Montréal:The Université de Montréal is set to host an international conference from October 19th to 21st, focusing on the future of interfaith dialogue in the context of artificial intelligence (AI). This event is organized by TRENDS Global, a part of TRENDS Group, in collaboration with the University Platform for the Study of Islam (PLURIEL), Université de Montréal, and Université du Québec à Montréal (UQAM).
According to Emirates News Agency, the conference will gather 32 academics and researchers from 11 different countries. It aims to explore the role of generative AI in producing religious knowledge and the potential use of intelligent technologies for translation and understanding cultural contexts. Additionally, the conference will address challenges such as algorithmic bias, digital polarisation, and hate speech.
Building upon a research initiative launched by TRENDS in the UAE in February, the conference will include TRENDS researchers presenting specialized papers. These will evaluate AI's reliability as a mediator in dialogue, the use of intelligent technologies by extremist organizations for radicalization, and the rethinking of contemporary Islam's plurality in the digital realm.
The event will also feature research and experimental workshops to test DIALOGIA, an AI-powered platform intended to analyze religious discourse and facilitate inclusive dialogue. The platform is expected to have a pilot launch on the final day of the conference, which will also announce the formation of an international research working group aimed at enhancing scientific cooperation and developing shared methodologies.
