The world is living through times of change. Humanity is living through times of change. Insurance is living through times of change. Although Heraclitus already spoke of constant change, no one could ever have imagined the speed of the changes we are experiencing today, nor the parallel pace of scientific evolution and of our understanding of humankind and the universe.

The pandemic, just four years ago, triggered and accelerated changes that were necessary, available, yet long postponed. War forces us to rethink that world “without wars, hunger, or disease” envisioned by Yuval Harari. Artificial Intelligence invites us to reconsider the central role of human beings—not from an anthropocentric perspective, but from a human-centric one.
And in the midst of this earthquake stands insurance.

It becomes necessary to rethink the purpose of congresses and gatherings. Do we meet to learn, or do we convene to understand? Perhaps questioning the “why” and the “what for” can help answer this question.

Why do we gather? Because it is what we have always done, because it is tradition. Because at congresses we exchange perspectives, ideas, and knowledge among members of the industry. The question of “what for” points to the future of these sector meetings, rather than to their past. What are we looking for? What is missing? Which paths have we not yet explored?

Perhaps all of the above is true. “Why” and “what for.” Learning and understanding.

At this Summit, we will delve into the two extremes that are currently reshaping the horizon: the understanding of human beings—their impulses, decisions, needs, and desires—and the implications, opportunities, and risks posed by Artificial Intelligence and technology.

We will attempt to understand the possible Futures of Insurance by immersing ourselves in learning and understanding. We will question truths we once believed to be unquestionable and imagine a new world of opportunities. We will seek to continue writing the Future of Insurance, using all the tools at our disposal to remain the industry that enables the future by being a guarantee of resilience.

Today—paraphrasing Shakespeare—the question is simple and depends on us, on our attitude, our vocation for change and adaptation, and our willingness to continue being the engine and the guarantor of the promise of continuity: TO BE OR NOT TO BE.

Gabriel Mysler
Content Director of the Foundation’s Summits
Ibero-American Insurance Alliance