Eastern Mediterranean University (EMU) has released the “EMU Artificial Intelligence and Society Manifesto," emphasizing that AI is more than just a technology—it is a transformative force shaping how humans think, create, and coexist. The manifesto underscores EMU's ambition to be a leading institution that actively steers, rather than merely follows, the changes brought by the AI era. In his remarks on the topic, EMU Rector Prof. Dr. Hasan Kılıç highlighted that while artificial intelligence eliminates obstacles to accessing information, the true challenge is making sense of knowledge, thinking critically, and applying it ethically. He added, “A university's strength lies not just in generating knowledge, but in having the courage to ask the questions that will guide humanity's future. At EMU, we embrace that courage". The released manifesto reads as follows: 1. On the Verge of a New Era Artificial intelligence goes beyond being just a technology; it is a powerful force reshaping the ways humanity thinks, creates, and coexist. Today, accessing information is no longer the challenge—the true task is to make sense of it, think critically, and apply it ethically. At Eastern Mediterranean University, we aim to lead this transformation rather than merely follow it, because we believe that a university's strength lies not only in producing knowledge, but in having the courage to pose the questions that will guide humanity's future. 2. From the Summit to Change: Fostering Social Awareness For the past two years, our annual Artificial Intelligence Summit has served as an influential platform for engineering, IT, and innovation. Now, we are taking this initiative further with the “EMU Artificial Intelligence and Society Movement". This movement aims not only to build technical expertise, but also to cultivate a human-centered, ethical, and multidisciplinary learning culture. AI is transforming every sector of society, and we aim to explore and rethink its impact across education, arts, law, economics, and culture. 3. Basic Principles of the Movement Ethics, Law and Responsibility: The impact of artificial intelligence on data protection, privacy, human rights, and decision-making will be considered alongside the values of academic freedom and the greater good of society. Creativity and Culture: The creative potential of AI in fields such as arts, literature and design will be explored: aesthetic production styles will be supported with the “human + AI" collaboration. Social Benefit and Participation: Students will be motivated to apply artificial intelligence in addressing challenges in city life, the environment, healthcare, and social services. Each EMU student will serve as an ambassador for change, using AI to advance the well-being of humanity. Interdisciplinary Cooperation: Every faculty, from engineering to psychology and from communication to economics, is an integral part of this movement. At EMU, connecting science, art, and humanity remains a key priority. 4. New Learning Model: Human + AI The future of education lies in a collaborative learning model that supports teachers, prioritizes students, and applies technology ethically. AI is not meant to replace educators; instead, it enhances their capabilities. Guided by this principle, EMU will implement student-focused, ethically driven learning systems supported by AI. 5. Coexistence and Harmony Eastern Mediterranean University represents a distinctive ecosystem where different cultures, disciplines, and ideas come together. Aligned with our vision of “Coexistence and Harmony," we strive to enable students to both develop technology and apply it in meaningful ways. 6. Our Call Today we are at a milestone. Artificial intelligence is not just a matter for laboratories, but a concern for the shared future of humanity. As EMU, we are determined not only to be part of this transformation, but to lead it. We invite all our students, academics, and stakeholders to join us in shaping this change. 7. Towards the Future A university's strength lies not just in generating knowledge, but in having the courage to ask the questions that will guide humanity's future. The EMU Artificial Intelligence and Society Movement embodies the collective vision of those willing to ask these questions. Together, we innovate and grow stronger. The future starts here. Kind regards, EMU Rectorate | 