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].
by Editor BGF | Oct 20, 2024 | Event Updates, News
The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is set to host the conference “AIWS for New Democracy: Strategies for Democracy to Win in the AI Battle” at Harvard University’s historic Loeb House on November 25, 2024. This significant event aims to bring together eminent thinkers, policymakers, and business leaders to formulate actionable strategies that promote democratic principles within the framework of the Artificial Intelligence World Society (AIWS) and to build a new democracy empowered by AI technologies.
The conference will feature a keynote address by Audrey Tang, Cyber Ambassador-at-Large of Taiwan, Former Minister of Digital Affairs and include distinguished speakers:
- Prof. Alex ‘Sandy’ Pentland, MIT
- H.E. Yi-Jing Lin, Deputy Minister of Digital Affairs, Taiwan
This gathering promises to be a pivotal moment for discussions on how AI can be harnessed to strengthen democratic values and institutions worldwide.
by Editor BGF | Oct 14, 2024 | Shaping Futures
The Boston Global Forum (BGF) extends its heartfelt congratulations to the pioneers in artificial intelligence who have been awarded the Nobel Prizes in Physics and Chemistry in 2024. This monumental achievement underscores the transformative impact of AI on advancing scientific discovery and addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges.
Recognition of AI’s Role in Nobel Prizes
- Physics Nobel Prize: The integration of AI in physics has opened new horizons in understanding complex phenomena, leading to breakthroughs once thought unattainable. The laureates’ work exemplifies how AI can augment human ingenuity to unravel the mysteries of the universe.
- Chemistry Nobel Prize: The award honors scientists who have harnessed AI to design proteins—the fundamental building blocks of life. This innovation accelerates drug discovery and has profound implications for medicine, biotechnology, and understanding biological processes.
BGF as a Pioneer of the AI World Society Model
As a pioneer of the AI World Society (AIWS) model, the Boston Global Forum has been at the forefront of advocating for the ethical governance and responsible development of AI technologies since 2017, notably with the Social Contract for the AI Age. This foundational framework sets forth principles to guide AI development in a manner that promotes transparency, accountability, and aligns with human-centric values.
The AIWS model envisions a world where AI is harnessed to enhance human welfare, uphold democratic values, and contribute positively to global society. Through initiatives like conferences, policy development, and collaborative projects, BGF actively works to ensure that AI technologies benefit all of humanity.
by Editor BGF | Oct 14, 2024 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
Seventy percent of Japanese view Taiwan as an independent country and support establishing formal diplomatic relations between the nations, a poll published yesterday by a Taipei-based think tank showed.
The Indo-Pacific Strategic Think Tank (IPST) worked with the Japanese Sankei Shimbun’s polling company to conduct a survey on Japanese public opinion of Taiwan and cross-strait relations.
The survey showed that 71.1 percent of Japanese respondents said they support establishing diplomatic ties with Taiwan, 71.2 percent view Taiwan as an independent nation and 55 percent feel closest to Taiwan among nine Asian countries.
The survey was conducted on Sept. 21, with more than 3,000 adult respondents from eight major cities, IPST said, adding that the poll consisted of 14 single-choice questions, asked over the telephone.
The IPST is a new research organization founded by Taipei-based political commentator Akio Yaita that takes inspiration from Abe’s Indo-Pacific Strategy to highlight Taiwan’s democratic freedoms and its strategic importance to regional peace and stability.
Below link is full:
https://www.taipeitimes.com/News/front/archives/2024/10/13/2003825206
by Editor BGF | Oct 14, 2024 | World Leader for Peace and Security, News
After this year’s nine nights of worship to the Divine Mother, Amma led celebrations for the triumph of light over darkness. In her message, Amma explained how the goddesses Durgā, Lakṣmī, and Sarasvatī provide the essential human needs—strength, wealth, knowledge, and justice.
During Navarātri, people fast and perform rituals to reflect upon life’s external and internal challenges. The tenth day, known as Dusshera or Vijayadashami, brings joy and hope for a world that shines with love, compassion, and peace.
Here is Amma’s message:
https://amma.org/news/the-deeper-meaning-of-navaratri-ammas-message/
by Editor BGF | Oct 14, 2024 | News
The United States will send a Terminal High Altitude Area Defense battery to Israel, along with the troops needed to operate it, the Pentagon said Sunday, even as Iran warned Washington to keep American military forces out of Israel.
Maj. Gen. Pat Ryder, Pentagon spokesman, said in a statement that Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin authorized the deployment of the THAAD battery at the direction of President Joe Biden. He said the system will help bolster Israel’s air defenses following Iran’s ballistic missile attacks on Israel in April and October.
The delivery of the sophisticated missile defense system risks further inflaming the conflict in the Middle East despite widespread diplomatic efforts to avoid an all-out war. The Iranian warning came in a post on the social platform X long associated with Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi, who noted the earlier reports that the U.S. was considering the deployment.
https://apnews.com/article/thaad-israel-missile-defense-iran-pentagon-34a0b06d82352df6cb0b80d94d4913c8
