UK Minister for AI Meets Professor of Artificial Intelligence Celestine Iwendi at Fabian Society Festival of Ideas

CIoTh engages the Minister on responsible AI, regulation and the future of work — and secures his participation in the Centre’s “November to Remember” Parliament programme on 3 November, alongside 2026 IEEE President and CEO Mary Ellen Randall.

The Centre of Intelligence of Things (CIoTh), University of Greater Manchester, was delighted to engage with the Rt Hon. Kanishka Narayan MP, Minister of State for Artificial Intelligence the UK’s first cabinet-level AI minister at the Fabian Society’s Festival of Ideas 2026 in Liverpool, during the “AI and Good Growth in Every Region” session, anchored to the Prime Minister’s vision of good growth in every postcode. The Minister’s portfolio spans AI policy, strategy, innovation, research infrastructure, and economy-wide adoption.

Professor Celestine Iwendi, Head of CIoTh, held discussions with the Minister around AI and the future of work, skills development, responsible innovation, regulation, and the practical application of AI across industry and society. CIoTh is keen to explore opportunities to contribute its research expertise and international networks to the development of responsible AI frameworks and impactful real-world applications.

Prof. Iwendi was accompanied by members of the CIoTh team:

• Emmanuel Okang Edim, Associate Researcher; Vice President, IEEE Student Branch
• Sharon Emmanuel, Researcher, CIoTh
• Temienor Philip-Neris Nikatsekpe, Visiting Associate Researcher, CIoTh

Their participation reflects the Centre’s commitment to exposing emerging researchers and colleagues to high-level conversations at the intersection of technology, policy, and industry.

The event also brought together senior figures from industry, technology, academia and policy, creating an important forum for discussing how artificial intelligence can support productivity, reshape skills and employment, strengthen organisational capability and deliver wider societal value.

Looking to November: CIoTh is pleased that the Minister has accepted an invitation to participate in the forthcoming IEEE programme at Parliament on 3 November 2026, part of the Centre’s “November to Remember” engagement, which will also feature Mary Ellen Randall, 2026 IEEE President and CEO.

For CIoTh, the engagement reinforces the importance of connecting research, government, industry, professional bodies and emerging talent in shaping the next phase of responsible AI development.

From conversations to collaboration, CIoTh continues to position research and education at the heart of responsible AI innovation and impact.