I recently read that from May 26 to 28, 2025, Vienna’s heart was alive with ideas, debates, and visions for a more humane digital world. The Digital Humanism Conference 2025, hosted at the MuseumsQuartier, brought together global thinkers, technologists, policymakers, and activists under the inspiring theme “Shaping Our Digital Future.”
Under the patronage of Austrian President Alexander Van der Bellen, the event featured keynote speeches from luminaries like Lawrence Lessig, Dame Wendy Hall, and Marc Rotenberg. Their message was clear: technology must serve humanity—not the other way around.
Discussions ranged from algorithmic fairness and cybersecurity to the ethics of AI in journalism and civic participation.
The opening day focused on AI and society, diving deep into the politics of artificial intelligence, its socio-economic impacts, and the urgent need for trustworthy systems. Day two shifted the spotlight to platforms and power, exploring the dominance of tech giants and the challenges of international governance. The final day was all about disruptive innovation, questioning whether our current trajectory truly benefits society or merely accelerates inequality.
For me, the takeaway was powerful: Digital Humanism isn’t just a philosophy, it’s a framework for action. As AI becomes woven into healthcare, education, and everyday life, the principles discussed in Vienna offer a roadmap for ensuring that technology strengthens human dignity, rights, and freedom.
The conference highlighted the country’s growing role in shaping ethical tech policy — from teaching Digital Humanism to funding socially responsible innovation. Vienna is positioning itself not just as a hub for startups, but as a hub for thoughtful digital transformation.
Should you spot any errors in my writing, don’t hesitate to reach out; I’ll gladly fix them.