The Center for Global Development and Sustainability

Conference Program

Livelihood Security in an Era of Cyber Insecurity and AI

Day 1: Friday, April 25, 2025

11 am – 12:50 pm. Delegates Check-in and Registration

1 pm – 2:30 pm. Opening Keynote Panel (1)

The Urgency of Centering Cyber Security and AI, and Protecting Vulnerable individuals, groups, and institutions: A New Critical Agenda for Social Justice.

Presentations,  Open Discussions, and Q&A

3:00 pm – 5:00 pm. Opening Keynote  Panel (2)

Privacy Security and Data Breaches: Impacts, Implications, and Tools for Protecting the Vulnerable.

Presentations, Open Discussion, and Q&A

Free evening: Networking and Exploring the Boston Area

Day 2: Saturday, April 26, 2025

High-Level Plenary Session 1

9:00 am – 10:30 am. Plenary Session 1

Paradigm Shifts, Challenges, and Opportunities Associated with Cyber Security and AI Systems

This panel aims to identify the urgent challenges and opportunities associated with current cyber security and AI systems and the paradigm shifts associated with threats targeting individuals, institutions, and organizations that serve vulnerable groups in our society. The session will discuss new policy initiatives and tools available to counter such threats and the importance of policy frameworks and concerted efforts to counter these challenges.

10:30 am – 11:00 am

Coffee Break: Networking and Organizational Interviews with Students

11:00 am – 12:30 pm. Parallel Panel Session 1.

Social Impact: Resilience to Cyber Attacks and the Use of AI for Livelihood Security

The session aims to discuss the state of national policies and laws that govern the field of Livelihoods and Cyber Security within the US and globally. It will identify key vulnerabilities and risk factors and provide insights into the use of AI in this field. The session will explore the use of AI tools to counter cyber threats and enhance security and strategic management.

12:30 pm – 1:30 pm

Lunch Break: Networking + Organizational Interviews with Students

1:30 pm – 3:00 pm. Plenary Panel 2.

Cyber Security Policy Governance and Protecting the Vulnerable

The session aims to provide an examination of the role and impact of cyber security policy and AI governance across various private, startups, philanthropies, charities, state, national, and global institutions. It will explore the state of cyber security and AI policies and governance, and identify the barriers to effective implementation. The session will also debate the assessment capacity at the national/global level, particularly for monitoring current governance protocols. It will highlight best practices through case studies.

3:00 pm – 3:30 pm.

Coffee Break: Networking + Organizational Interviews with Students

High-Level Plenary Session - 2

3:30 pm – 5:00 pm. Plenary Panel Session 3

Partnerships and Capital Mobilization for Cyber Security Resilience and AI

The session will explore the role of foundations and local, state, national, and international organizations in bolstering cyber security and AI through the use of new funding opportunities and initiatives. It will focus on opportunities, knowledge exchange, collaborative efforts, and technical assistance these entities provide to enhance resilience and livelihood security, and achieve a sustainable impact.