On the morning of February 28th, the first session of the International Frontier Academic Lecture Series and the 113th Confucian Civilization Forum was held at the Central Campusof Shandong University.Branko Balon, chairman of the Croatia-China Friendship Association and professor of Computer Science at ALGEBRA University in Zagreb, Croatiawas invited to deliver a lecture titled "Civilization Exchange, Innovation and Peaceful Development of Mankind in the Age of Artificial Intelligence".

Professor Balon shared his views on the benefits and drawbacks of AI in the new era and the influence of Confucian philosophy on the ethical norms of AI.He explained the promoting role of AI in cultural exchanges from the aspects of the potential of AI to bridge cultural differences, AI-driven translation and communication, digital preservation of cultural heritage, and enabling education and knowledge sharing, and emphasized the risks that may exist in cultural homogenization, ethical challenges, data colonialism and algorithmic bias.