St. Paul's University was proudly represented at the 12th International Triennial Conference of the Colleges and Universities of the Anglican Communion (CUAC), hosted by Trinity University of Asia (TUA) in Manila, Philippines.
Held under the theme "Embracing the Future: Anglican Perspectives on Artificial Intelligence, Ethics and Society," the week-long conference brought together university leaders, theologians, researchers, students, and practitioners from across the Anglican Communion. Together, they engaged with emerging questions at the intersection of artificial intelligence, Christian faith, ethics, education, and social transformation, exploring how Anglican institutions of higher learning can respond faithfully and innovatively to the opportunities and challenges presented by rapidly evolving AI technologies.
Representing St. Paul's University were the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Esther Mombo, and Rev. Dr. Godfrey Owino Adera, a faculty member in the School of Theology. The duo presented a compelling paper titled: "Decolonizing Artificial Intelligence: An Anglican Public Theology for the Digital Future in Africa – The Case of the St. Paul's University Imani Gumzo Series."
Amplifying African Voices in the Digital Age
Their presentation demonstrated how St. Paul's University is contributing to global conversations on artificial intelligence by developing a distinctly African and Anglican theological framework for engaging digital technologies. Drawing on the University's Imani Gumzo dialogue series, the paper argued that AI should be shaped by values of justice, human dignity, community, and inclusion, rather than reproducing colonial patterns of knowledge, power, and technological exclusion. It highlighted the critical importance of a decolonial public theology in ensuring that AI serves the common good while actively amplifying African voices, experiences, and ethical perspectives.
On the final day of the conference, Prof. Mombo and Rev. Dr. Adera drove home a vital point, emphasizing that Artificial Intelligence is not a neutral technology. Instead, it inherently embodies the values, assumptions, and priorities of those who design, develop, and deploy it.
"Universities must champion the responsible and ethical use of AI as a force for human flourishing—advancing human dignity, justice, inclusion, innovation, and the common good."
A Commitment to Global Thought Leadership
The triennial conference provided an invaluable platform for international collaboration, scholarly exchange, and institutional partnerships, reaffirming St. Paul's University's commitment to academic excellence, contextual theology, and thought leadership in addressing contemporary global challenges.
As higher education continues to evolve rapidly alongside new technologies, St. Paul's University's participation underscores its growing contribution to Anglican higher education. The institution remains firmly committed to providing the thought leadership necessary to ensure that technology serves humanity, ultimately contributing to a more just, compassionate, and equitable world.