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At the 2025 Culture Summit Abu Dhabi, held from April 27–29 at Manarat Al Saadiyat, Phloeun Prim, Executive Director of Living Arts International and “An AI of Our Own,” led a compelling panel titled “Transmission by Avatar: From Oral to Digital Knowledge.” This session delved into the evolving landscape of cultural knowledge preservation in the digital age, addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by technological advancements, particularly artificial intelligence (AI).
Bridging the Knowledge Divide
For centuries, cultures worldwide have relied on oral traditions, stories, songs, rituals, to transmit knowledge across generations. However, the current digital era, with its emphasis on written data and algorithmic processing, risks marginalizing these rich, non-textual forms of knowledge. Prim's panel highlighted the urgency of addressing this digital divide, emphasizing that as digital transmission grows in influence, humanity faces the potential loss of vast swathes of cultural heritage.
Panelist Martin Puchner, author and Harvard Professor, discussed the trajectory of knowledge transmission from oral to written, sharing insights into how these systems are constantly renegotiating rather than progressing in a linear fashion.
AI: A Double-Edged Sword
The discussion underscored AI's dual role in cultural preservation. On one hand, AI offers tools to digitize and disseminate oral traditions, enabling broader access and engagement. Federico Castanedo, Director of Applied AI at Inception, highlighted the democratic possibilities of AI in culture.
On the other hand, the panel cautioned that AI systems ,if not thoughtfully designed, risk overlooking or misrepresenting non-Western knowledge systems. Pelonomi Moiloa, Founder of Lelapa AI, spoke about the unique challenges and perspectives from the African continent. She advocated for inclusive AI development that honors and reflects diverse cultural narratives.
Imagining Inclusive Digital Futures
Technologist and designer Suhair Khan contributed perspectives on alternative approaches to AI that promote diversity in cultural representation. These inclusive methods, the panel argued, are essential for enriching the global digital landscape with multifaceted perspectives that reflect humanity’s vast cultural heritage.
A Call to Action
Phloeun Prim concluded the session with a powerful message, tying the conversation to ongoing global commemorations of the 50-year anniversary of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia. His remarks served as both a rallying cry to protect cultural heritage and a reminder of the role technology must play in ensuring its survival.
This call to action echoed the summit's broader theme, “Culture for Humanity and Beyond,” urging global stakeholders to embrace technology that respects and amplifies the full spectrum of human cultural expression.