Course Description:

The 2026 AI Ethics Summer School, themed “From Principles to Practice,” examines how governance principles translate into real accountability for the power exercised through AI systems. Now in its third edition, the programme runs from 5–30 October 2026 and brings together policymakers, researchers and engineers to look past frameworks on paper and into how governance actually gets enacted: who holds power over an AI system’s decisions, how that power is checked, and what accountability looks like when something goes wrong. Through interactive lectures, case studies, and group work, participants will examine key themes such as institutional oversight, corporate and state accountability, power asymmetries in AI deployment, and practical mechanisms for enforcing responsible practice. The programme draws from global and African examples, equipping attendees with practical tools to assess governance structures, evaluate institutional accountability, and advocate for responsible AI practices in both public and private sectors. This course is strictly for participants who have been selected for the summer school.