2024 International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief

In Focus: Freedom of Religion or Belief and Artificial Intelligence

Freedom of religion or belief is under increasing pressure worldwide. Four out of five people are unable to freely practise their religion or belief, often in combination with restrictions on other human rights such as freedom of expression and assembly. Women are particularly affected and face additional discrimination in many contexts.

New technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) and social media play an important role. They can accelerate disinformation, repression and polarisation – but they can also serve as catalyst for knowledge, dialogue and peaceful exchange. The task of our time is to harness the potential of these technologies to promote peace and diversity, while taking decisive action against their misuse. To this end, a deeper understanding of the links between today’s AI revolution and freedom of religion or belief is essential.

On 10 October, the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ), together with the Federal Government Commissioner for Freedom of Religion or Belief, Frank Schwabe, and the International Religious Freedom or Belief Alliance (IRFBA), will lay the foundation for international networking and joint work on new approaches:

The International Ministerial Conference on Freedom of Religion or Belief brings together leading decision-makers, civil society organisations, religious actors and participants from all regions of the world in Berlin. In the midst of the challenges of our time, the conference will explore solutions to strengthen freedom of religion or belief worldwide – for a digital world where freedom and diversity are the basis for peace and social cohesion.

Key topics:

• Implications for freedom of religion or belief: development and use of artificial intelligence
• Artificial intelligence and freedom of religion or belief: the role of social media
• Artificial intelligence in the context of increasing surveillance and transnational repression