The Ladies’ College is set to host its fifth annual Big Debate, where participants will debate the motion: ‘This house believes AI should be the number one priority for the States of Guernsey’.
Principal Daniele Harford-Fox said: “For over 150 years, The Ladies’ College has made space for the voices of young women. AI is exactly the kind of conversation they need to join.
“The girls starting in Melrose this year will leave us in 2040, in a world that AI will have reshaped.
“That is why we’ve built AI into our curriculum and why young people deserve a seat at the table now.”
The debate will take place at The Ladies’ College on Tuesday 3 November, from 18:30 to 20:00.
It will be chaired by Sir Richard Collas, Guernsey’s retired Bailiff and a former governor of the college.
Debating
Sixth Form students will debate alongside Callum McCutcheon, a Director at PwC, and Deputy Sally Rochester.
Mr McCutcheon and student Charley Bisson will propose the motion, while Deputy Rochester and Amelia Blundell will oppose it.
This year’s debate forms part of the island-wide Guernsey AI Sprint, led by the G8.
The event will explore the role Guernsey should give AI in its future, with an opportunity for the public to hear young people’s views alongside those of business and political representatives.
Deputy Rochester said: “I am delighted to take part in this event which will focus on a topic that rightly plays a part in many conversations at the moment.
“This is the first debate, outside the States of Deliberation, that I have participated in but any fears have been set aside upon meeting my experienced debating partner Amelia Blundell.”
Mr McCutcheon said he was “really excited” to take part and share his “thoughts on the opportunities and challenges around AI”.
“There’s been fantastic community engagement with Guernsey’s AI Sprint over the last few weeks and it’s great to have this platform to hear from young voices and future leaders about their aspirations and concerns, and debate how we as an island can respond to them,” he added.
The event is open to the public and is nearly sold out, although additional tickets may be available.
Audience members will also have the opportunity to ask the panel questions.
