On February 25, 2026, Dr. Justin Aglio, associate vice president for Penn State Outreach and executive director of the Readiness Institute at Penn State, served as the featured keynote speaker at the 55th annual World Affairs Institute, hosted by the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh at Carnegie Mellon University.
Now in its 55th year, the World Affairs Institute convenes students, educators, professionals, and civic leaders for a day of global dialogue and cross-sector learning. This year’s theme, “The AI Effect,” explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping industries, governance, research, and global relationships, and what that transformation means for Pittsburgh and communities around the world.
More than 250 participants attended in person, with nearly 100 additional attendees joining via livestream.
In his keynote address, Aglio challenged the audience to move beyond debating whether artificial intelligence is exciting or concerning, and instead focus on responsibility and leadership.
“The question is not whether AI will change the world,” Aglio said. “The question is whether we will change the world with it.”
Drawing on examples from health care, scientific research, climate innovation, and student-led problem solving, Aglio emphasized that artificial intelligence is not simply about automation or efficiency. At its best, AI expands human potential—accelerating cancer detection, improving accessibility, supporting clean water systems, and opening new pathways for global collaboration.
And he also noted that innovation must remain grounded in public good.
“Artificial intelligence is reshaping how we learn, work, and solve problems,” Aglio said. “We are preparing our students for that future by building knowledge, expanding access, strengthening research, and empowering every community.”
In addition to delivering the keynote, Aglio moderated the featured panel discussion, bringing together leaders from cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and social impact:
- David J. Hickton, Founding Director of Pitt Cyber and former U.S. Attorney for Western Pennsylvania
- Ketaki Desai, Co-founder and CEO of DashStrom
- Delvina Morrow, Founder of Your Mission. Unstoppa(i)ble.™
The panel explored critical questions surrounding AI governance, cybersecurity, entrepreneurship, and people-centered innovation—and reinforced the need to align technological advancement with transparency, accountability, and equity.
In an interactive afternoon workshop with more than 100 high school students, Aglio emphasized a core Readiness Institute principle: preparing young people to lead and be agents of change. Students explored how to move from AI consumers to AI architects—designing, interrogating, and shaping technologies in ways that advance innovation and the public good.
During the event, Pittsburgh Mayor Corey O’Connor presented a proclamation recognizing the World Affairs Council of Pittsburgh for its leadership in fostering international engagement and civic dialogue, reinforcing the region’s commitment to being a globally connected city.
As artificial intelligence continues to reshape society, the 55th World Affairs Institute underscored the importance of collaboration across education, industry, and civic leadership.
For the Readiness Institute, the message is clear: preparing students means cultivating critical thinkers, ethical innovators, and community-minded leaders ready to guide emerging technologies toward positive impact.