Fifty stars for fifty states. Fifty Pioneers for a new age of humanity.
Today, as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we honor one of history’s greatest affirmations of human freedom, dignity, and self-government.
For two and a half centuries, America’s highest ideals have inspired generations far beyond its borders. The pursuit of liberty, constitutional democracy, the rule of law, innovation, and individual responsibility has helped shape not only the American story, but also the modern world.
Earlier this year, Governor Michael S. Dukakis and I co-authored America at 250: A Beacon for the AI Age. The book reflects on America’s historic contributions to humanity and affirms that its enduring ideals can continue to illuminate the path forward in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
At the Boston Global Forum Conference America at 250: A Beacon for the AI Age, held at Harvard University on May 1, 2026, we honored the America 250: AI Pioneers — fifty distinguished scientists, innovators, public thinkers, and leaders whose work has laid the foundations of the AI Age. As America reflects on the fifty stars of its flag, we honor these fifty pioneers whose ideas and discoveries have helped illuminate humanity’s journey into the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Presentation of the America 250 · AI Pioneers Award to Cynthia Dwork — Loeb House, Harvard University, May 1, 2026.
We also presented the 2026 World Leader for Peace and Security Award to the Leaders of the United States and the American People, recognizing America’s enduring contribution to peace, freedom, democracy, innovation, and human progress.
The World Leader for Peace and Security Award presented to Vint Cerf — symbolic representative, on behalf of the American People.
In honoring America, we also honor the universal values it has shared with the world.
At its best, America has never been a beacon for itself alone. It has been a beacon for the world.
As America begins its next 250 years, we hope it will continue to draw strength from its founding ideals and its remarkable capacity for renewal. The strength of America has never come from the absence of differences, but from its enduring ability to unite around freedom, democracy, constitutional government, and the common good. A confident, democratic, and forward-looking America will continue to inspire humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Today, inspired by these enduring ideals, the Boston Global Forum and AIWS issue The Boston Declaration: On the Primacy of the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
The Declaration affirms a principle that we believe must guide the future of civilization:
“Artificial Intelligence may surpass human intelligence in many domains. It must never surpass the primacy of the human person.”
It further affirms:
“The destiny of Artificial Intelligence is fulfilled only when it advances human wisdom, human dignity, and human flourishing.”
The Boston Declaration is not simply a statement of principles.
It is the beginning of a new journey.
This journey must be supported not only by governance and technology, but also by culture, wisdom, compassion, creativity, and the noble qualities that elevate the human spirit. That is why AIWS Lumina, introduced earlier this year as the cultural architecture of AIWS, is an essential companion to The Boston Declaration. If Trust Infrastructure helps make AI accountable, AIWS Lumina helps ensure that the AI Age remains humane, beautiful, reflective, and guided by Love, Creativity, Nobility, and Wisdom.
Inspired by this Declaration, the Boston Global Forum and AIWS are launching a global initiative to develop the Constitution for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, to be presented to humanity in 2027, marking the tenth anniversary of AIWS.
This effort will bring together AI pioneers, scientists, philosophers, educators, public leaders, religious leaders, young people, and citizens from around the world.
Early next year, we also hope to convene the Vatican Dialogue on Humanity and Artificial Intelligence, creating a unique opportunity for the world’s leading scientific and moral voices to reflect together on one defining question:
What does it mean to remain fully human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?
Our purpose is not merely to govern Artificial Intelligence.
Our purpose is to help shape a civilization in which intelligence serves wisdom, technology serves humanity, trust strengthens freedom, and innovation advances peace and human flourishing.
If the Declaration of Independence helped define the Age of Freedom, may The Boston Declaration help inspire an age that affirms the primacy of the human person — where wisdom governs intelligence, and human dignity remains the guiding light of civilization.
Nguyen Anh Tuan
Co-Founder, Co-Chair and CEO, Boston Global Forum
July 4, 2026