Description

This panel explores how conversational AI can be designed to be human-centred, culturally intelligent and globally equitable. Drawing on presenters’ diverse perspectives, we examine the intersection of empathy, autonomy, safety and critical literacy. From a human-machine communication research angle, we share insights on chatbots that provide emotional support and empower user decision-making in sensitive contexts, such as online harm reporting and vaccination choices. From a global operations lens, we highlight how Japan’s Omotenashi service philosophy inspires agentic AI that anticipates needs and fosters trust, contrasting cultural approaches to chatbot design. A technical perspective addresses fairness and safety through multilingual data curation, bias-aware evaluation and culturally grounded emotion modelling, ensuring systems do not default to Western-centric norms. Finally, we emphasise education and co-creation as pathways to critical AI literacies, equipping young people to question outputs and engage actively with AI. This panel will include an audience interactive discussion on inclusive, safe and culturally adaptive AI futures.