights, ensures that grassroots concerns and civil‑society viewpoints are foregrounded. Together, these allies create a multifaceted platform where expertise, advocacy, and lived experience converge to shape a nuanced understanding of AI ethics.
Why a Book Fair? The Cultural Power of FIL Lima for Tech Ethics
Choosing the Lima International Book Fair as the venue for these discussions leverages the fair’s reputation as a crucible of ideas and civic engagement. Each year, FIL Lima attracts a diverse audience—from students and teachers to entrepreneurs and policymakers—who come together to explore new narratives and debate pressing societal issues. By embedding AI ethics within this literary and cultural milieu, UNESCO Peru aims to reach participants who might not typically attend technical conferences, thereby democratizing the conversation and fostering a broader societal consensus on how technology should serve the public good.
Linking AI Ethics to Sustainable Development and Social Transformation in Peru
The themes explored in the two panels resonate strongly with Peru’s national aspirations for sustainable development and social transformation. Ethical AI can enhance public services, improve agricultural productivity, and expand access to education and health care—provided it is governed by principles of equity, transparency, and human rights. Conversely, unchecked AI deployment risks exacerbating existing inequalities, threatening privacy, and undermining democratic processes. By fostering reflection on these trade‑offs, UNESCO Peru hopes to inform forthcoming legislation, corporate guidelines, and community practices that align technological progress with the country’s long‑term development vision.
Expectations and Invitation to the Public
As the dates of 24 and 31 July approach, UNESCO Peru invites all fair‑goers, scholars, journalists, and curious citizens to attend the panels, engage with the speakers, and contribute their perspectives. The organization stresses that the success of the initiative hinges on broad participation and the willingness of attendees to question, listen, and imagine alternative futures for AI. In the words of the series title, the ultimate goal is to ensure that artificial intelligence remains “technology in the service of people,” a aspiration that can only be realized through informed, inclusive, and ongoing public dialogue.
https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unesco-talks-lima-international-book-fair-2026