More than 70 countries discuss AI and humanity’s future at Bali Harmony Encounter

Delegates from more than 70 countries gathered in Bali Harmony Encounter Week 2026 to debate artificial intelligence, human dignity and the future of sustainable development. The meetings, held from September 2 to 7, brought together representatives of government, technology, academia, civil society and local communities.

One central event, the Bali Harmony Dialogue, took place on September 3 at the United in Diversity Bali Campus in the Kura Kura Bali Special Economic Zone. Experts from three sectors examined the global AI gap and the place of human beings amid rapid technological change.

In a public lecture titled “Intelligence: Natural and Artificial,” Indonesia’s Deputy Minister of Higher Education, Science and Technology, Stella Christie, addressed the position of developing countries. The discussion emphasized that they should not remain merely technology users, but should also participate in AI research and governance.

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Peace is not merely an end goal achieved through theory, but a relationship that we must actively nurture every day.

The program also included a Consultative Dialogue on Youth, bringing together young innovators and industry figures. Participants discussed education that combines technical skills with ethical leadership and a human-centered approach. From September 4 to 6, the World Encounter Summit Bali, or the 11th International Scholas Chairs Congress, brought delegates from more than 140 universities in 70 countries together under the theme “Artificial Intelligence and Human Meaning.”

A major reflective gathering took place on September 5 at Sunset Mandala in Sira Village. The Tri Hita Karana Universal Reflection Ceremony carried the theme “Holding Space for Peace: Peace Within, Peace Among Us, Peace with All Life.” Suyoto said peace must be actively maintained through daily human relationships. “Peace is not merely an end goal achieved through theory, but a relationship that we must actively nurture every day,” he said. Arskal Salim, representing Indonesia’s religious affairs minister, likewise urged young people and communities to apply peace values in everyday life, saying, “Great transformations do not arise from one giant light, but from the small candles we carry together.”

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Great transformations do not arise from one giant light, but from the small candles we carry together.