China and UN collaborate on AI capacity building at Shanghai workshop

A workshop jointly hosted by China and the United Nations to foster international cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) capacity building began in Shanghai on Sept 3. The event, which will last through Sept 6, has brought together key stakeholders and experts to deliberate on the transformative potential of AI and the imperative of global collaboration in navigating its development and governance.

Addressing attendees at the opening ceremony of the Workshop on AI Capacity Building, United Nations Secretary-General António Guterres underscored the pivotal moment at which the world stands in the realm of AI advancement.

"Artificial intelligence is developing at warp speed, transforming our world in ways we are only beginning to comprehend," said Guterres, emphasizing the profound impact of AI on societies and economies worldwide.

Guterres highlighted the UN's unique role in facilitating and supporting international exchanges and cooperation on AI capacity building, citing the organization's mandate to promote global dialogue and collaboration in harnessing the benefits of emerging technologies. The workshop marked a significant step toward realizing this vision, following the approval of a resolution by the UN General Assembly in July, proposed by China, aimed at strengthening international cooperation in AI capacity building.

Expressing optimism for the future of AI governance, Guterres urged the international community to unite in advancing the responsible development and regulation of AI technologies, with a focus on creating a more equitable and sustainable future for humanity.

Chinese Vice-Foreign Minister Ma Zhaoxu, delivering his remarks via video, reiterated China's commitment to fostering a cohesive consensus on AI governance at the upcoming Summit of the Future led by the UN. Ma emphasized China's advocacy for robust AI capacity building and the promotion of fair and equitable global governance frameworks, noting the international recognition garnered by the UN's approval of the Chinese resolution.

The opening ceremony was attended by a distinguished panel of guests, including China's Permanent Representative to the UN Fu Cong, Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs at the UN Li Junhua, Under-Secretary-General and Special Adviser on Africa to the UN Secretary-General Cristina Duarte, and Shanghai Deputy Mayor Chen Jie.

Gu Yingjie contributed to this story.