United Visions: Exploring Humanity’s Future at CONNECTED-2024 Conference
Leading futurists and experts from around the globe gathered in Astana for the CONNECTED-2024 conference to delve into a synchronized vision of humanity’s future. With a focus on harmony and synergy in the face of rapid technological advancements, the conference took place on Oct. 18-19 in the Kazakh capital.
Over 2,000 delegates from 27 countries participated in the event, including representatives from Azerbaijan, Bulgaria, China, Croatia, Estonia, Finland, Georgia, Germany, Indonesia, Israel, Italy, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, and many others.
Spearheaded by Serik Tolukpayev, the general sponsor of the event and founder of the AITAS holding, the conference aimed to address the uncertainty that individuals are currently experiencing due to significant global changes. Tolukpayev emphasized the importance of seeking answers to pressing questions about humanity’s future, especially regarding the role of ego and human values in shaping the world to come.
The CONNECTED conference adopted an Open Mind format, allowing participants to embrace new ideas, challenge beliefs, and engage in critical discussions about the future. The event emphasized the interconnection between different aspects of life, promoting creative thinking and fostering empathy and cooperation in a diverse world.
Renowned speakers at the conference included Yuval Noah Harari and Gerd Leonhard, who shared insights on the impact of technology and Artificial Intelligence on humanity’s evolution. Harari warned about the potential dangers of AI creating its own values, while Leonhard emphasized the need to preserve human qualities and redefine values in the age of AI.
In addition to thought-provoking discussions, the conference featured a Startup Battle competition for EdTech startups from Central Asia and Eastern Europe, with teams competing for a prize fund of $50,000.
Looking ahead, the CONNECTED conference aims to establish itself as a global platform for discussing major global narratives and challenges. With AITAS as the general sponsor and support from strategic partners like the Foundation for Sustainable Development of Education and the Kazakh Ministry of Science and Higher Education, the conference seeks to shape a future where human values and harmony prevail.
