The Global Brain Economy Summit 2026 brought together leaders from policy, science, business, healthcare and civil society to explore how human capabilities can flourish in an economy increasingly shaped by artificial intelligence. Held at Steelcase in New York as part of the Science Summit at the 81st United Nations General Assembly, the event focused on “The Human Advantage: Leading the Brain-Positive AI Economy.”
In his closing keynote, “Brain science and the post-SDG agenda,” Dennis Pamlin, Executive Director of FL4ALL and Senior Advisor at RISE, presented a positive vision for innovation beyond 2030. The presentation connected brain science, climate action and human needs around the ambition of flourishing lives for all on a flourishing planet.
A central theme was how AI changes the way people think, feel and make ethical judgements. Pamlin contrasted the risks of cognitive depletion, emotional manipulation and ethical numbing with opportunities to strengthen cognition, emotional development and ethical reasoning. These choices place flourishing minds at the centre of a broader sustainability agenda.
The keynote explored:
- An expanded innovation agenda focused on human flourishing, globally sustainable solutions and societal outcomes.
- Collaboration between brain science and science centres to support learning, human capabilities and a new generation of leadership.
- A proposed pathway towards COP31, including an invitation to help shape the Antalya Science Centre Solution Declaration and collaboration for the post-SDG era.
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The presentation called for innovation ecosystems that actively cultivate the mental and social conditions needed for a sustainable future, bringing flourishing minds into the heart of climate and development discussions.