Riga Conference on Transcultural Studies Explores AI, Digital Revolution

The 2nd International Congress of Transcultural Studies, held in Riga, Latvia from June 30 to July 2, 2026, brought together around 30 specialists from 13 countries to discuss the theme 'Give and Take: Transdisciplinary Spaces of Cohesive Netting From History to Augmented Realities and AI-Techniques'. Organized by the Latvian Academy of Culture in collaboration with the University of Macerata, the congress focused on the impact of artificial intelligence on society, culture, and education. Keynote speaker Wolfgang Welsch, the German philosopher who coined the term 'transculturality', received an honorary doctorate from the Latvian Academy of Culture and delivered the opening lecture 'Netting as a Universal Paradigm'. The congress featured an artist talk with German-American artist Till Nowak, known for his work on Francis Ford Coppola's film 'Megalopolis' (2024), and discussions on topics ranging from digital transformation to cultural heritage. The event highlighted the dual nature of AI as both a tool for convenience and a source of anxiety, with concerns about data monopolies, surveillance, and the digital gender gap. The congress also examined the historical context of digital revolution, referencing pioneers like Tim Berners-Lee and Marshall McLuhan, and explored philosophical perspectives on AI from thinkers such as Richard David Precht and Kohei Saito. The proceedings will be published on the journal Transculturale's website next year.