by Editor BGF | Jul 20, 2026 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
A FOUNDER OF HUMAN-CENTERED AI
PRESENTS THE BOSTON DECLARATION
Professor Ben Shneiderman Introduces the Boston Declaration
in his 161st NOTE on Human-Centered AI
Fifty stars for fifty pioneers — the flag of America 250: AI Pioneers, honored alongside the Boston Declaration on July 4, 2026.
On July 17, 2026, the Boston Declaration on the Primacy of the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence entered one of the world’s most influential intellectual communities on Artificial Intelligence when Professor Ben Shneiderman devoted the 161st edition of his widely respected NOTE on Human-Centered AI to presenting its principles to the global Human-Centered AI community that has grown around his long-running series.
Professor Shneiderman is Distinguished University Professor Emeritus of Computer Science at the University of Maryland and the founding director of its Human-Computer Interaction Laboratory. A member of the National Academy of Engineering, he has profoundly shaped how humanity works with computers — from the principles of direct manipulation and the highlighted selectable link to the treemap and the classic textbook Designing the User Interface. His book Human-Centered AI (Oxford, 2022) became a defining charter for the field, advocating technology that amplifies, augments, empowers, and enhances human performance while always keeping humans in control. When the founder of that tradition examines a new declaration on the future of AI, the global Human-Centered AI community listens.
Professor Shneiderman’s assessment of the Boston Declaration — proclaimed by the Boston Global Forum on July 4, 2026, the 250th anniversary of American independence, under the leadership of Governor Michael Dukakis, Nguyen Anh Tuan, and Professor Thomas Patterson — was both thoughtful and encouraging. He described the Declaration as “well-aligned with human-centered thinking” and introduced his readers to its Ten Principles of Human Primacy: the inviolable dignity of the human person; moral judgment as a uniquely human capacity that can never be delegated to a machine; meaningful human authority over advanced AI systems — the right to understand, to refuse, and to intervene; creativity as the engine of civilization, sustained by compassion, empathy, and care; and human responsibility that “cannot be transferred to an algorithm.”
With the candor of a distinguished scholar, Professor Shneiderman also expressed one preference — for the word “tool” where the Declaration uses “partner.” The Boston Global Forum welcomes this observation as the beginning of a thoughtful dialogue between two complementary traditions: the Human-Centered AI movement’s enduring emphasis on meaningful human control, and the Boston Declaration’s broader vision of technology in service of human flourishing.
Most significantly, Professor Shneiderman concluded with a call to action:
“Each of you can help by spreading news about the Boston Declaration in your communities.”
He also placed the Boston Declaration alongside the Cannes Declaration on the Sovereignty of Mind of February 12, 2026, recognizing the emergence of a growing family of international documents dedicated to protecting human cognitive autonomy and human dignity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Professor Shneiderman’s decision to introduce the Boston Declaration to the global Human-Centered AI community marks an important milestone in the Declaration’s international journey. It opens a meaningful dialogue between one of the world’s most influential traditions of Human-Centered AI and a broader effort to build the constitutional, institutional, and trust foundations for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
The Boston Global Forum and AIWS express their deep gratitude to Professor Shneiderman. That the founder of the Human-Centered AI tradition has presented the Boston Declaration to the very community he helped build — and invited that community to carry its message forward — is among the Declaration’s most significant early milestones.
This is how foundational ideas travel: from one trusted community to another, inspiring dialogue, strengthening partnerships, and ultimately shaping the future of humanity.
Download the full file here: https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/Ben_Shneiderman_161st_NOTE_Boston_Declaration_Article.pdf
by Editor BGF | Jul 4, 2026 | News
Boston, Massachusetts — July 4, 2026 — On the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) proclaims The Boston Declaration: On the Primacy of the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, a landmark declaration affirming that humanity must remain at the center of the AI Age.
The Declaration was conceived and drafted by Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder, Co-Chair and CEO of BGF and Chief Architect of AIWS, and initiated together with Governor Michael S. Dukakis, Co-Founder and Chair of BGF.
At this historic turning point — when artificial intelligence is rapidly transforming civilization — the Boston Declaration establishes a fundamental principle:
“Artificial Intelligence may surpass human intelligence in many domains. It must never surpass the primacy of the human person.”
Building upon the vision of the book America at 250: A Beacon for the AI Age by Governor Dukakis and Nguyen Anh Tuan, the Declaration advances a new foundation for a future where AI serves human dignity, freedom, democracy, creativity, and wisdom.
The Boston Declaration continues the journey of AIWS, founded in 2017 — from the Social Contract for the AI Age to AIWS Trust Infrastructure, AIWS Trust Order, and AIWS Lumina — transforming AIWS from AI World Society into AI Wisdom Society.
The Founding Signatories include distinguished America 250: AI Pioneers, scientists, and global leaders who have shaped technology, governance, and human progress — including pioneers of AI, the Internet, neuroscience, democracy, and international cooperation.
“The defining question before us is no longer only how powerful artificial intelligence will become — but how wisely humanity will guide it,” said Nguyen Anh Tuan.
The Declaration follows historic milestones:
- May 1, 2026 — Harvard University: the America at 250 Conference gathered the AI Pioneers to build AIWS Trust Infrastructure.
- June 12, 2026 — Tokyo: the Tokyo Compact and AIWS Trust Order advanced a global framework for trustworthy AI.
- July 4, 2026 — Boston: the Boston Declaration establishes a moral foundation for the AI Age.
The Boston Declaration opens the path toward the next milestone: The Constitution for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Download The Boston Declaration: https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Boston_Declaration_Ecard_Edition-1.pdf
About the Boston Global Forum
Founded in Boston by Governor Michael S. Dukakis, Nguyen Anh Tuan, and Professor Thomas Patterson, the Boston Global Forum brings together leaders, strategists, and thinkers to address the most critical issues facing the world. Through AIWS, founded in 2017, BGF pioneers the frameworks of a trustworthy AI age — AIWS Trust Infrastructure, the AIWS Trust Order, AIWS Lumina, and the America 250: AI Pioneers.
Media Contact: Helena Ellington · [email protected] · phone: +1 617 286 6589
by Editor BGF | Jul 4, 2026 | News, Publications
Boston, July 4, 2026 — Two hundred and fifty years after the Declaration of Independence, the Boston Global Forum and AIWS publish their Historical Special Edition — and with it, The Boston Declaration: On the Primacy of the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
The Boston Declaration affirms a principle that must guide the future of civilization: “Artificial Intelligence may surpass human intelligence in many domains. It must never surpass the primacy of the human person.” It further affirms: “The destiny of Artificial Intelligence is fulfilled only when it advances human wisdom, human dignity, and human flourishing.” If the Declaration of Independence helped define the Age of Freedom, the Boston Declaration is offered to help inspire an age in which wisdom governs intelligence — and human dignity remains the guiding light of civilization.
Alongside the Declaration, the Special Edition honors the fifty recipients of the America 250: AI Pioneers Award, presented at the America at 250: A Beacon for the AI Age Conference at Loeb House, Harvard University, on May 1, 2026. From Jeff Dean, Judea Pearl, and Vint Cerf to Katalin Karikó, Fei-Fei Li, Daniela Rus, and Paul Scharre, the fifty honorees are the researchers, builders, physicians, educators, and public servants whose work laid the foundations of the AI Age — and whose choices will help define America’s next 250 years.
Nguyen Anh Tuan presents the America 250: AI Pioneers Award to Vint Cerf.
Initiated by Governor Michael S. Dukakis and Nguyen Anh Tuan, the volume opens with the essay The Idea and Its Realization and unfolds across more than three hundred pages: the roster of the fifty Pioneers, the Certificates of Honor, the Conference in Pictures, fifty Special Profiles, and The Award Presented in Person — photographs of presentations at the offices of Vint Cerf, Eric Lander, Robert Desimone, and Regina Barzilay.
The edition closes with Beacon for the Fourth of July, a statement that also inaugurates Beacon, a new weekly column by Nguyen Anh Tuan published by the Boston Global Forum.
America at 250 — AI Pioneers: the Historical Special Edition of the Boston Global Forum.
Download the Special Edition (PDF): https://drive.google.com/file/d/1poDaztCX1R8ySxwIrCMkd2L_88vhIxy7/view?usp=sharing
by Editor BGF | Jul 4, 2026 | News, Publications
On the Primacy of the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence
On the 250th Anniversary of American Independence, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) proudly proclaims The Boston Declaration—a historic call to uphold human dignity, freedom, democracy, responsibility, trust, and wisdom as the enduring foundations of the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Inspired by the ideals that have shaped free societies for two and a half centuries, the Declaration affirms a timeless truth:
Artificial Intelligence may surpass human intelligence in many domains. It must never surpass the primacy of the human person.
The inaugural edition is presented with the support of distinguished Founding Signatories—world-renowned AI pioneers, global democratic leaders, the Initiators, and the leadership of the Boston Global Forum—who together affirm a shared commitment to ensuring that Artificial Intelligence always serves humanity.
More than a declaration, this document marks the beginning of a global journey toward the Constitution for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, to be presented in 2027, on the tenth anniversary of AIWS (AI Wisdom Society).
We warmly invite leaders, scientists, innovators, educators, institutions, and citizens around the world to read, download, and share the official edition of the Boston Declaration. Together, let us build an AI Age guided not only by intelligence, but by trust, wisdom, freedom, and the enduring dignity of every human person.
Download the Official Edition of The Boston Declaration: https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Boston_Declaration_Ecard_Edition.pdf
The Circle is open. Join us in shaping a future where Artificial Intelligence serves humanity, strengthens democracy, advances peace, and elevates the human spirit.
by Admin | Jul 4, 2026 | Papers & Reports, News, Publications
Fifty stars for fifty states. Fifty Pioneers for a new age of humanity.
Today, as the United States celebrates the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, we honor one of history’s greatest affirmations of human freedom, dignity, and self-government.
For two and a half centuries, America’s highest ideals have inspired generations far beyond its borders. The pursuit of liberty, constitutional democracy, the rule of law, innovation, and individual responsibility has helped shape not only the American story, but also the modern world.
Earlier this year, Governor Michael S. Dukakis and I co-authored America at 250: A Beacon for the AI Age. The book reflects on America’s historic contributions to humanity and affirms that its enduring ideals can continue to illuminate the path forward in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
At the Boston Global Forum Conference America at 250: A Beacon for the AI Age, held at Harvard University on May 1, 2026, we honored the America 250: AI Pioneers — fifty distinguished scientists, innovators, public thinkers, and leaders whose work has laid the foundations of the AI Age. As America reflects on the fifty stars of its flag, we honor these fifty pioneers whose ideas and discoveries have helped illuminate humanity’s journey into the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Presentation of the America 250 · AI Pioneers Award to Cynthia Dwork — Loeb House, Harvard University, May 1, 2026.
We also presented the 2026 World Leader for Peace and Security Award to the Leaders of the United States and the American People, recognizing America’s enduring contribution to peace, freedom, democracy, innovation, and human progress.
The World Leader for Peace and Security Award presented to Vint Cerf — symbolic representative, on behalf of the American People.
In honoring America, we also honor the universal values it has shared with the world.
At its best, America has never been a beacon for itself alone. It has been a beacon for the world.
As America begins its next 250 years, we hope it will continue to draw strength from its founding ideals and its remarkable capacity for renewal. The strength of America has never come from the absence of differences, but from its enduring ability to unite around freedom, democracy, constitutional government, and the common good. A confident, democratic, and forward-looking America will continue to inspire humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Today, inspired by these enduring ideals, the Boston Global Forum and AIWS issue The Boston Declaration: On the Primacy of the Human Person in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
The Declaration affirms a principle that we believe must guide the future of civilization:
“Artificial Intelligence may surpass human intelligence in many domains. It must never surpass the primacy of the human person.”
It further affirms:
“The destiny of Artificial Intelligence is fulfilled only when it advances human wisdom, human dignity, and human flourishing.”
The Boston Declaration is not simply a statement of principles.
It is the beginning of a new journey.
This journey must be supported not only by governance and technology, but also by culture, wisdom, compassion, creativity, and the noble qualities that elevate the human spirit. That is why AIWS Lumina, introduced earlier this year as the cultural architecture of AIWS, is an essential companion to The Boston Declaration. If Trust Infrastructure helps make AI accountable, AIWS Lumina helps ensure that the AI Age remains humane, beautiful, reflective, and guided by Love, Creativity, Nobility, and Wisdom.
Inspired by this Declaration, the Boston Global Forum and AIWS are launching a global initiative to develop the Constitution for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, to be presented to humanity in 2027, marking the tenth anniversary of AIWS.
This effort will bring together AI pioneers, scientists, philosophers, educators, public leaders, religious leaders, young people, and citizens from around the world.
Early next year, we also hope to convene the Vatican Dialogue on Humanity and Artificial Intelligence, creating a unique opportunity for the world’s leading scientific and moral voices to reflect together on one defining question:
What does it mean to remain fully human in the Age of Artificial Intelligence?
Our purpose is not merely to govern Artificial Intelligence.
Our purpose is to help shape a civilization in which intelligence serves wisdom, technology serves humanity, trust strengthens freedom, and innovation advances peace and human flourishing.
If the Declaration of Independence helped define the Age of Freedom, may The Boston Declaration help inspire an age that affirms the primacy of the human person — where wisdom governs intelligence, and human dignity remains the guiding light of civilization.
Nguyen Anh Tuan
Co-Founder, Co-Chair and CEO, Boston Global Forum
July 4, 2026
Download PDF here:
https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/Beacon_Papers_No1_The_Boston_Declaration.pdf
https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/Beacon_Papers_No2_From_Philadelphia_to_Boston.pdf
by Editor | Dec 12, 2021 | Statements, News
At the Boston Global Forum Symposium “Framework for Global Law and Accord on AI and Digital”, BGF introduced a brief about the “Declaration of Action of Global Law and Accord on AI and Digital”.
Robert Whitfield, Chair of One World Trust, UK, presented its notes:
Share the ideas, and enrich the ideas and seek to get some momentum behind a movement, using a variety of formats
Dialogs
- with political leaders, influencers
- with business leaders and innovators
- between political leaders and business leaders
Roundtables with
- Governments, EU, UN
- Congress, Parliaments, National Assembly
- Think tanks, thought leaders, universities
- Civil society organizations
Papers, Recommendations, Solutions, Initiatives, Statements, Blogs, Books, Debates, webinars, workshops
Robert Whitfield published the paper “AI Global Governance – What are we aiming for?” in November 2021.
BGF will officially announce and implement The Declaration of Action of Global Law and Accord on AI and Digital on January 9, 2021.
by Editor BGF | Jul 26, 2026 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
Japan, Boston, and the Alliance of Trust
Building Trust for Humanity in the Age of AI
July 2026
Artificial intelligence is rapidly becoming the defining force of the twenty-first century. Yet the greatest challenge before humanity is no longer how intelligent AI will become. It is what AI will ultimately be used for.
Today, the world stands before two fundamentally different paths. One path seeks to make AI the ultimate instrument of governing, monitoring, and controlling human beings. The other seeks to make AI humanity’s greatest instrument for freedom, creativity, trust, and shared prosperity.
This is not merely a technological competition. It is a competition between two visions of civilization. One vision uses AI to strengthen centralized authority, expand surveillance, shape human behavior, and give governments or powerful organizations unprecedented capabilities to control society. The other envisions AI as a force that protects human dignity, expands liberty, empowers creativity, strengthens accountable institutions, and enables every person to flourish.
Nations that place the human person above power cannot remain spectators in this defining moment. They must present a compelling alternative. That is why the partnership among Boston Global Forum (BGF), AIWS, Japan, the United States, and like-minded nations across Asia, North America, and Europe is becoming increasingly important.
The human person must remain the highest authority in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Building upon that foundation, the Constitution for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence is being developed to provide the constitutional principles for a civilization where AI always serves humanity rather than power.
But principles alone are not enough. Humanity also needs institutions. It needs standards. It needs verification. It needs trusted infrastructure.
This is where Japan has a historic role to play. Japan is uniquely positioned to build what every open society will require: Trust Infrastructure for Humanity.
For generations, Japan has demonstrated that trust, responsibility, craftsmanship, quality, and accountability are enduring sources of national strength. These values position Japan to lead the creation of the institutions, standards, verification mechanisms, and trusted systems that make AI worthy of public confidence.
This vision was first articulated through the Tokyo Compact, introduced by BGF and AIWS in Tokyo. The Tokyo Compact calls upon partner nations to move beyond discussions of AI governance toward building the practical foundations that enable trustworthy AI to flourish. It sets out four concrete mechanisms: independent monitoring, trusted verification, transparent certification, and common Trust Standards. That is the operational architecture that transforms principles into reality.
Together, the Boston Declaration and the Tokyo Compact represent two complementary pillars of a human-centered vision for the AI Age. Boston defines the principles. Tokyo builds the trust infrastructure. Together, they create the foundation for a free and human-centered AI civilization.
Working together, BGF, AIWS, Japan, the United States, Europe, Australia, Canada, and other partners of shared commitment can build a new global architecture consisting of:
- The Boston Declaration – affirming the primacy of the human person.
- The Constitution for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence – establishing the constitutional principles of the AI Age.
- The Tokyo Compact – creating the global Trust Infrastructure for Humanity.
- The AIWS Trust Order – bringing together governments, scientists, institutions, businesses, and civil society committed to trustworthy AI.
- AIWS Lumina – cultivating a human-centered culture founded on Love, Creativity, Nobility, and Wisdom.
This is not a competition for technological supremacy. It is a commitment to civilizational leadership. History will not remember only who developed the most advanced artificial intelligence. History will remember who ensured that AI became a force for human freedom rather than an instrument of human control.
The future of the AI Age will not be secured by governance alone. It will be secured by trust.
Boston has offered the moral compass. Tokyo can build the trust infrastructure. Together with the United States and like-minded nations, they can help lead humanity toward an AI future where technology serves people, protects freedom, strengthens accountable government, and advances civilization itself.
That is the mission of the Alliance of Trust. That is the promise of the Boston Declaration. That is the purpose of the Tokyo Compact – and the future BGF and AIWS invite the world to build together.
Download the file pdf here: https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/Japan-Boston-Alliance-of-Trust-EN.pdf
by Editor BGF | Jul 20, 2026 | News
Humanity stands at a decisive turning point.
Artificial intelligence is becoming the most powerful technology ever created. It can help build a world of greater freedom, prosperity, creativity, and peace.
But it can also become the most powerful instrument ever developed for centralized control, pervasive surveillance, manipulation of information, and the concentration of power over individuals and societies.
For the first time in history, humanity faces the possibility that AI could shape not only what people know, but how they think, what they believe, and how they live.
This is why the present moment is historic.
The challenge before us is no longer simply technological. It is civilizational.
Will AI strengthen human dignity—or weaken it?
Will it empower citizens—or make them increasingly subject to systems beyond their control?
Will it expand freedom—or become an unprecedented instrument of control?
These questions cannot be postponed.
The Boston Commitment is an urgent call to build the Foundation for the Age of AI before these choices are made for us.
Building that foundation means strengthening trust, protecting human dignity, ensuring meaningful human responsibility, preserving freedom of thought, promoting democratic governance, and advancing international cooperation for peace and security.
The Boston Commitment is more than a declaration.
It is a commitment to act while humanity still has the opportunity to shape the future.
Together with the Boston Declaration and the future Constitution for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, it represents a historic effort to ensure that AI remains a force for humanity—not a force over humanity.
History will remember not how powerful AI became, but whether humanity had the wisdom and courage to guide it.
Download the full file here: https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/Boston_Commitment_A_Historic_Call_Formatted.pdf
by Editor BGF | Jul 20, 2026 | Papers & Reports, News, Publications
A decisive race has begun—not simply to lead Artificial Intelligence, but to determine the foundations upon which civilization itself will stand.
The systems being built today may soon shape governments, economies, education, information, security, and everyday human life for generations. If free and responsible societies fail to act, architectures of surveillance, centralized command, and behavioral control may become the default order of the AI Age.
In response, the Boston Global Forum and AIWS have issued The Boston Commitment for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence—a global call to move from principles to action.
Building upon the Boston Declaration, the Commitment sets out ten urgent missions, including the Constitution for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence, the AIWS Trust Order, the AIWS Trust Infrastructure, the AIWS Partnership for Humanity, AIWS Government 24/7, AIWS Lumina, and the Beacon Papers.
It also establishes concrete founding actions for 2027 and milestones through 2030, calling on governments, AI pioneers, universities, companies, philanthropic foundations, cultural institutions, and citizens to contribute their knowledge, technology, leadership, partnerships, and financial resources.
Delay is not neutrality. Delay allows others to write the rules, construct the systems, and define the future.
Others are building governance for Artificial Intelligence.
We are building the foundations for Humanity in the Age of Artificial Intelligence.
Read The Boston Commitment and join the AIWS Partnership for Humanity.
Download the full file Boston Commitment here: https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/The_Boston_Commitment_for_Humanity_Official.pdf
