From April 6 to 11, 2025, Obvia and Université Laval had the pleasure of welcoming the 2025 delegation of Simuvaction on AI—an intensive academic program that brings together scholars from a wide range of disciplines, institutions, sectors, and countries for a unique and immersive experience. The initiative was meticulously prepared over several months under the leadership of Anne-Elizabeth Courrier, Associate Professor of Public Law at Nantes Université and AI Ethics Liaison at the Center for Ethics at Emory University.
Simuvaction on AI simulates a meeting of the Global Partnership on AI (GPAI)—an intergovernmental initiative that guides the responsible development and use of artificial intelligence. This serious game allows participants to engage in a realistic international negotiation process focused on the ethical development of AI on a global scale.
After several months of preparatory training and research, the participants gathered in Québec City to fully immerse themselves in the experience, which culminated in the final simulation. Beyond the academic activities, the delegation also had the opportunity to explore the city through various cultural events, including a visit to the National Assembly of Québec. During the guided tour, they discovered the institution’s stunning library, enjoyed exclusive access to the Red Room, and attended the conference titled "Artificial Intelligence at the National Assembly of Québec: Reflections, Regulation, and Perspectives", presented by Ms. Julie Rodrigue, Director of the Library.
At the end of the day, the group enjoyed an immersion in Québec’s culture with a visit to a traditional sugar shack. This convivial moment offered a sunny walk through the maple trees, a chance to explore the syrup production facilities, and an opportunity to share a meal accompanied by the music of a local chansonnier, not to mention the famous rigaudon dance. It was a memorable experience for the majority of the group, many of whom were visiting Québec for the very first time.
D-Day: Simulation of the Global Partnership on AI
On Wednesday, April 9, the simulation took place in the University Council Chamber at Université Laval, where students took on the roles of heads of government, lobbyists, and journalists. Their mission: to defend the position of the organization they represented and to adopt concrete recommendations that reflected the interests of all parties involved. A truly unique learning experience—at the crossroads of AI, ethics, science diplomacy, and international affairs.
The day concluded with a networking reception at the Consulate General of France in Québec City, where Consul General Mr. Lamoureux officially welcomed the members of the student delegation. This special event marked the end of a week filled with learning and scientific diplomacy.
During the evening, certificates of participation were awarded to all students for their involvement in the program.
Anne-Elisabeth Courrier, Academic Director of the program, Lyse Langlois, Executive Director of Obvia, Noémie Gervais, Manager of the Montreal Hub of the International Network of Centres · CEIMIA, and Professor Beverly Wright, Vice President of Data Science and AI at Wavicle, also presented honorary mentions to participants who stood out during the simulation.
Student Distinctions
CEIMIA Engagement Award for a Responsible AI
Alyssa Montalbine, Emory University
Team Senegal
Most Innovative Thinkers
Delphine De-Hemptine, Université Laval
Melissa Bryan, Emory University
Team TechBridge
Best Practicalities of the solutions
Adrien Thouard, École d'Ingénieurs du Numérique de Paris
Team ITU
Best Discernment Skills
Nichael Curtis, Emory University
Team United Kingdom
Outstanding Leadership
Sana Paul, Emory University
Team Leadership
Best Role Embracement
Emmanuelle Charghinoff, Institut Catholique de Paris
Team USA
Best Online Engagement
Nazanin Adhami, University of Florida
Team USA
Rethinking Learning in the Age of AI
The week concluded on April 11 with the De/Reskilling with AI symposium, which focused on the future of education and the impact of artificial intelligence on human skills in a world where this technology is playing an increasingly central role.
The event brought together panelists from Québec and abroad, offering a valuable opportunity to share research findings. Through a rich and thought-provoking program, participants were invited to collectively reflect on how to guide the responsible development of AI, ensuring it contributes to human well-being and social justice.
Thank you to all the speakers who took part in the symposium
- Ifeoma Ajunwa, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law and Founding Director of the “AI and the Future of Work” program, School of Law, Emory University
- John Banja, Professor in the Department of Rehabilitation Medicine and Medical Ethicist at the Emory University Ethics Center
- Bessiana Balla, Program Officer, International Center, University of Florida
- Chloé Bakalar, Ethics Officer, Meta
- Auxane Boch, PhD Candidate, TUM School of Management, Technical University of Munich, and Associate Researcher at the Institute for Ethics in Artificial Intelligence (IEAI), TUM
- Alexandra Blank, Academic Support Advisor
- Dominique Boullier, Professor Emeritus, Sciences Po, Paris
- Colette Brin, Full Professor, Department of Information and Communication, Faculty of Arts and Humanities, Université Laval, and Member of Obvia
- Charles Dupras, Assistant Professor, Department of Social and Preventive Medicine, School of Public Health, Université de Montréal, and Member of Obvia
- Marc-Antoine Dilhac, Professor of Philosophy, Université de Montréal, and Director of Governance and International Collaboration at Obvia
- Emmanuel Goffi, Head of Ethics, Management, and Career Development, and Professor, ISEP – Digital Engineering School, Paris
- Hazar Haidar, Assistant Professor, Université du Québec à Rimouski (UQAR), and Member of Obvia
- Colin de la Higuera, Professor and Chairholder, UNESCO RELIA Chair, Nantes University
- Lyse Langlois, Executive Director of Obvia and Full Professor, Department of Industrial Relations, Faculty of Social Sciences, Université Laval
- Todd Lane, Director of Government Relations, Lenovo
- Sébastien Louradour, Policy Strategy Team, Europe, Meta
- Jimena Luna, Global Head of AI Policy, Lenovo
- David Manset, Lead Coordinator, International Telecommunication Union, United Nations
- Marquise McGriff, Associate Director for AI Career Pathways, University of Florida
- Sylvain Munger, Lecturer, Université de Montréal, and Postdoctoral Researcher at the École navale
- Andréane Sabourin-Laflamme, PhD Candidate, Professor of Philosophy, Cégep André-Laurendeau, and Member of Obvia
- Paul Welty, Vice Provost for Academic Innovation, Emory University
Obvia and Université Laval are proud to have supported this edition as organizing and funding partners. We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the student community for their outstanding commitment to this ambitious and impactful initiative.
Obvia’s activities are made possible through the financial support of the Fonds de recherche du Québec.
Related events
Simuvaction on AI 2026
Simuvaction on AI is an intensive academic program bringing together university students from various fields, universities, backgrounds, and countries.
De/Reskilling with AI
Following an educational exercise for international students as part of Simuvaction on AI 2025, this symposium will provide a unique opportunity to share research insights and collaborate on potential solutions, while actively engaging with the participants.