by Editor BGF | Oct 20, 2024 | News, Shaping Futures
First, Washington needs to start taking AGI seriously. The potential risks are too great to ignore. Even in a good scenario, AGI could upend economies and displace millions of jobs, requiring society to adapt. In a bad scenario, AGI could become uncontrollable.
Second, we must establish regulatory guardrails for powerful AI systems. Regulation should involve government transparency into what’s going on with the most powerful AI systems that are being created by tech companies. Government transparency will reduce the chances that society is caught flat-footed by a tech company developing AGI before anyone else is expecting. And mandated security measures are needed to prevent U.S. adversaries and other bad actors from stealing AGI systems from U.S. companies. These light-touch measures would be sensible even if AGI weren’t a possibility, but the prospect of AGI heightens their importance.
In a particularly concerning part of Saunders’ testimony, he said that during his time at OpenAI there were long stretches where he or hundreds of other employees would be able to “bypass access controls and steal the company’s most advanced AI systems, including GPT-4.” This lax attitude toward security is bad enough for U.S. competitiveness today, but it is an absolutely unacceptable way to treat systems on the path to AGI. The comments were another powerful reminder that tech companies cannot be trusted to self-regulate.
Finally, public engagement is essential. AGI isn’t just a technical issue; it’s a societal one. The public must be informed and involved in discussions about how AGI could impact all of our lives.
BGF has been pioneering the AI World Society (AIWS) since 2017.
Daniel Colson
https://time.com/7093792/ai-artificial-general-intelligence-risks/
by Editor BGF | Oct 20, 2024 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
In his final written message dated June 10, 2022, less than a month before his assassination, former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, World Leader for Peace and Security Award recipient, articulated a strategic vision for the Indo-Pacific region. Abe emphasized the critical importance of maintaining a rules-based international order amid rising geopolitical tensions. He expressed concern over China’s increasing assertiveness, particularly regarding Taiwan, drawing parallels between China’s stance and Russia’s invasion of Ukraine. Abe warned that any aggressive moves against Taiwan could destabilize the region and have global repercussions. He underscored the necessity for democratic nations to stand united in support of Taiwan’s security and autonomy to prevent potential conflicts. Abe advocated for stronger cooperation among like-minded countries to promote peace, stability, and prosperity in the Indo-Pacific. He highlighted initiatives such as the Quadrilateral Security Dialogue (Quad)—comprising Japan, the United States, India, and Australia—as vital platforms for collaboration. These alliances aim to uphold shared values like freedom, democracy, human rights, and the rule of law. By fostering partnerships and encouraging open dialogue, Abe believed that nations could effectively counterbalance unilateral attempts to alter the status quo by force. His vision called for proactive engagement to ensure that the Indo-Pacific remains a region where sovereignty is respected, and international norms are upheld. Through this approach, Abe envisioned the realization of a Free and Open Indo-Pacific—a region characterized by open seas, free trade, and the seamless movement of people, goods, and ideas, contributing to global peace and prosperity.
Boston Global Forum and Wilson Center co-conceived the Indo-Pacific Spark initiative from June 2024.
https://www.project-syndicate.org/commentary/realizing-vision-of-free-and-open-indo-pacific-by-abe-shinzo-2022-09
by Editor BGF | Oct 20, 2024 | World Leader for Peace and Security, News, World Leaders in AIWS Award Updates
The European Commission president, Ursula von der Leyen, World Leader for Peace and Security Award recipient, has called for an exploration of “return hubs” outside the EU in a letter to the bloc’s national leaders on irregular migration, citing a deal between Italy and Albania as a possible model.
EU leaders are to meet on Thursday and Friday for a summit on migration as the commission has said it will propose new measures.
Irregular migrants and asylum seekers arriving in Europe last year numbered less than a third of the 1 million people arriving in 2015 but it remains a very sensitive topic, influencing elections in most European countries and increasing far-right voter sentiment.
Germany, wary of a public opinion backlash against irregular migration before elections next September, has introduced border controls with all its neighbours, suspending the freedom of the passport-free Schengen zone. France, Denmark, Sweden, Austria, Italy and Slovenia have also introduced border checks.
https://www.theguardian.com/world/2024/oct/15/ursual-von-der-leyen-to-ask-eu-leaders-to-explore-using-return-hubs-for-migrants
by Editor BGF | Oct 20, 2024 | News
CNN – October 19, 2024, UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer spoke with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Saturday, according to a Downing Street spokesperson.
Starmer said the death of Hamas leader Yahya Sinwar is an opportunity to stop the fighting in Gaza and get the hostages out. He added that Sinwar was “a brutal terrorist and that the world is a better place without him.”
Stramer also told the Israeli leader he was “alarmed” to hear about a drone launched at his home in Caesarea Saturday morning.
The two prime ministers discussed the “importance of making progress on a political solution” regarding the fighting between Israel and Hezbollah in Lebanon, according to Downing Street.
https://edition.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-hamas-lebanon-sinwar-gaza-iran-10-19-24/index.html
by Editor BGF | Oct 20, 2024 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
The Boston Global Forum is pleased to invite esteemed guests, thought leaders, and innovators to our High-Level Discussion on “The Convergence of AI Chips and Quantum Computing for a New Democracy – AIWS.” We are honored to host this gathering dedicated to exploring the frontiers of technology and its profound impact on the fabric of our global society.
This event will adopt a flexible format, beginning with meetings and discussions with thought leaders and innovators starting on November 3, 2024. The dialogue will continue on November 25, 2024, at the BGF Conference at Harvard University’s Loeb House. Subsequent discussions with distinguished leaders and innovators will culminate in a Special Report to be presented at the BGF Conference “Strategies for Democracy to Win in the AI Battle” in late April 2025. This report aims to contribute to building the AI World Society (AIWS) economic model.
As we stand at the cusp of an AI World Society, the intersection of advanced artificial intelligence and quantum computing promises to revolutionize not only technology but also the very principles that underpin our democracies. The development of AI chips tailored for quantum computations accelerates our ability to process complex data, solve intricate problems, and make informed decisions at unprecedented speeds.
This convergence heralds a transformative shift—a New Democracy guided by the principles of the AI World Society (AIWS). It envisions a future where technology empowers citizens, enhances transparency, and fosters a more inclusive and participatory governance model.
This high-level discussion will bring together experts from the fields of artificial intelligence, quantum physics, public policy, and ethics.
Let us work together to chart a course toward a future where technology and humanity advance hand in hand, forging a world that is not only smarter and more connected but also more just and compassionate.
We welcome you to join us by sending an email to [email protected].
