Core Viewpoint - The president of Sciences Po, Luis Vassy, emphasizes the importance of "excellence" over "elite," advocating for a commitment to doing one's best to reduce social divisions [1][9]. Group 1: Background of Sciences Po - Founded in 1872, Sciences Po is known as a breeding ground for French political elites, having produced numerous national leaders, including President Emmanuel Macron [3]. - Vassy, a graduate of Sciences Po, previously served as a diplomat and chief of staff for two French foreign ministers, highlighting the importance of international communication in both diplomacy and education [4]. Group 2: Impact of AI on Education - Vassy acknowledges the challenges posed by AI but does not view it as a crisis, noting that the first affected areas are primarily technical fields like programming [7]. - He believes that social sciences and humanities have a unique opportunity to thrive, as human contributions in strategic judgment and critical thinking surpass technical knowledge [7][8]. Group 3: Responsibility of Students - Vassy stresses that students at Sciences Po, which admits only the top 2% of high school graduates in France, have a responsibility to society, as their actions will influence future leaders [8][9]. - He emphasizes the need for students to maintain their ambition and effort, ensuring they can contribute meaningfully even without technological tools [8]. Group 4: European Strategic Autonomy - Vassy discusses the importance of understanding Europe and its operations, especially in light of current geopolitical tensions, and plans to introduce a mandatory course on Europe for all students [10][11]. - He believes that the concept of "strategic autonomy" for Europe is gaining traction, with a growing commitment to independence and the ability to defend its interests [11]. Group 5: Academic Freedom - Vassy advocates for academic and intellectual freedom, arguing that a competitive society relies on well-functioning universities and the ability to conduct research freely [12].