by Editor BGF | Mar 29, 2025 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
Opening Remarks of Governor Michael Dukakis at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, March 28, 2025
Good morning, distinguished guests, friends, and colleagues. It is an honor to address you today at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference. I regret that I cannot join you in person in Tokyo, but I am with you in spirit, and I am delighted that Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, is there to represent us and engage with you directly. I would also like to extend a warm greeting to Minoru Kiuchi, Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, who joins us as a distinguished speaker today. Your leadership in advancing science and technology is vital to the conversations we are having here, and we are grateful for your presence.
We gather today to celebrate the legacy of a truly remarkable leader, Shinzo Abe. Prime Minister Abe was not only a visionary statesman but also a great friend of the Boston Global Forum. His dedication to peace, security, and global cooperation earned him the prestigious World Leader for Peace and Security Award—an honor that reflects his extraordinary contributions to making our world a better place. His leadership continues to inspire us, and this conference stands as a testament to his enduring impact.
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.
Let us seize this moment to honor Shinzo Abe’s legacy—not just with words, but with action. Together, we can forge a future that reflects his vision: a world of peace, security, and shared prosperity. I am confident that, with your leadership and collaboration—including the insights of Minister Kiuchi and so many others here—we will succeed. Thank you for your dedication, your ideas, and your partnership. Let us move forward with purpose and unity to create the future our citizens deserve. 
by Editor BGF | Mar 22, 2025 | News
The 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, held at The Okura Tokyo and hosted by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) under the theme “Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms,” will conclude with the groundbreaking Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms. “Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms” envisions a future where artificial intelligence (AI) powers a platform to assist government work and serve citizens 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, while a finance platform, also operating 24/7, supports public services and citizens. This finance platform will innovate and reform financial systems using AI, digital tools, and quantum computing, ensuring efficiency and resilience. Building on Shinzo Abe’s legacy of innovation and stability, this pioneering framework harnesses AI platforms for continuous governance and integrates financial systems, positioning Japan as a leader in ethical AI and economic advancement.
Speakers (by Alphabet):
Dukakis, Michael, Former Governor of Massachusetts, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Boston Global Forum
Jonen, Tsukasa, Economic Commentator
Kanehara, Nobukatsu, Executive Director, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation; Professor, Doshisha University; The Inaugural Deputy Secretary-General of the National Security Secretariat
Kano, Takehiro, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO
Kiuchi, Minoru, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy
Matsuo, Yutaka, Professor from Tokyo University (AI)
Moreno, Elisabeth, Former French Minister, Representative of BGF France and Africa
Nakayama, Yasuhide, Representative of BGF Japan and Taiwan; Former State Minister of Defense, Former State Minister of Foreign Affairs
Nguyen, Tuan, BGF Co-Chair and CEO
Pentland, Alex, MIT and Stanford Professor
Poort, Joris, CEO, Rescale
Tang, Audrey, The First Minister for Digital Affairs, Republic of China
Yano, Kazuo, Fellow of Hitachi, Ltd. (AI)
Agenda
Date: March 28, 2025, 9:30 AM – 12:00 PM (Japan Time)
Venue: The Okura Tokyo, 2-10-4, 6F, Toranomon, Minato-ku, Tokyo, Japan
Language: English
Moderator: Soichiro Chiba, Chairman of Thousandleaf, Y7/Y20 Chairman
9:30 AM – Start
- Introduction
Nobue Mita, Special Assistant to the Chairman of Boston Global Forum (BGF)
- Opening Remarks:
Honoring Abe’s Vision: Powering a Peaceful World with Government 24/7
Governor Michael Dukakis, Co-Founder and Co-Chair of Boston Global Forum
Shinzo Abe’s Living Legacy: AIWS Government 24/7 for a Peaceful World
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO of Boston Global Forum (BGF)
9:50 AM – Keynote Speech
- “Japan and AIWS Government 24/7”
Minoru Kiuchi, Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy, Japan
10:00 AM – Presentations
- “Leveraging AI Platforms for AIWS Government 24/7”
Kazuo Yano, Fellow, Hitachi, Ltd. (AI Expert)
- “Building AI Agents for Government 24/7”
Joris Poort, CEO, Rescale
- “AI and Government 24/7″
Yutaka Matsuo, Professor, University of Tokyo
- “UNESCO’s Perspective on Government 24/7”
Takehiro Kano, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary, Permanent Delegate of Japan to UNESCO
- “Taiwan’s View on AIWS Government 24/7 Platforms”
Audrey Tang, The First Minister for Digital Affairs, Republic of China (Online)
- “AI Guardians for Government 24/7”
Nobukatsu Kanehara, Executive Director, Sasakawa Peace Foundation; Professor, Doshisha University
- “Data-Driven Finance: Powering Government 24/7 with Trust and Transparency”
Alex Pentland, MIT and Stanford Professor
- Building a Finance Platform for Government 24/7,
Elisabeth Moreno, Former French Minister, Representative of BGF France and Africa
- “The Abe Financial AI Protocol: A Platform for Fraud Detection, Fiscal Transparency, and Sustainable Growth”
Yasuhide Nakayama, Representative of BGF Japan and Taiwan; Former State Minister of Defense and Foreign Affairs
- “The Financial Role in Government 24/7 Platforms”
Soichiro Chiba, Chairman, Thousandleaf; Y7/Y20 Chairman
10:50 AM – Break
11:00 AM – Discussion
11:55 AM – Announcement
- “Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms”
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Yasuhide Nakayama, Speakers of the Event, the Enlightenment in Action Alliance (EAA) and Nobue Mita
12:00 PM – Concluding, Nguyen Anh Tuan
by Editor BGF | Mar 22, 2025 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is honored to introduce two distinguished leaders among those attending and speaking at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference: Japanese Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy Minoru Kiuchi and BGF Co-Chair and CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan, highlighted by distinguished writers in this official publication of the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference.
Minister Minoru Kiuchi: Bridging Innovation and Governance at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference – An Official Spotlight
Minoru Kiuchi serves as Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy in the Ishiba Cabinet, a position he assumed on October 1, 2024, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. A veteran member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the House of Representatives, Kiuchi represents Shizuoka Prefecture’s 7th District, having been elected seven times since 2003. With a distinguished career spanning diplomacy and politics, he brings a wealth of experience to his current portfolio, which also includes responsibilities for Economic Security, the “Cool Japan” Strategy, Intellectual Property Strategy, and Space Policy.
Please see full here
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Architect of AI Innovation and Global Enlightenment
Nguyen Anh Tuan is a visionary leader and innovator who has used his deep understanding of global technology, media, and governance to look forward to a world governed by a social contract of promise and possibility. He serves as the Co-Chair and CEO of the Boston Global Forum (BGF), co-founded in 2012 with former Massachusetts Governor Michael Dukakis.
BGF has emerged as a “think and do” tank dedicated to fostering peace, security, and innovation through international collaboration, particularly at the intersection of artificial intelligence (AI), cybersecurity, political exchange, and cultural exchange. It is a mission Tuan personifies; in other capacities he is a Distinguished Member of the Wilson Center’s Institute for Strategic Competition Steering Committee, co-founder of the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI) and of the AI World Society (AIWS) Initiative, launched with Governor Dukakis in 2017, to advance ethical AI development. His AIWS Government 24/7 Initiative—envisioning AI-driven governance with governments serving citizens 24/7—earned him the title of Person of the Year 2018 from Vietnam National Television (VTV). In January 2025, Nguyen Anh Tuan was honored with the UNGSII Award at Davos, recognizing his outstanding leadership and contributions to advancing the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) through AI innovation.
Please see full here
by Editor BGF | Mar 22, 2025 | News
US President Donald Trump has held what he described as a “very good” hour-long phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, a day after speaking to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.
Zelensky said afterwards that he believed that “lasting peace can be achieved this year” under Trump’s leadership.
Possible US ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants was also discussed, the White House said, though this has been ruled out by Zelensky.
The tone of the call seems to be in contrast to Zelensky’s visit to the White House last month, in which the two leaders – along with US Vice-President JD Vance.
Wednesday marked the first time the two men have spoken since that Oval Office meeting – although since then, their teams have met in Saudi Arabia and negotiated a proposed 30-day ceasefire.
While it is backed by Ukraine and the US, Putin rejected the proposal for a widespread pause in the conflict during his phone call with the US president on Tuesday.
See full here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62k1w7z5rro
by Editor BGF | Mar 22, 2025 | News, Shaping Futures
Mark Kennedy, Member of BGF Board of Thinkers
As submitted to the Office of Science and Technology Policy in response to a Request For Information asking for input for their upcoming US AI Action Plan
Action Steps to Strengthen US AI Leadership and Economic Competitiveness
- Invest in AI Talent Pipeline– China graduates twicethe number of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) PhDs as the US. With the US ranking near the bottom in the percentage of graduates pursuing STEM fields, it has long relied on attracting the world’s best and brightest. Visas for Chinese students and academics have fallen by two-thirds since peaking in 2015. A recent surge in students from India is taking up some of the slack. It is important that policies and a welcoming environment continue to attract the global AI talent essential to US tech leadership while also investing more in STEM education for American students.
- Provide Access to High-Performance Compute Power– Establish a national AI compute network to support research universities. Increase domestic semiconductor production and high-performance computing (HPC) resources to support AI research and private-sector innovation. Gain a decisive lead in emerging technologies that promise faster and greener compute power, such as optical computing (using laser light waves), neuromorphic computing (modeled after systems in the human brain), and quantum computing (using subatomic particles).
- Secure Data– Secure access to unbiased, high-quality data for US AI researchers. Consider which datasets should be restricted from strategic competitors. Counter China’s growing control over the data flowing through global telecommunications (Huawei, ZTE) and logistics (LOGINK) software, while promoting secure, US-aligned alternatives.
- Fund Research– Fully fund research as authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act, prioritizing AI and other technologies that will shape tomorrow like quantum, biotech and nanotechnology. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), China recently overtook the US in research funding at universities and government entities. Unless funding trends are reversed China will soon overtake the US in total research funding. The US must ensure American institutions remain the world’s AI research hubs.
- Invest in AI for Economic Competitiveness– Support AI-driven innovation across key industries (healthcare, manufacturing, energy, finance) by incentivizing AI adoption in small businesses and expanding AI-driven workforce training programs. The goal should be for AI to enhance productivity and job creation to ensure continued opportunities for American workers.
Action Steps to Address AI’s Societal Risks
- Strengthen AI Transparent Government Use– Promote AI usage to provide 24/7 government services in a transparent manner, enhancing the availability and ease of accessing government services while maintaining trust and accountability.
- Combat AI-Powered Disinformation While Preserving Free Speech –Work with AI firms to advance voluntary content labeling, misinformation detection, and deepfake protections—without empowering censorship frameworks that could restrict political discourse.
Please see full here: https://bostonglobalforum.org/publication/14916/
and https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/strategic-vision-us-ai-leadership-supporting-security-innovation-democracy-and-global
by Editor BGF | Mar 22, 2025 | World Leader for Peace and Security, News, World Leaders in AIWS Award Updates
Boston, MA – March 22, 2025 – The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is deeply saddened to hear the passing of Kitty Dukakis, former First Lady of Massachusetts and the outspoken wife of BGF Co-chair Governor Michael Dukakis, who died at the age of 88. Kitty was a steadfast supporter of BGF, leaving an indelible mark on our mission to advance global enlightenment through ethical governance and innovation.
Kitty Dukakis was a remarkable advocate for social causes, known for her candor and compassion. Her support for her husband and BGF was unwavering, reflecting her commitment to fostering global dialogue and peace.
Nguyen Anh Tuan, BGF Co-Founder, Co-Chair, and CEO, shared his heartfelt reflections: “Kitty was truly remarkable, and her legacy will live on in so many ways. I will always remember her Vietnam trip in April 2013—she holds a very special place in my heart. At the Shinzo Abe Conference in Tokyo on March 28, participants and I will observe a minute of silence in memory and respect for Kitty.”
Kitty’s visit to Vietnam in 2013, alongside BGF leaders, exemplified her dedication to cultural exchange and global understanding, leaving a lasting impression on all who met her. Her warmth, resilience, and advocacy for mental health awareness and social justice inspired countless individuals, including those within the BGF community.
The Boston Global Forum extends its deepest condolences to Governor Michael Dukakis, their family, and all who knew and loved Kitty. May her memory be a blessing.
Media Contact:
Boston Global Forum
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (617) 555-0123
Website: www.bostonglobalforum.org
About Boston Global Forum:
The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is a leading think tank dedicated to advancing global enlightenment through ethical AI, governance, and innovation. Founded in 2012, BGF brings together leaders, policymakers, and scholars to address pressing global challenges, inspired by the legacy of figures like Shinzo Abe.
Kitty Dukakis attending the Boston Global Forum Conference at Harvard Kennedy School, November 2014
by Editor BGF | Mar 22, 2025 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
The Boston Global Forum (BGF) will unveil the Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms on March 28, 2025 at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, held at the Hotel Okura Tokyo. This landmark initiative aims to revolutionize governance by integrating AI-driven financial systems into the AI World Society (AIWS) Government 24/7 framework, ensuring continuous, transparent, and citizen-centric services worldwide.
The Tokyo Accord builds on Shinzo Abe’s legacy of stability and innovation, featuring the Abe Financial AI Protocol—a platform designed to detect fraud, enhance fiscal transparency, and promote sustainable economic growth. Governor Michael Dukakis, BGF Co-Founder and Chairman, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing Abe’s vision for a peaceful world. Nguyen Anh Tuan, BGF Co-Founder and CEO, highlighted the accord’s potential to empower citizens through 24/7 governance.
The conference, attended by Japan’s Minister of Science and Technology Minoru Kiuchi and global leaders, marks a pivotal step in advancing ethical AI for governance. The Tokyo Accord sets the stage for a pilot rollout in Japan by late 2025, with plans for global expansion in 2026.
by Editor BGF | Mar 22, 2025 | Papers & Reports, Publications
March 15, 2025
Faisal D’Souza, NCO
Office of Science and Technology Policy Executive Office of the President
2415 Eisenhower Avenue
Alexandria, VA 22314
Updated Version Submitted by email to [email protected]
Mark Kennedy, Member of BGF Board of Thinkers
Re: Input for AI Action Plan – A Strategic Vision for US AI Leadership: Supporting Security, Innovation, Democracy and Global Prosperity
Introduction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than a technological breakthrough—it is a transformative force shaping the future economy, security landscape, global power dynamics, and daily life. The US, along with its international allies and private sector leaders, must navigate a pivotal moment where their choices will determine whether AI advances democracy and human progress or fuels authoritarianism and societal instability. To ensure AI remains a force for good, a comprehensive strategy must prioritize:
- Keeping AI and AI-enabled technologies under human
- Securing US AI leadership and economic
- Retaining collaborative government oversight of AI
- Addressing societal risks posed by AI while strengthening democratic
- Expanding the benefits of AI
These challenges require decisive action to prevent AI from being exploited for dominance and control. With strategic leadership, the US and its allies can harness AI to uphold democracy, drive economic growth, and promote global stability.
Please read the full article here
by Editor BGF | Mar 22, 2025 | News
Minoru Kiuchi serves as Japan’s Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy in the Ishiba Cabinet, a position he assumed on October 1, 2024, under Prime Minister Shigeru Ishiba. A veteran member of the Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) and the House of Representatives, Kiuchi represents Shizuoka Prefecture’s 7th District, having been elected seven times since 2003. With a distinguished career spanning diplomacy and politics, he brings a wealth of experience to his current portfolio, which also includes responsibilities for Economic Security, the “Cool Japan” Strategy, Intellectual Property Strategy, and Space Policy.
Born on April 19, 1965, in Tokyo, Kiuchi’s early life was shaped by international exposure, living in Bonn, West Germany, from ages six to ten due to his father’s role as a police attaché. This experience ignited his fluency in German and a global perspective, later honed at the University of Tokyo’s Faculty of Arts and Sciences, where he majored in International Relations. Joining the Ministry of Foreign Affairs in 1989, Kiuchi served as a diplomat in Germany and as the official German-Japanese interpreter for Emperor Akihito and prime ministers Ryutaro Hashimoto and Keizo Obuchi. His diplomatic tenure included key postings in Bonn and Augsburg, where he studied political science, deepening his expertise in international cooperation.
Transitioning to politics in 2002, Kiuchi won his first election as an independent before aligning with the LDP to support Shinzo Abe’s leadership. He held significant roles under Abe, including Parliamentary Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs (2012-2014) and State Minister for Foreign Affairs (2014-2015), showcasing his adeptness in foreign policy and economic strategy. Known for his close ties with Germany and his strategic foresight, Kiuchi has been a vocal advocate for innovation, economic security, and Japan’s role in global technology networks.
As Minister of State for Science and Technology Policy in 2025, Kiuchi is driving Japan’s ambition to enhance its research and development capabilities, notably through initiatives like the “Integrated Innovation Strategy 2025,” which he discussed at the 77th Comprehensive Science and Technology Innovation Conference. At the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, he plays a pivotal role as a keynote speaker about AIWS Government 24/7—a vision of continuous, AI-driven governance. His leadership bridges science, technology, and economic security, honoring Shinzo Abe’s legacy while positioning Japan as a global leader in the Age of Global Enlightenment.
Writer: The Boston Global Forum Editorial Board
