Boston, October 25, 2022
We were deeply saddened to learn of the recent death of Ash Carter, the former United States Secretary of Defense, who was an important contributor to Boston Global Forum (BGF)’s work on cybersecurity and peace.
In 2020, Secretary Carter addressed the BGF Global Cybersecurity Day Forum to speak about the technological risks posed by cyberthreats mounted by state and non-state actors. The Secretary’s background as a technology specialist and diplomat provided an important perspective for participants as we assessed the use technological tools in conflict situations. He stressed the importance of addressing these threats to multilateral organizations and non-profit groups with expertise on these issues.
Secretary Carter was a distinguished contributor to the book Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment is a joint initiative by the Boston Global Forum and the United Nations Academic Impact as part of the United Nations Centennial Initiative.
The book proposes pathways toward a more humane, peaceful, and secure world, largely by harnessing the potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI), blockchain, and other Digital Age technologies. A key proposal is the adoption of an AI International Accord that would bind nations to constructive uses of AI and prohibit destructive uses. In addition, Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment advances the Social Contract for the AI Age as the theoretical and ethical foundation of the Accord. The book also proposes the AI World Society (AIWS) as a vehicle through which individuals and civic organizations can help foster an Age of Global Enlightenment.
The Boston Global Forum executive team and leadership extends our condolences to the family and friends of Secretary Ash.
