Luminaries: Vilas Dhar of The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
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Members-Only Free Event
About
Join IPA for a Luminaries session featuring Vilas Dhar, President of The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation and a globally-recognized leader on the future of artificial intelligence and its implications for society, governance, and philanthropy.
Drawing on his experience leading a major global foundation and advising international institutions, Dhar will explore how AI and data can be responsibly leveraged to advance equity and the public good. This session will help grantmakers better understand philanthropy’s role in shaping ethical innovation in an increasingly AI-driven world.
Key takeaways include:
- Gain a clearer understanding of how AI is influencing society and the philanthropic sector
- Explore opportunities and responsibilities for philanthropy in advancing responsible AI and data use
- Learn how foundations can align technology investments with equity, ethics, and mission
- Reflect on emerging trends that will shape the future of philanthropy and democratic institutions
Vilas Dhar
President, The Patrick J. McGovern Foundation
Vilas Dhar is recognized globally as a leading expert on the future of artificial intelligence and its role in shaping society. At the intersection of technology, governance, and human aspiration, he works to ensure that innovation serves the public good and strengthens the institutions that sustain democratic life.
As President of the Patrick J. McGovern Foundation, a $1.5 billion global philanthropy, Dhar leads efforts to demonstrate how data and AI can be harnessed to advance equity, human dignity, and collective progress. Under his leadership, the Foundation has become one of the largest global funders of AI for public purpose, directing more than $500 million to organizations advancing climate action, public health, education, and democratic governance.
Dhar’s expertise is acknowledged across international governance. He has served as a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, is the U.S. Government’s nominated expert to the Global Partnership on AI, and contributes to advisory councils at Stanford’s Institute for Human-Centered AI, OECD.AI, and MIT Solve. In 2022, the World Economic Forum named him a Young Global Leader, honoring his contributions to global dialogue on responsible innovation.
A widely regarded public intellectual, his essays and commentary have appeared in U.S. News & World Report, Nature, Indian Express, The Wall Street Journal, and The Boston Globe. His LinkedIn Learning course, Ethics in the Age of Generative AI, has been translated into six languages and reached over 500,000 learners worldwide.
About Luminaries
Luminaries is a dynamic call series designed exclusively for IPA members to connect with leading minds and influencers shaping philanthropy and public life. This unique platform invites you to engage directly with thought leaders. This isn’t a presentation. Luminaries is a dialogue, designed for IPA members to engage directly with influential leaders. Ask questions, share perspectives, and explore how philanthropy can support responsible use of AI to advance community impact.
Each session provides an intimate, informal setting where you can ask questions, share observations, and gain insights on the critical issues shaping Indiana's communities. These conversations transcend traditional webinars, fostering meaningful dialogue to inform your work.
Don’t miss this opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas with those driving impactful change. Be part of the conversation that shapes the future.
This series has featured leading minds like author and The Center for Effective Philanthropy President Phil Buchanan, Indiana Education Secretary Dr. Katie Jenner, and Indiana Health Commissioner Dr. Lindsay Weaver.
1 - 3 Sep 2026
Indianapolis, IN