We at the Metaverse Europe Foundation firmly believe that we can preserve and promote the values of our European community in a digital context, especially in the metaverse and through artificial intelligence. On September 25, 2024, we launched our new initiative, the “European Metaverse Ethics Award”. The award ceremony and gala are planned for the end of 2025.
After Maren Courage, Director of the Metaverse Europe Foundation, opened the launch event with introductory words, Renate Nikolay, Deputy Director General for Communication Networks, Content and Technologies at the European Commission, gave an inspiring keynote speech that left a lasting impression on the audience. This was followed by further valuable input from our esteemed partners Cederik Haverbeke and Stella Meyer.
The event concluded with an exciting panel discussion moderated by Patrick Grady, Founder and Managing Director of Metaverse EU and Oliver Autumn, Director of the Metaverse Europe Foundation. Representatives from business, politics, science, institutions and leading technology companies had their say in the debate.
Initial ideas for the European Metaverse Ethics Awards were collected – including possible categories, the composition of the jury and approaches to funding. Key players in the scene played a decisive role in this: @XR Valley, @XREurope, @XRWallonia, @Stereopsia, @Deutsche Telekom, @Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Belgium, @Meta, @Microsoft, @Bund Deutscher Arbeitgeber (BDA) and @European Business and Innovation Centre Network (EBN).
We would like to thank everyone involved for the enriching discussion! The first milestone has been set. Renate Nikolay ended the event with a succinct appeal: “Europe really needs HOPE, not stop signs.” We will carry this hope forward and turn it into action.
