Topic Summary

In the year 2032, Artificial General Intelligence (AGI) has evolved far beyond its rudimentary origins. These systems now possess capabilities rivaling, and in some cases exceeding, human cognitive abilities. As AGI becomes increasingly integrated into the economic, political, and personal spheres, the international community faces a critical question: Should highly autonomous AI be granted rights, responsibilities, or protections under international law?

This special summit will examine the broader implications of recognizing AGI as more than property. What happens when an AI expresses self-preservation? Should AGI be protected from harm, or be held accountable for causing it? Could extending rights to AGI reduce exploitation?

Delegates will explore philosophical, social, geopolitical, and of course, technological dimensions of this issue. We’ll draw from real-world developments like early AGI advisors to heads of state, AI-driven cultural institutions, and controversial AGI “workers to debate what ethical treatment and oversight could look like in this new frontier. Topics will include moral agency, AGI’s role in global inequality, and how emerging technologies reshape the traditional concept of personhood and power.

The goal of this summit is to develop innovative policy frameworks that promote responsible AGI development while ensuring global cooperation and ethical accountability. Delegates will work toward crafting solutions that anticipate the needs of a world where humans and artificial minds coexist.

Director’s Letter

Dear delegates,

My name is Aileen Pineda, and I am thrilled to serve as your chair for the Special Summit on Technology, 2032. I am currently a junior at Harvard College, concentrating in Government and Computer Science, where I explore the intersection of policy and innovation.

I grew up in Arkansas for most of my life, competing in Speech and Debate throughout my high school career, where I competed in formats like World Schools, Public Forum, and Original Oratory. These experiences sparked my love for public speaking and critical thinking, but also introduced me to the power of structured dialogue and the importance of listening. These skills transferred over to the Model UN world in college.

Unlike many in the circuit, my journey with MUN began a bit later in sophomore year of college, when I joined HNMUN as an Assistant Director and began competing with the International Relations Council (IRC). I quickly fell in love with the community, the fast-paced energy of committee sessions, and the opportunity that MUN offers to blend creativity, research, and diplomacy. I was so inspired by the experience that I wanted to take on a larger role and create a space where others could feel the same sense of growth.

As your chair, my goal is to foster an environment that is both challenging and collaborative, where every delegate feels encouraged to speak up, take initiative, and learn from one another. The Special Summit on Technology is especially close to my heart given my academic background. As we go into the future, I believe it is incredibly important for us to understand how technology shapes global power, ethics, and society.

Please don’t hesitate to contact me if you have any questions before the conference. I can’t wait to see what each of you brings to committee! Good luck!

Best,

Aileen Pineda

Director, Special Summit on Technology, 2032

sst2032@hnmun.org