Digital
Humanism
Conference
Vienna
Austrian Academy of Sciences
24–26 June 2026
Orientation
in
turbulent
times
Save the date for 2026!
#DigHum2026 will take place on 24–26 June 2026. We await 2 1/2 days of thought-provoking discussions and curious questions. Save the date in your calendar now.
This year's focus
At a time of profound global challenges, values once considered stable – such as security, democracy, and solidarity – are increasingly shaken and under strain.
Yet, we do not respond with despair. Instead, we take on the task of bringing these values back to the table and debating their contemporary meanings: What does security mean for individuals and for society in times of rapid technological change? How must democracy evolve to adapt to social transformation? And how can we strengthen our sense of solidarity in increasingly commercialised societies, where values such as individual success and even inequality seem to be something to strive for?
Rethinking democracy through Digital Humanism
The conference positions Digital Humanism within current global power shifts and debates on technological governance by asking how digital technologies reshape political agency, democratic institutions, and international relations. How can they be steered in line with human-centred values?
Bringing together leading thinkers from academia, policy, industry, and civil society, the conference explores how democracy can be reconfigured through technology: not as a purely technical challenge, but as a societal project grounded in human rights, inclusion, equality, diversity, and environmental responsibility.
Orientation in turbulent times
While fully aware of the risks and tensions of the digital age and of global politics, and engaging in a critical examination of current regulations and practices, the conference takes an explicitly forward-looking and optimistic stance. It highlights constructive pathways, practical approaches, and inspiring examples of how digital technologies can be governed and designed to strengthen democratic resilience and serve the common good.
Join us for 2 ½ days at the 2026 Digital Humanism Conference in Vienna.
Geopolitics of AI
Digital Labour
Digital Life & The Arts
Digital Sovereignty
Democracy
Digital Humanism Industry
Youth & Social Media
Digital Humanism in Education
Public Service
Innovation and Regulation
Digital Commons
Economies of AI
Knowledge in Crisis
Measuring Digital Humanism
Voices
“Put the human beings at the centre of everything we do. The value we should seek is that of human integrity and respect for human life.”
Annabelle Gawer
University of Surrey
Speaker at last year's #DigHum2025
“Digital Humanism means to me that the digital potentials, including AI, are made available to all of humanity.”
Christoph Thun-Hohenstein
Artistic Director, Cultural Manager and pioneer of regenerative arts in the digital age
Speaker at last year's #DigHum2025
“Bringing the thread of humanity forward, where AI can be inhumane.”
Gabriella Waters
CIVITAAS and Morgan State University
Speaker at last year's #DigHum2025
Thank you for #DigHum2025!
#DigHum2025 was a great success! We thank all guests, speakers, and partners. Your presence, insights, curiosity, and engagement made the Digital Humanism Conference a warm and engaging gathering of minds.
Browse through photos, rewatch the sessions and read the key statements from the conference.
Key statements and conclusions
Digital Humanism is essential to securing a good life in the digital age. Read about conclusions from the #DigHum2025.
Impressions
Want to relive the highlights? Browse the photo and video (soon!) recap.
Stay connected
Want to find out about the save-the-date for 2026 first? Stay connected on social media or via newsletter.
Impressions
Want to relive the highlights? Browse the photo and video (soon!) recap.
Feedback form
Would you like to leave us nice words or good ideas? Please take a moment to share your impressions.
Stay connected
Want to find out about the save-the-date for 2026 first? Stay connected on social media or via newsletter.
Programme overview
Monday, 26 May
AI and society
The first day of DigHum2025 Vienna focuses on societal challenges of AI. Starting from the politics of AI to questions of sustainability, robustness, and socio-economic issues the day will explore trustworthiness in AI and other societal challenges. It includes testing the limits of what we know as AI today.
Tuesday, 27 May
Platforms and power
Wednesday, 28 May
Disruptive innovation
The third day of DigHum2025 Vienna presents a dynamic programme of workshops, panels, and discussions, critically examining the nature of innovation—how disruptive is it really?
Speakers will explore the evolving role of AI in innovation, its potential for social transformation, and its impact on democracy. The day will feature reports on Austrian AI initiatives, discussions on teaching Digital Humanism, and debates on funding priorities for a sustainable and equitable digital future. Sessions will also draw lessons from social media, journalism, and civic participation in the age of AI.
Keynote speaker highlights
Highlights from our keynote and panel speakers:
Registration is now open!
Limited seats are available. Make sure to reserve yourself one of the spots and save up to 37% on Early Bird rates.
Registration is now closed.
Thank you very much for the overwhelming interest and all your early registrations! We are looking forward to seeing you at the conference.
Unfortunately, due to limited capacity, we weren’t able to offer a spot to everyone.
We hope to welcome you at the next edition – stay tuned via our newsletter.
FAQ
What is #DigHum2025?
The Digital Humanism Conference 2025 “Shaping our digital future” will take a deep dive into the challenges of the digital transformation, exploring
(i) how technology and artificial intelligence can be shaped to prioritize human interests and foster societal well-being, and
(ii) how to shape and develop institutions safeguarding human and societal interests.
Where and when does it happen?
The Digital Humanism Conference is a three-day event taking place from 26 to 28 May 2025 in Vienna, at the beautiful and centrally located MuseumsQuartier.
Over the course of three full days, it will bring together global thinkers and policymakers to explore the potential of Digital Humanism and address societal challenges posed by AI. Topics will also include AI ecosystems, cybersecurity and governance, as well as social innovation and democracy.
Who should attend?
See if this conference aligns with your goals and interests.
This conference welcomes anyone engaged in shaping our digital future and advancing Digital Humanism, including:
- Researchers and academics examining the intersection of technology and society.
- Members of Digital Humanism communities, contributing to its evolving discourse.
- Policymakers and administrators from national and international levels.
- Business leaders and technology developers interested in ethical innovation.
- Representatives from institutions, NGOs, and international organizations driving global discussions.
- Curious individuals from the public, eager to explore the societal impacts of technology.
We are delighted to announce that Austrian Federal President Dr. Alexander Van der Bellen has assumed the patronage of honour for this international conference.
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Supported by
In cooperation with
Environmentally friendly
This event is environmentally friendly as defined by ÖkoEvent standards.