DENDRAL was an influential project in artificial intelligence (AI) of the 1960s, and the computer software expert system that it produced. Its primary aim was to study hypothesis formation and discovery in science. For that, a specific task in science was chosen: help organic chemists in identifying unknown organic molecules, by analyzing their mass spectra and using knowledge of chemistry. It was done at Stanford University by Edward Feigenbaum, Bruce Buchanan, Joshua Lederberg, and Carl Djerassi, along with a team of highly creative research associates and students. The software program DENDRAL is considered the first expert system because it automated the decision-making process and problem-solving behavior of organic chemists. The project consisted of research on two main programs Heuristic Dendral and Meta-Dendral, and several sub-programs. It was written in LISP (programming language), which was considered the language of AI because of its flexibility.
Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s Minister of Digital Affairs, honored former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe’s legacy of balancing innovation with human dignity. She emphasized that technology must serve ethical, human-centered goals—a vision aligned with Japan’s Society 5.0.
Tang introduced Taiwan’s vision for the “AIWS Government 24/7 AI and Finance Platform,” stressing the importance of ethical, responsive governance supported by public trust and civic participation. Drawing from a decade of digital democracy, she shared how Taiwan uses “broad listening”—a model of collaborative dialogue rather than top-down broadcasting—to build trust and co-create policy.
She discussed the g0v movement, where citizens prototype digital solutions to improve public services, and highlighted Taiwan’s use of AI-enhanced deliberation tools like Pol.is to engage citizens in meaningful dialogue. One example was the public debate on Uber vs. taxis, which led to constructive policy outcomes without polarization.
Tang warned of AI’s risks—such as deepfakes and disinformation—but emphasized that AI can also empower collective intelligence and public deliberation. Taiwan implemented AI-facilitated “citizen assemblies” to combat fake ads, resulting in rapid legislative reforms to protect information integrity.
She introduced Taiwan’s guiding principle of “plurality over singularity”—embracing diverse intelligences to enhance human collaboration, not replace it. Tang also praised Japan’s initiatives, such as those led by Tokyo gubernatorial candidate Takaho Ano, that demonstrate participatory, tech-based governance.
In conclusion, Tang called for strengthening civic muscles through AI-assisted public dialogue, emphasizing that trust and accountability—not just technological advancement—are essential. She closed with her personal motto: transforming the Internet of Things into an Internet of Beings, and always remembering that while the singularity may be near, plurality is already here.
Adopted at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, Tokyo, March 28, 2025
The “Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms,” adopted on March 28, 2025, at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference in Tokyo, marks a landmark in the global pursuit of ethical, innovative, and continuous AI-powered governance. Hosted by the Boston Global Forum (BGF), this accord crowns over a decade of collaboration, sparked by BGF’s founding in 2012 by Michael Dukakis, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Thomas Patterson, and John Quelch, all dedicated to harnessing AI for humanity’s benefit and honoring the legacy of Japan’s late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
Shaped by prior global AI dialogues, notably the AI Action Summit in Paris (February 10-11, 2025), the Tokyo Accord emerged from discussions among luminaries including Michael Dukakis, Audrey Tang, Elisabeth Moreno, Yasuhide Nakayama, Nguyen Anh Tuan, Alex Pentland, Kazuo Yano, Joris Poort, Soichiro Chiba, Yutaka Matsuo, Nobukatsu Kanehara, and Takehiro Kano, alongside Japanese policymakers like Minister Minoru Kiuchi. Their expertise forged a consensus on integrating AI and finance platforms for real-time governance, prioritizing scalability, transparency, and citizen empowerment.
Adopted on March 28, 2025, the Tokyo Accord sets standards for AIWS Government 24/7, focusing on a financial backbone for continuous public services. Inspired by Tang’s transparent systems in Taiwan, it promotes secure, interoperable finance platforms to ensure equity and ethical oversight. The accord’s roots trace to Nguyen Anh Tuan’s visit to Ishikawa Prefecture on March 26, 2025, where, inspired by Governor Hiroshi Hase, he envisioned a September 2025 conference to transform disaster recovery into human-centric AI initiatives, amplifying the accord’s spirit.
A testament to BGF’s “think and do” philosophy, the Tokyo Accord bridges AIWS vision with actionable policy. Its outcomes, shared with world leaders post-conference, aim to steer global governance into the Age of Global Enlightenment, reflecting Abe’s belief in technology as a force for peace and prosperity. Rooted in years of collaboration and crystallized in Tokyo, this historic document charts a bold path where AI and finance unite to serve humanity 24/7.
Opening Remarks of Governor Michael Dukakis at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, March 28, 2025
Today, we find ourselves at a pivotal moment. The world is changing rapidly, driven by the transformative power of artificial intelligence. This revolution touches every aspect of our lives—how we work, how we connect, how we govern. With such profound change comes a critical responsibility for governments to adapt, to reform, and to reimagine how we serve our citizens. Our mission is clear: to harness these advancements to make our people happier, our societies more peaceful, and our world safer. This is not just an opportunity—it is an urgent necessity.
At this very important moment, we must commit to building a better world together. One promising solution lies in the concept of the AI World Society Government 24/7—an innovative framework that leverages AI to enhance governance, ensuring it is responsive, transparent, and accessible around the clock. This vision aligns with the values Shinzo Abe championed: progress, stability, and a deep commitment to the well-being of all. I invite you—leaders, thinkers, and innovators—to join us in building AIWS Government 24/7, a model for the future that can reshape how we lead and serve.
While I cannot be with you in Tokyo, I am thrilled that Nguyen Anh Tuan will carry this message forward. His presence at this conference highlights a significant trip to Japan, which began on March 24, 2025, during which he has engaged with government leaders, business visionaries, distinguished scholars, and outstanding students, as well as participated in key political events. The mission of his trip is to advance the AIWS and Shinzo Abe Initiative, fostering deeper connections between Japan and the United States, and amplifying Japan’s vital role on the global stage through the AIWS Government 24/7 initiative.
Speech by Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Japan
Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, delivered a notable speech at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo. Highlighting Japan’s role in advancing the AIWS Government 24/7 initiative.
