On February 10 and 11 2025, the École normale supérieure was the venue for exciting discussions and debates on the impact of artificial intelligence on our societies, hosting the “AI in the City” events over two days as part of the AI Action Summit. Led by Anne Bouverot, Chair of the ENS-PSL Board of Directors, this international summit brought together policymakers, researchers, experts, and NGOs in Paris to shape the framework for global AI governance. At the conclusion of the summit, many countries signed an agreement on open and ethical AI.
A Student Assembly drafts an action plan for fair and sustainable AI
The event began with the launch of a Student Assembly, bringing together about 70 students from ENS, PSL, and other institutions at the school. Initiated by Hélène Landemore (Yale University), ENS-PSL, and Missions Publiques, this Assembly encouraged participants to debate and engage with experts from the Summit to draft a roadmap for the development and governance of AI in the service of democracy and the common good.
Frédéric Worms, Director of ENS-PSL, addressed the students during the opening plenary session in the Jean Jaurès amphitheater of the school: “This citizen summit is a historic opportunity that will shape future challenges in AI development. You are part of an initiative that serves as a pilot for the future: your work will be shared and carried forward by experts and policymakers.”
Hélène Landemore emphasized the democratic exercise embodied by this Student Assembly, a first on the topic of artificial intelligence: “Your discussions and final report at the end of these two days are a starting point for future reflections and decisions on AI at a global level. Today, you have the opportunity to envision the future with AI, in connection with the world of work, the environment, and healthcare.”
This Assembly also marked the launch of the Global Coalition for Inclusive AI Governance. According to Frédéric Worms, “What we want to demonstrate with this Assembly is that we cannot talk about democracy without putting it into practice. This Student Assembly is a first step in building a dialogue for an inclusive AI centered on humans and democracy.”
Alice Siu, Associate Director of the Deliberative Democracy Lab at Stanford University, addressed the students: “You are the generation that will not only use AI in the future but also innovate with it. Today, you have the opportunity to help define what inclusive AI means. This conversation is meant to continue on a global scale.”
A day of conferences and roundtables to democratize AI and its challenges
On the second day, alongside the Student Assembly, the École normale supérieure welcomed hundreds of attendees for conferences on AI and its impact on education, law, climate, and even cinema.
To close the day, Le Grand Continent hosted a special evening on AI. In front of a packed Salle Dussane, Prime Minister François Bayrou opened the event, followed by engaging discussions between Anne Bouverot, Benoît Cœuré (President of the French Competition Authority), Meredith Whittaker (President of Signal), and Reid Hoffman (co-founder of LinkedIn). They explored key democratic challenges posed by digital monopolies and discussed Europe’s role in shaping AI governance.
“In terms of AI development, nothing is set in stone yet. In Europe, there are many talented individuals who want to approach AI differently. This summit has shown that through collective effort, it is possible to develop an AI that serves society,” emphasized Anne Bouverot.
The École normale supérieure and the ENS Foundation warmly thank the sponsors—Eric Schmidt, Elaïa, Qube Research and Technologies, and Shift Technology—whose support made these events possible.
