by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2024 | News
Japan’s economic security minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday Sept 9, 2024, she will run again to become president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, prioritizing economic growth to make the country “stronger and richer” while underscoring her conservative agenda.
Joining what is already a crowded race with a record number of candidates, Takaichi, 63, one of the most hawkish contenders in the Sept. 27 election, is seeking to replace Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is resigning to take responsibility for the party’s political funds scandal.
Unlike her previous presidential bid, she will not have the support of the late premier Shinzo Abe, with whom she shared conservative views on security issues. Takaichi is often picked by voters in media polls as most likely to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
Takaichi, who has harshly criticized China’s expanding military assertiveness, said she will focus on boosting Japan’s strength in the fields of diplomacy, defense, the economy, technology, intelligence and human capital.
“I will pursue economic growth first and foremost and as much as possible,” Takaichi told a press conference, noting the need for “strategic” fiscal spending for the economy. She is the seventh candidate and the first woman to join the upcoming LDP election.
Yasuhide Nakayama, former Japanese State Minister wrote: “Today, September 14, we held support for candidate Takaichi Sanae at Gran Green Osaka, a new landmark in Osaka City. Together with many volunteers, we talked about the policies and national views of high city candidates. After my street address, I am very grateful to all the people for their warm wishes.
The campaign has just begun, but we will fully support candidate Takaichi Sanae as Japan’s future leader. I have deep respect for her clear national view, unquestioned conviction and dignified policy arguments. Now is the time to work together to protect this country and build it to the next generation.
Our society has been built on the efforts and support of many generations. We will not forget to thank all the people who have supported Japan so far, and to all generations, and we will continue to work with candidate Takaichi toward a country where people can live with peace of mind. Please all party members support the high city candidate.”
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/09/japan/politics/sanae-takaichi-ldp-presser/
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/1109d260af69-conservative-takaichi-makes-2nd-bid-in-japan-ruling-party-chief-race.html
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2024 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) introduced legislation to federally protect individuals from AI-generated “deepfakes.” The Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that clearly defines a person’s right to control their voice and likeness. NO FAKES Act would address the rampant spread of unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes without stymieing innovation or censoring free speech.
“As AI’s prevalence grows, federal law must catch up—we must support technological innovation while preserving the privacy, safety, and dignity of all Americans,” Rep. Dean said. “By granting everyone a clear, federal right to control digital replicas of their own voice and likeness, the NO FAKES Act will empower victims of deep fakes; safeguard human creativity and artistic expression; and defend against sexually explicit deepfakes. I’m grateful to work with Congresswoman Salazar on common sense, common ground regulations of this new frontier of AI.”
“AI abuse threatens the ability of Americans to express themselves publicly, both online and in-person. While states like Florida are taking action, Congress needs to address this issue nationwide,” Rep. Salazar said. “The NO FAKES Act will strengthen federal protections for your individual right to your voice and likeness and protect our ability to express ourselves creatively for the world to see.”.
https://dean.house.gov/press-releases?id=997F4262-DA81-4C6A-B5B8-1606F8D9D870
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2024 | News
Boston, MA – September 15, 2024 – The Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Shinzo Abe Initiative are pleased to announce the presentation of the prestigious Shinzo Abe Award to Dr. Tan-Sun Mark Chen, Chairman of the Prospect Foundation, Taiwan. This award is given in recognition of Dr. Chen’s exemplary leadership in promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Dr. Tan-Sun Mark Chen has been a central figure in Taiwan’s political and diplomatic spheres, significantly enhancing Taiwan’s international standing. His distinguished career includes roles as a Legislative Yuan member, Minister of Foreign Affairs, and Mayor of Tainan County. During his tenure as Minister of Foreign Affairs, Dr. Chen worked tirelessly to elevate Taiwan’s global presence and strengthen international partnerships.
As Chairman of the Prospect Foundation, Dr. Chen has advanced initiatives in cultural exchange, education, and social development, which align with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy ardently supported by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Foundation plays an instrumental role in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Taiwan and the international community, contributing significantly to global discussions on freedom and democracy.
Moreover, Dr. Chen’s personal relationship with Prime Minister Abe played a key role in strengthening the friendship between Japan and Taiwan, laying the groundwork for the strong bilateral ties that exist today.
In recognition of these accomplishments, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, will present the Shinzo Abe Award to Dr. Chen during a special ceremony on September 20, 2024, in Taipei, as part of an event commemorating the 70th birthday of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
This award reaffirms the Boston Global Forum’s commitment to recognizing and supporting leaders who promote peace, security, and democratic values across the globe.
For further information on the event and Dr. Chen’s contributions, please contact:
Boston Global Forum
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-286-6589
by Editor BGF | Sep 8, 2024 | News
Boston Global Forum (BGF) is proud to share that Amandeep Gill, honored with the 2022 World Leader in AI World Society (AIWS) Award at Harvard University’s Loeb House on November 22, 2022, has now been recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the TIME100 AI leaders of 2024. His ongoing contributions to AI governance and his leadership in promoting ethical AI development continue to inspire global efforts toward a safe and inclusive AI future.
Amandeep Singh Gill is at the forefront of global AI governance. As the United Nations Secretary General’s Envoy on Technology, he coordinates digital cooperation among member states, industry, and civil society, as well as within the U.N. He implements U.N. Secretary General António Guterres’ priorities on AI, helping stakeholders to understand what is going on with the technology and shaping international engagement.
Gill considers this moment as our narrow shot to avoid another Cold War-style arms race with AI. “In the mid-1950s—the London talks when Eisenhower was the president and Bulganin was the leader on the Soviet side—there was a very interesting opportunity that was missed to prevent an arms race that took off. Then you had the Cuban Missile Crisis, and the world came close to the brink of nuclear war,” he says. “Why not be more thoughtful about this today?”
While the Cold War may be a lesson for this moment, Gill highlights that traditional governance approaches fall short of addressing the rapid development of AI technologies. There is a need to update these global governance tools to ensure accountability. He also believes in bridging the gap between the private sector and regulators to develop a “shared understanding” of the consequences and benefits of the technology.
https://time.com/7012779/amandeep-singh-gill/
by Editor BGF | Sep 8, 2024 | News
The recent signing of the first international AI treaty by key global powers, including the US, Britain, and the EU, underscores the transformative role of the Four Pillars in establishing AI World Society (AIWS). This monumental moment was anticipated during the Club de Madrid-Boston Global Forum Conference titled “Fundamental Rights in AI & Digital Societies – Towards an International Accord” held on September 7-9, 2021.
During the conference, moderated by Harvard Professor John Quelch, Boston Global Forum (BGF) CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan expressed his vision for the AI World Society by predicting that an AI International Accord could be achieved within five years, by 2026. Remarkably, the signing of the first AI treaty occurred in 2024, exceeding expectations and affirming the rapid global commitment to responsible AI governance.
The Four Pillars—the United States, Japan, India, and the European Union—have played a critical role in advancing AIWS. Their leadership and cooperation in promoting ethical AI, transparent governance, and human rights have been instrumental in achieving this milestone. These influential nations have not only contributed to technological innovation but also to the creation of a responsible and sustainable AI ecosystem for the future.
This first AI Treaty is a testament to the Four Pillars’ collaborative efforts, showcasing the importance of shared values, multilateral cooperation, and a common vision for an AI-driven future that prioritizes human rights, democracy, and the rule of law. These nations are setting a precedent for the responsible use of AI, and their contributions will continue to shape the AI World Society in the years to come.
As we witness the realization of AIWS principles through this landmark treaty, it reaffirms that the Four Pillars’ collective actions are paving the way for a future where AI serves humanity’s greater good.
by Editor BGF | Sep 8, 2024 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
On September 5, 2024, the Council of Europe opened the Framework Convention on Artificial Intelligence, Human Rights, Democracy, and the Rule of Law (CETS No. 225) for signatures during a conference of Justice Ministers in Vilnius. The treaty ensures AI systems adhere to human rights and democratic principles.
Signatories include the US, UK, EU, and several other nations. The Boston Global Forum (BGF), through its pioneering AI World Society (AIWS) model established in 2017, contributed significantly to this effort. A 2021 conference co-hosted by BGF and Club de Madrid helped lay the foundation for this landmark agreement.
https://www.reuters.com/technology/artificial-intelligence/us-britain-eu-sign-agreement-ai-standards-ft-reports-2024-09-05/
by Editor BGF | Sep 8, 2024 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
On September 6, 2024, the Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi met with Mrs. Abe, wife of former Japanese Prime Minister, Late Shinzo Abe. During the meeting, Shri Modi fondly recalled his close personal friendship with the late Prime Minister, Shinzo Abe and highlighted Abe San’s strong belief in the potential of India-Japan relations.
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi also expressed deep appreciation for Mrs. Abe’s continued association with India.
The Prime Minister posted on X;
“Pleased to meet Mrs. Abe this afternoon. Recalled my close personal friendship with former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe of Japan. Abe San’s belief in the potential of India-Japan relations will remain a source of enduring strength for us. Deeply appreciate Mrs. Abe’s continuing association with India.”
https://www.pmindia.gov.in/en/news_updates/pm-meets-mrs-abe/?comment=disable
https://x.com/narendramodi/status/1832068921618284869?s=48&t=a82n_Nco4R7y3QGtDfG6Lw
by Editor BGF | Sep 8, 2024 | News
On the afternoon of September 4, Mr. Le Huu Hoang, Standing Vice Chairman of the Khanh Hoa Provincial People’s Committee, Vietnam, held a meeting with Mr. Mark Kennedy, Director of the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition at the Wilson Center, and Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO of Boston Global Forum.
During the session, Khanh Hoa leaders presented the province’s strengths and development potential. They emphasized future growth opportunities in fields like renewable energy, logistics, and industrial sectors. The province is eager to attract U.S. investments in infrastructure, high-tech industries, and human resource development. Representatives of the Wahba Institute and Boston Global Forum expressed their commitment to fostering trust between the U.S. and Khanh Hoa, creating a bridge for investment and comprehensive strategic partnerships. They also proposed cooperation in green transformation, talent development, and infrastructure projects, including seaports and liquefied gas transport.
Vice Chairman Le Huu Hoang welcomed the proposals and encouraged active collaboration to realize these opportunities. The Department of Planning and Investment, along with relevant agencies, was tasked with facilitating these partnerships to drive Khanh Hoa’s development in alignment with the U.S. and global economy.
https://www.vietnam.vn/khanhhoa/lanh-dao-tinh-lam-viec-voi-lanh-dao-vien-canh-tranh-chien-luoc-wahba-va-dien-dan-toan-cau-boston/?utm_source=rss&utm_medium=rss&utm_campaign=lanh-dao-tinh-lam-viec-voi-lanh-dao-vien-canh-tranh-chien-luoc-wahba-va-dien-dan-toan-cau-boston
https://baokhanhhoa.vn/chinh-tri/202409/lanh-dao-tinh-lam-viec-voi-lanh-dao-vien-canh-tranh-chien-luoc-wahba-va-dien-dan-toan-cau-boston-2eb5a43/
https://baokhanhhoa.vn/video/202409/ban-tin-chao-ngay-moi-ngay-5-9-2024-5c6664f/?utm_source=zalo&utm_medium=zalo&utm_campaign=zalo&zarsrc=10
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=o_LJ_Qvr7VI
by Editor BGF | Jun 27, 2022 | Executive Board
Chief of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), Co-Chair of the United Nations Centennial – BGF and UNAI Initiative in Honor of the United Nations 2045 Centenary
Ramu Damodaran joined the United Nations Department of Global Communications in 1996; his responsibilities in the Department have included oversight of relationships with civil society, the creative community and celebrity advocates, publications (including as Chief Editor of the UN Chronicle), the Dag Hammarskjöld Library and the United Nations Academic Impact, which he was asked by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to devise and lead. He has also been secretary of the United Nations General Assembly’s Committee on Information since 2011. He completed his career with the United Nations in May 2021.
His earlier Secretariat assignments included the Departments of Special Political Questions and Peacekeeping as well as speechwriting in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. He was spokesman for the “Durban Review” human rights conference in 2009 and has fulfilled a range of speaking engagements on behalf of the Organization over his career.
As a member of the Indian Foreign Service, where he was promoted to the rank of ambassador, he served as executive assistant to the Prime Minister of India between 1991 and 1994 and earlier in the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, Defence, Planning and Human Resource Development.
Before joining government service in India, he worked as a television news anchor, radio producer and host, and university correspondent for All India Radio and the Hindustan Times Evening News. His radio feature on university students in Delhi won the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union award. Ramu also served as President of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council.
