Nobel laureate Professor Muhammad Yunus has warned that artificial intelligence (AI) could evolve into autonomous intelligence capable of turning against humanity, cautioning that people must recognise the distinction between the two and consider where such a development could lead.

The former chief adviser to the interim government joined a session on Thursday with Cardinal Mauro Gambetti, newly appointed Archbishop of Chieti-Vasto, at the One Young World Summit 2026, led by co-founders Kate Robertson and David Jones.

Exploring what it means to be human in the age of artificial intelligence, the vision of Magnifica Humanitas, and Pope Leo’s enduring call for an unarmed and disarming peace, Professor Yunus raised a concern about the future of AI.

He said, “Yes, AI has helped enhance many things. But we are approaching a point where it will cross the line from artificial intelligence to autonomous intelligence and could turn against us and decide that human beings are an unnecessary inconvenience.

"We need to distinguish between artificial intelligence and autonomous intelligence, and consider where this path might lead us,” he said, according to a post on his verified Facebook page.

“A shared vision of a future where humanity, compassion, and peace guide our choices,” the post reads.

Yunus is visiting Cape Town, South Africa, where he attended the One Young World Summit 2026, a global gathering of more than 2,200 young leaders from over 190 countries.

The annual summit provides a platform for young changemakers to exchange ideas, build collaborations and explore solutions to pressing global challenges, including peace, climate change, equity, health, technology and human rights.