Rome, Oct. 26 (LaPresse) – “This year, the festival focuses on various themes that come together in an exploration of the prospect of change and the profound, widespread transformations shaping the times we are living in. Change is now happening at an ever-faster pace, driven by science and technology, which affect every aspect of our lives. Institutions, too, are called upon to have the courage to change in light of ongoing processes which, as we know, have a global dimension.” This was stated by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, speaking at the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the 2026 Festival of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, currently taking place in Florence. “Artificial intelligence and its widespread and ever-growing applications are the subject of much debate. This phenomenon raises expectations and leads people to believe that extraordinary progress is possible in a wide range of fields, but at the same time fuels concerns that it could become an instrument of domination in the hands of a few, at the expense of the rights and dignity of many,” the Head of State added. “I would like to reiterate on this important occasion that it would be a mistake to give in to fears or even reject tools that already support and could further significantly enhance collective well-being. However, we must act swiftly and effectively to prevent improper and uncontrolled uses of this extraordinary technology from prevailing. It is essential to establish and implement appropriate regulation. The European Union, which is at the forefront, as it is in several other areas and as it would be wise to acknowledge, has already introduced one of the most advanced regulatory frameworks internationally, capable of guiding development and, where necessary, limiting the applications of artificial intelligence systems in order to prevent uses that conflict with the public interest and fundamental rights,” Mattarella concluded.
Mattarella: “Institutions, too, are called upon to have the courage to change”
Rome, Oct. 26 (LaPresse) – “This year, the festival focuses on various themes that come together in an exploration of the prospect of change and the profound, widespread transformations shaping the times we are living in. Change is now happening at an ever-faster pace, driven by science and technology, which affect every aspect of our lives. Institutions, too, are called upon to have the courage to change in light of ongoing processes which, as we know, have a global dimension.” This was stated by President of the Republic Sergio Mattarella, speaking at the opening ceremony of the fifth edition of the 2026 Festival of Regions and Autonomous Provinces, currently taking place in Florence. “Artificial intelligence and its widespread and ever-growing applications are the subject of much debate. This phenomenon raises expectations and leads people to believe that extraordinary progress is possible in a wide range of fields, but at the same time fuels concerns that it could become an instrument of domination in the hands of a few, at the expense of the rights and dignity of many,” the Head of State added. “I would like to reiterate on this important occasion that it would be a mistake to give in to fears or even reject tools that already support and could further significantly enhance collective well-being. However, we must act swiftly and effectively to prevent improper and uncontrolled uses of this extraordinary technology from prevailing. It is essential to establish and implement appropriate regulation. The European Union, which is at the forefront, as it is in several other areas and as it would be wise to acknowledge, has already introduced one of the most advanced regulatory frameworks internationally, capable of guiding development and, where necessary, limiting the applications of artificial intelligence systems in order to prevent uses that conflict with the public interest and fundamental rights,” Mattarella concluded.