Peter G. Kirchschläger is a philosopher and theologian. He holds a full professorship in theological ethics and leads the Institute for Social Ethics (ISE) at the University of Lucerne, while also serving as a visiting professor at ETH Zurich.
Recognized globally as a foremost expert on ethics related to artificial intelligence, robotics, the future of work, and business ethics, Peter G. Kirchschläger is a prominent visionary influencing ethical developments. He integrates critical contemporary topics—such as AI, leadership, innovation, sustainability, democracy, and human rights—with a practical and clear approach. An international newspaper recently dubbed him the ‘Henri Dunant of the AI war’.
His presentations highlight how responsible conduct is essential for the success of companies, organizations, and society. Combining scholarly rigor, motivating examples, and a genuine stage presence, he offers guidance in navigating an increasingly complex environment.
Peter G. Kirchschläger engages his audience with thought-provoking insights that expand viewpoints, encourage reflection, and motivate active, responsible, and forward-looking change.
Peter G. Kirchschläger’s Lecture Topics
- Ethics as a Key to Success – Why Responsibility is the Strongest Strategy for the Future
How behaviour grounded in values builds trust, drives innovation, and supports sustainable success.
- Shaping Artificial Intelligence Responsibly
Harnessing opportunities, recognizing risks, and establishing ethical frameworks for AI usage.
- Leadership in Times of Uncertainty and Change
Offering guidance, building trust, and making decisions amid everyday complexity.
- Human Rights, Sustainability and Future-Proofing
Exploring why social responsibility is becoming a critical competitive edge for organizations and companies.
Additional presentation topics:
- AI can do anything. But should it be allowed to do everything?
- Humans in the age of algorithms
- Between innovation and responsibility – How ethics becomes a key factor in the success of digitalisation
- Values rather than warnings – Why the future of technology must be ethical
- Trust is the new currency of digitalisation
- Responsible AI – How companies are shaping the future through ethics
Peter G. Kirchschläger is a leading voice at the crossroads of ethics, society, and future development. With solid academic knowledge, compelling insights, and clear, accessible communication, he captivates audiences beyond academia. His talks blend current research with practical viewpoints, encouraging audiences to reconsider complex issues.
People. Machines. Responsibility. – Making Successful Decisions in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
As technology advances, questions about responsibility, transparency, and trust increase. Who will be the decision-makers in the future—humans or machines? What roles do leadership, ethics, and human rights play in a world that is increasingly automated? Peter G. Kirchschläger explains in a practical and understandable manner how organizations can responsibly use AI, detect risks early, and merge innovation with a values-based corporate culture. This keynote offers guidance and fosters confidence in a responsible future.
Technology Needs Values – Why Ethics Is the Key to the Digital Future
Artificial intelligence, automation, and data-driven decisions are transforming both the economy and society. However, technological innovation alone does not guarantee progress. Peter G. Kirchschläger discusses why ethical approaches are becoming essential skills for the future and how companies can successfully integrate innovation, trust, and responsibility. This inspiring keynote addresses how technology can benefit humanity and why values will be the most important competitive advantage in the digital era.
Peter G. Kirchschläger – Providing guidance in a changing world
His presentations are marked by scholarly depth, motivating examples, and a strong practical orientation. He effectively communicates complex topics in an accessible way and offers insights that resonate well beyond the event. Whether speaking to executives, specialists, or general audiences, Peter G. Kirchschläger engages and inspires a wide range of listeners.
As a globally sought-after speaker, he brings extensive experience from research, teaching, and collaboration with business, politics, and civil society. His authentic style, analytical approach, and ability to connect theory with practice make him a respected discussion partner and source of inspiration.
Peter G. Kirchschläger – Ethics that shape the future
How can we act responsibly in a world that is rapidly evolving? What values must businesses, politics, and society embrace to effectively address challenges posed by artificial intelligence, digitalisation, and global change? Peter G. Kirchschläger offers answers that are equally scientific, practical, and inspiring.
As an internationally recognized ethicist, human rights specialist, and visionary, he combines outstanding research with a remarkable ability to explain complex ideas clearly and engagingly. His talks open new perspectives, question existing norms, and emphasize concrete ways to link responsibility, innovation, and sustainable success.
With clarity, depth, and genuine presence, Peter G. Kirchschläger motivates executives, entrepreneurs, decision-makers, and experts alike. His keynote speeches provide inspiring momentum for those who want not only to observe the future but to actively shape it.
Whether discussing ethics in AI, values-based leadership, sustainability, or human rights, Peter G. Kirchschläger emphasizes that ethical thinking is not a theoretical luxury but an essential future skill. He shows how organizations can build trust, make responsible choices, and offer guidance even amid significant uncertainty.
Engaging topics, insights, questions, and reflections on current issues
- Opportunities and risks of artificial intelligence
- Can AI take on responsibility?
- Who bears responsibility for AI?
- Is artificial intelligence really intelligent?
- Consciousness, emotions and the limits of machines
- AI and the future of human work
- Governance and regulation of AI
- AI, politics, society and power
- AI, religion, art and our view of humanity
- AI and Health
- AI and Medicine
His speaking approach is both well-grounded and approachable, inspiring and practically relevant. He merges academic excellence with vivid examples, current trends, and actionable recommendations. The result is presentations that not only inform but also provoke thought, foster dialogue, and promote lasting transformation.
Peter G. Kirchschläger advises on ethical matters for national and international organizations and institutions, including the UN, UNICEF, and the EU, as well as companies and NGOs. He serves as President of the Swiss National Ethics Committee on Non-Human Biotechnology (EKAH) and chairs the ‘Smart Lucerne Ethics Advisory Board’ for the City of Lucerne.
Since 2014, he has been a Research Fellow at the University of the Free State in Bloemfontein, South Africa. From 2023, he has held a visiting professorship at the Chair of Neural Learning and Intelligent Systems at ETH Zurich and at the ETH AI Centre, one of the world’s largest AI research centers. In 2024, he became a visiting fellow at the Global Ethos Institute at the University of Tübingen, Germany. Previously, he was a Visiting Fellow at Yale University, USA, from 2015 to 2017.
He has earned multiple awards from the UN for his research and was honored in 2024 with the University of Lucerne’s Best Teacher Award, voted by the university’s students in recognition of his teaching excellence.
Anyone who listens to Peter G. Kirchschläger gains fresh perspectives on the major issues of our time and valuable insights for a future where innovation and responsibility go hand in hand.
