2026 Symposium on Globally Beneficial AI
Overview
The one-day symposium will explore how AI can be designed and deployed to deliver equitable benefits and opportunities for people around the world. Hosted by the University of Washington’s Center for Globally Beneficial AI, the event will convene approximately 40 experts from UW, the tech industry, and nonprofit organizations to collaboratively shape the future of globally beneficial AI. Through focused small-group discussions, participants will identify pressing research questions and challenges, sparking cross-disciplinary dialogue and new collaborations. Light breakfast and lunch will be provided.
Goals
Find action groups amongst symposium participants, leading to research projects, organization collaborations, and more!
Logistics
WHEN: Friday, November 13th, 2026 from 8:30a.m. to 4:00p.m.WHERE: Zillow Commons (4th Floor) Bill & Melinda Gates Center for Computer Science & Engineering (CSE2), University of Washington
Seattle Campus [View on Google Maps]
HOW TO ATTEND: Due to capacity constraints, this event is invite-only.
Tentative: Fireside chat
Attendees
Student Volunteers
Agenda
| Time | Program |
|---|---|
| 8:30am - 9:15am |
Welcome remarks Light breakfast, coffee, tea |
| 9:15am - 10:45am | Session #1: Small-group discussions on globally beneficial AI (chaired by Raj Rao and Katharina Reinecke) |
| 10:45am - 11:15am | Coffee break |
| 11:15am - 12:45pm | Session #2: Small-group discussions on opportunities and risks (chaired by Kurtis Heimerl and Ben Shapiro) |
| 12:45pm - 1:15pm | Lunch |
| 1:15pm - 2:00pm | Presentations of Session #2 outcomes |
| 2:00pm - 3:30pm | Session #3: Actionable steps towards globally beneficial AI (chaired by Tanu Mitra and Daniela Rosner) |
| 3:30pm - 4:00pm | Cookies and tea break |
| 4:00pm - 5:15pm | Presentations of Session #3 outcomes |
| 5:15pm - 5:30pm | Closing remarks |




















