It gives me great honor to extend my deepest support to the World Philosophy Day 2025 International Conference on Philosophy & Leadership, themed “Navigating a Complex World with Ethical Governance.”.  This international gathering arrives at a pivotal moment in history. The challenges of our century driven by digital transformation, climate change, and shifting social values demand leaders who can balance innovation with ethics, and progress with human dignity. Philosophy, when integrated with education and leadership, provides us with the wisdom to ask not only what we can do, but what we should do. As AI ethics may differ across nations rooted in unique values, beliefs, and cultures, let us proactively engage, deliberate, and reach a shared consensus on how best to safeguard safety, peace, happiness, and the well – being of all peoples, our environment, and our beloved Earth in this era of AI.

In my work advancing the Malaysia’s National AI Roadmap, Malaysia AIGE, ASEAN AI Governance and Ethics framework, and UNESCO’s Ethical AI initiatives, I have witnessed how deeply ethical reflection must shape governance and leadership in the digital age. This conference embodies that spirit bringing together philosophers, policymakers, educators, and corporate and association leaders and to reaffirm our shared responsibility in shaping a just and inclusive future. On behalf of UNESCO–STEPAN, I congratulate the World Philosophical Forum Malaysia 2025 and our international partners for convening this important international dialogue.