As generative AI becomes the primary interface for knowledge and civic life, protecting cognitive autonomy has emerged as a critical democratic priority. This fireside chat explores "Sovereignty of the Mind" – the fundamental right to remain free from industrial-scale manipulation and systems that commodify human cognition to engineer beliefs and behaviors. The discussion addresses the evolution of AI from a productivity aid to a technology of hyper-persuasion designed to bypass human reflection and exploit emotional vulnerabilities. To counter these risks, the session investigates how open knowledge and public-interest infrastructure – such as open-source foundational models – can dismantle data asymmetries and provide transparent alternatives to opaque, gated systems. Participants will examine the role of technology diplomacy in establishing international red lines that align innovation with democratic values. By integrating strategic governance with open-data principles, this session defines a future where cognitive liberty and human agency serve as the foundational design constraints of digital progress.