Main Session 4

As artificial intelligence reshapes how we live, work, and connect, one question echoes across every corner of society: What does it mean to be human? In his keynote, Calvin Niles invites us to pause and rediscover the essence of our humanity beyond what we produce or perfect, and focus more on how we are. Drawing from mindfulness, storytelling, and the 8 Cs of Being Human: Compassion, Courage, Creativity, Community, Connection, Curiosity, Collaboration, and Consciousness, Calvin explores how presence becomes the ultimate act of reverence and renewal. He reminds us that while machines may imitate thought, humans can awaken awareness, tell stories that matter, and practice the courage of simply being. In the age of AI, the greatest revolution may not be technological - but transformational, a return to the power of presence itself.