At the 22nd Annual Science and Technology in Society Forum (STS Forum 2025), held from October 5–7, 2025, in Kyoto, Japan, more than 1,500 global leaders from over 80 countries, regions, and international organizations convened to explore how science and technology can provide solutions to today’s most pressing global challenges.
Since its establishment in 2004, the STS Forum has evolved into a prestigious global platform that brings together Nobel Laureates, distinguished academics, government officials, and industry leaders, each contributing unique insights to international discussions on the role of science and technology in advancing human well-being.
This year’s Forum was graced by the presence of Their Majesties, the Emperor and Empress of Japan, and Shigeru Ishiba, Prime Minister of Japan, and was opened by Hiroshi Komiyama, Chairman of the STS Forum.
During the session on “AI in Society: Social Networks and Communication,” Professor Phoebe Koundouri contributed to the discussion by emphasizing the necessity of effective AI regulation by governments and international organizations. Such regulation, she noted, is essential not only to stimulate and accelerate AI innovation but also to ensure safety, fairness, and accountability. Professor Koundouri proposed three key transformations:
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Restructuring social networks into knowledge networks that can effectively support a knowledge-based economy.
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Establishing a broad Open Access Review process to enhance transparency and collaboration.
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Building the capacity of a knowledge-based economy through education, skills development, practical application, and shared values.
The discussion examined both the “lights and shadows” of AI—its dual impacts on communication, truth, and democracy. Participants addressed challenges such as misinformation, the erosion of critical thinking, and governance gaps, while exploring potential solutions including international AI standards, AI literacy education, and open, transparent digital systems.
