The innovative Applications of artificial intelligence (AI) have emerged as one of the most intensely discussed topics at the ongoing World Laureates Summit (WSL), which is being held in Dubai from Sunday to Tuesday.
On Sunday, the WSL held two forums focusing on AI science, addressing AI-driven scientific discovery and the integration of AI into real-world applications.
"The reason it has become so important is because of the applications in other disciplines: in agriculture, in medicine, in biology. But a lot of scientists are just focused on science, and that's not where the real value of AI," said John Hopcroft, a 1986 Turing Award winner.
Participants also noted that while AI is rapidly enhancing productivity and efficiency, it is simultaneously reshaping labor structures.
Several scholars stressed that although AI excels in data processing and pattern recognition, it cannot replace human judgment in areas involving creativity, ethics, and emotional understanding.
The World Laureates Summit brings together more than 150 scientists and invited participants, including Nobel Prize laureates, to exchange insights on addressing challenges facing humanity and shaping the future of civilization.
The three-day summit, themed "Basic Sciences: Scientific Consensus for Addressing the Challenges of Humanity" and held alongside the World Governments Summit 2026, highlights the pivotal role of fundamental scientific research in shaping global policies, economic systems and technological innovation.
Innovative AI applications take center stage of World Laureates Summit in Dubai
Innovative AI applications take center stage of World Laureates Summit in Dubai
A group of Japanese people gathered in front of the Ministry of Defense in Tokyo on Monday to voice their opposition to the government's sharp increase in defense spending and its continued push for the construction of a new U.S. military base at Henoko in Okinawa.
The protesters,from different regions and age groups, expressed their strong dissatisfaction with Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi's current security policy and the heavy burden that the military base has imposed on Okinawa.
"I believe that as long as we build the military base, it will lead us toward war. I don't want Okinawa to bear more of the burden," said a protester.
"I feel very ashamed that Japan is involved in exporting military weapons, and I believe it makes people around the world feel scared. I strongly oppose arms exports and the Takaichi administration's attempt to push for war," said another protester.
During a Diet session on Nov.7, 2025, Takaichi said that the Chinese mainland's "use of force on Taiwan" could constitute a "survival-threatening situation" for Japan and implied the possibility of armed intervention in the Taiwan Strait.
The protesters also expressed their concern about the changes in security policies since Takaichi took office in October 2025, believing that related statements and policies made by the current administration are leading Japanese society as a whole toward a more dangerous direction.
"I think Japan is heading into a very dangerous situation after Takaichi took office and made the remarks regarding China-related issues, especially the Taiwan issue, indicating relations between China's Taiwan region and Japan. Meanwhile, the defense spending is also increasing," said another protester.
"In particular, Takaichi's remarks on November 7 last year at the Lower House budget committee meeting, specifically regarding the 'survival-threatening situation,' were, in my opinion, tantamount to an act of aggression against China. Japan's intervention in the Taiwan question is entirely external interference and absolutely should not be undertaken. It constitutes an act of war," said another protester.
"I feel very uneasy. I hope there will be more dialogue and alternative approaches. The defense budget seems to have no upper limit. We should consider more peaceful options instead of escalating tensions," said another protester.
Japanese rally to protest against PM's push for military expansion
