by Editor BGF | Sep 29, 2024 | News
Japan’s governing party on Friday September 27, 2024, picked former Defense Minister Shigeru Ishiba as its leader, setting him up to become prime minister next week.
The party leadership is a ticket to the top job because the Liberal Democratic Party’s governing coalition controls parliament.
Considered a defense policy expert, Ishiba secured a come-from-behind win against Economic Security Minister Sanae Takaichi, a staunch conservative who hoped to become the country’s first female prime minister.
Reuters comment: “Shigeru Ishiba, tapped to be Japan’s next prime minister, may cause diplomatic headaches for the U.S. with proposals to revamp Tokyo’s closest alliance by locking Washington into an “Asian NATO” and stationing Japanese troops on U.S. soil.
Ishiba, elected leader of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party on Friday, outlined his plan in a paper to the Hudson Institute think tank last week. He argues that the changes would deter China from using military force in Asia.”
https://apnews.com/article/japan-election-new-prime-minister-ca3ba06b79c79d5dc534a0d259a7272c
https://www.reuters.com/world/asia-pacific/incoming-japan-pm-ishibas-asian-nato-idea-test-us-diplomacy-2024-09-27/
by Editor BGF | Sep 29, 2024 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
On September 20, 2024, in Taipei, at the Office of the Friends of Abe Shinzo Association in Taiwan, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) Co-Chair and CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan and Yasuhide Nakayama met with Audrey Tang, Taiwan’s former Minister of Digital Affairs. Mr. Nakayama is the Representative of BGF in Japan and Taiwan and a former State Minister of Japan’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Defense. Marlon Yeh, Secretary General of the Friends of Abe Shinzo Association in Taiwan, was also in attendance.
The meeting focused on the AI World Society (AIWS) initiative and the concept of New Democracy, exploring how artificial intelligence can be leveraged to enhance democratic processes and institutions. Audrey Tang shared insights from Taiwan’s experiences in integrating technology with governance, emphasizing the country’s advancements in digital democracy and civic participation.
Nguyen Anh Tuan highlighted the importance of international cooperation in shaping the new democracy in the Age of AI. “International collaboration is essential for harnessing AI to strengthen democratic values worldwide,” he stated.
Yasuhide Nakayama added, “The synergy between Japan, Taiwan, and the Boston Global Forum is pivotal in addressing the challenges posed by rapid technological advancements. By sharing knowledge and strategies, we can ensure that AI serves as a tool for good.”
The participants also reflected on the legacy of former Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose vision for regional cooperation continues to inspire initiatives like the Friends of Abe Shinzo Association. The association aims to strengthen ties between nations committed to democratic principles and technological innovation.
by Editor BGF | Sep 29, 2024 | News, World Leaders in AIWS Award Updates
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, the recipient of the 2022 World Leader for Peace and Security Award presented by the Boston Global Forum (BGF), delivered a compelling speech at the United Nations General Assembly on September 25, 2024. In his address, President Zelensky:
“There can be no just peace without Ukraine.”
“And when the Chinese-Brazilian duo tries to grow into a choir of voices – with someone in Europe, with someone in Africa, saying something alternative to a full and just peace, the question arises – what is the true interest?
Everyone must understand – you won’t boost your power at Ukraine’s expense.”
Following his UN address, President Zelensky traveled to Washington, D.C., where he visited the White House to meet with Vice President Kamala Harris.
In addition to his official engagements, President Zelensky met privately with former U.S. President Donald Trump.
His leadership since receiving the BGF’s World Leader for Peace and Security Award has been marked by a steadfast commitment to democratic principles and international law.
https://kyivindependent.com/there-can-be-no-just-peace-without-ukraine-zelenskys-full-speech-at-the-un-general-assembly/
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/26/politics/zelensky-biden-harris-washington-visit/index.html
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/27/politics/trump-zelensky-meeting/index.html
by Editor BGF | Sep 29, 2024 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
Mira Murati, OpenAI’s chief technology officer, joins a growing list of OpenAI executives who have departed the company in 2024.
Since ChatGPT took the world by storm in late 2022, OpenAI’s revenue and market value have skyrocketed. But internally, the company hasn’t necessarily had the smoothest ride. The A.I. giant, valued at $150 billion, lost a slew of top executives this year. On Wednesday (Sept. 25) alone, a trio of leaders, including chief technology officer Mira Murati, chief research officer Bob McGrew, and VP of research Barret Zoph, all announced their departures. They join a larger group of former OpenAI employees who have left for rival A.I. developers and startups. As of now, CEO Sam Altman is one of only two active remaining members of the company’s original 11-person founding team.
Andrej Karpathy, research scientist
Ilya Sutskever, chief scientist and co-head of the super alignment team
Jan Leike, co-head of the super alignment team
John Schulman, head of alignment science
Peter Deng, vice president of consumer product
Greg Brockman, president
Mira Murati, chief technology officer
Bob McGrew, chief research officer
Barret Zoph, vice president of research
OpenAI hasn’t just lost employees—it has also rehired some familiar faces. In May, OpenAI welcomed back Kyle Kosic, who worked at the company between 2021 and 2023 on its technical staff. Kosic left last year to join Elon Musk’s xAI. Several other outgoing OpenAI employees have taken similar routes and gone on to work for competing A.I. companies, showing just how competitive the industry is at the moment.
https://www.cnn.com/2024/09/25/tech/openai-technology-chief-mira-murati-leaving/index.html
https://fortune.com/2024/09/26/mira-murati-openai-cto-departure-women/
https://fortune.com/2024/09/26/openai-sam-altman-mira-murati-chatgpt-staff-departures-exodus-researchers/
https://observer.com/2024/09/openai-executives-resign/
by Editor BGF | Sep 29, 2024 | Event Updates, News
As part of its AI World Society (AIWS) initiative, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) is convening a significant discussion among distinguished leaders, policymakers, eminent thinkers, and business leaders. The goal is to explore strategies and solutions for leveraging artificial intelligence (AI) to strengthen democracy, win over totalitarian systems in the AI battle, and create a new democracy characterized by opportunities, stability, growth, and cooperation among nations.
The focus is on gaining a strategic advantage over dictatorial and totalitarian regimes that misuse AI technologies and engage in unfair competition in the AI economy.
Recognizing the potential for democracies to achieve a significant advantage in the AI-driven economy and society, the discussions will center on how democratic nations can harness AI to outperform authoritarian systems economically and socially. The event will also highlight the challenges, threats, and dangers posed by totalitarian and dictatorial regimes, as well as strategies to overcome these challenges and prevail over authoritarian systems.
Discussion Objectives:
- Develop Strategies: Formulate effective approaches for democratic nations to utilize AI in promoting the values and institutions that have enabled these nations to flourish for centuries.
- Gain Economic Advantage: Identify practical ways for democracies to achieve a significant advantage in the AI economy and society, enabling them to outperform authoritarian systems economically and socially, achieve economic growth, stability, and provide jobs in the AI economy.
- Counter Abuse of AI: Explore methods to prevent and mitigate the misuse of AI by actors that threaten global peace and security and engage in unfair competition in the AI economy.
- Counter Authoritarian Regimes in the AI Economy: Develop models, strategies, and solutions for the new democracy to overcome threats from totalitarian systems, ensuring that the new democracy wins in the battle of the AI economy.
- Establish an Ecosystem of AI Economy in Democracies: Strengthen international cooperation among democratic nations in the AI economy, AI governance, and business communities.
Event Details:
- Date and Time: Starting from October 3, 2024
- Format: Combination of in-person and virtual participation.
- Participation: By invitation; summaries and outcomes will be shared with the broader community.
The Boston Global Forum believes that by leveraging AI responsibly, democracies can not only protect but also advance their economic interests and societal values through the AI World Society, a pioneering initiative from 2017. This high-level discussion aims to create actionable strategies that will enable democratic nations to prevail over totalitarian and dictatorial systems, securing a prosperous and free future in the Age of AI.
We encourage all interested parties to stay tuned for updates and join us in this vital conversation about the new democracy in the Age of AI.
For more information and updates, please visit www.bostonglobalforum.org.
by Editor BGF | Sep 22, 2024 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — A banquet was held in Taipei on Friday (Sept. 20), organized by the Friends of Shinzo Abe Association in Taiwan, to celebrate the recipient of this year’s Shinzo Abe Award, established by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) to honor the former Japanese leader’s contributions to global peace and democracy.
This year’s recipient of the award is Dr. Mark Chen (陳唐山), who is the founding chair of the Friends of Shinzo Abe Association. Chen is also a former lawmaker, Tainan County Magistrate, and chair of the Prospect Foundation. He has been a consistent advocate for Taiwan’s sovereignty.
Chen was recognized for his “exemplary leadership” and significant contributions to fostering good relations between Taiwan and Japan over many years of public service, per BGF. His promotion of democratic values and defense of human rights in in line with Shinzo Abe’s (安倍晋三) vision of a free and open Indo-Pacific region.
Friday’s banquet also celebrated the Japanese leader’s life with a “70th Memorial Event” as he would have turned 70 this year, per BGF. Guests at the banquet received a Chinese translation of Abe’s memoirs, the first such translation to be published.
The annual award honors the Japanese leader’s legacy while also serving as a platform to celebrate leaders who contribute to the strengthening of democratic ideals and the protection of human rights in Asia and throughout the world, reported Newtalk.
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/news/5939492
https://www.taiwannews.com.tw/zh/news/5939182
https://newtalk.tw/news/view/2024-09-20/937134
News from The Central News Agency
https://www.cna.com.tw/news/aipl/202409210097.aspx?utm_medium=app&utm_source=cna.app&utm_campaign=inapp_share
https://www.youtube.com/live/PpTqfssqC3Q?si=YVna9AxH1q2kxepX
by Editor BGF | Sep 22, 2024 | World Leader for Peace and Security, News
Distinguished leaders and esteemed guests,
September 20, 2024, we stand united in honoring the legacy of two remarkable leaders who have made an indelible impact on the Indo-Pacific region and global peace—Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Dr. Tan-Sun Chen.
We gather today to commemorate the 70th birthday of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, a visionary global leader whose lifelong dedication to Japan and world peace continues to inspire us all. In 2015, his profound contributions were recognized when he received the World Leaders Award for Peace and Security from the Boston Global Forum (BGF). Though Prime Minister Abe’s life was tragically cut short on July 8, 2022, his vision endures, shaping our efforts towards a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
To carry forward his work and legacy, BGF established the Shinzo Abe Initiative, which includes the annual Shinzo Abe Award, and today, we are deeply honored to present the Shinzo Abe Award to Dr. Tan-Sun Chen, Chairman of the Prospect Foundation and Former Minister of Foreign Affairs of Taiwan. This award recognizes Dr. Chen’s exemplary leadership in advancing a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Dr. Tan-Sun Chen has made a significant and lasting impact in Taiwan’s political and diplomatic spheres, bolstering 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 strengthen Taiwan’s global presence and build crucial international partnerships, a remarkable achievement during a time of growing geopolitical challenges.
As Chairman of the Prospect Foundation, Dr. Chen has remained a driving force behind initiatives that promote cultural exchange, education, and social development. These efforts align closely with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy, a vision ardently championed by the late Prime Minister Abe. The Prospect Foundation, through international engagements such as the Ketagalan Forum, has contributed significantly to advancing Taiwan’s diplomatic outreach and engagement with global discussions on democracy and freedom.
Moreover, Dr. Chen’s personal relationship with Prime Minister Abe played a critical role in strengthening the bond between Japan and Taiwan, laying the foundation for the strong bilateral ties we celebrate today. The Boston Global Forum, through its Indo-Pacific Spark Initiative in collaboration with the Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition at the Wilson Center, is committed to carrying forward Prime Minister Abe’s legacy. Together, we work towards ensuring a free, open, and peaceful Indo-Pacific.
As we honor Dr. Chen today, we celebrate his remarkable contributions and the profound impact of his life’s work. In doing so, we reaffirm our commitment to building a global ecosystem of economic and political cooperation that fosters world peace and security. Let us be inspired by the examples of Dr. Chen and Prime Minister Abe, as we continue our shared mission to create a future where peace, freedom, and democracy flourish across the Indo-Pacific and the world.
Thank you to the Friends of Shinzo Abe Association in Taiwan for organizing today’s prestigious event. Thank you, dear friends.
Acceptance Speech by Dr. Chen Tang-shan, Chairman of the Prospect Foundation
This evening, the Taiwan Shinzo Abe Friends Association is hosting the “Shinzo Abe Memoir Book Launch” at the Grand Hotel Taipei, gathering many people who cherish Mr. Abe’s efforts to strengthen Taiwan-Japan relations. The enthusiastic attendance is a testament to the fact that, even two years after his passing, Mr. Abe is far from forgotten. On the contrary, his tireless dedication has left an even deeper imprint in all our hearts. Mr. Abe’s influence extends beyond Taiwan-Japan relations. He was the first political leader to advocate for the concept of a “Free and Open Indo-Pacific,” which later shaped the U.S. Indo-Pacific Strategy. In recognition of his contributions, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) established the commemorative “Shinzo Abe Award.” At last year’s inaugural award ceremony, the recipient was Minister Sanae Takaichi, who had long followed Mr. Abe’s path. This year, I am deeply honored to have been selected as the second recipient, with Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, co-founder of the BGF, traveling all the way to Taiwan to personally present this meaningful award at this special occasion in memory of Mr. Abe. While I am profoundly grateful for this recognition, this honor belongs not only to me but to all the people in Taiwan who deeply admire Mr. Abe. I hope that Taiwan-Japan relations will continue to flourish, and that Mr. Abe’s insightful vision for the Indo-Pacific will inspire more countries to enhance Taiwan’s international standing.
by Editor BGF | Sep 22, 2024 | News
From September 16 to September 21, leaders of the Indo-Pacific Spark Initiative traveled to Japan and Taiwan to engage with Japanese and Taiwanese leaders on building a global ecosystem of economic and political cooperation that fosters world peace and security. Distinguished leaders, thinkers, and business figures from Japan and Taiwan shared a common mission: to create a future where peace, freedom, and democracy flourish across the Indo-Pacific and the world.
Their goal is to strengthen economic and political ties between the United States, Japan, India, Taiwan, South Korea, Australia, Europe, and other democratic nations. This cooperation is deemed crucial to face the challenges posed by China’s strategies and ambitions to replace companies from democratic countries with Chinese enterprises in various industries.
During the discussions, the leaders agreed to establish a special alliance among companies to achieve this purpose. As a first step, ten companies from the U.S., Japan, and Taiwan will join as co-founders of this alliance.
by Editor BGF | Sep 22, 2024 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
Rapid advances in AI are reshaping how we govern ourselves. Inspired by The Federalist Papers, which promoted the idea of a nation designed by intent rather than by accident, The Digitalist Papers series delves into the critical intersection of AI and democracy.
This volume brings together scholars and industry leaders to explore the opportunities and challenges AI presents, offering a range of strategies for a democratic future. Instead of a one-size-fits-all solution, it champions a pluralistic, interdisciplinary approach to navigating this transformative era.
Authors include Alex Pentland, Condoleezza Rice, Eric Schmidt, Audrey Tang, Lily L. Tsai
The questions were:
- How is the world different now because of AI, and what does that mean for democratic institutions, governance, and governing?
- What is the vision, and what is your strategy to reach this vision?
Unlike The Federalist Papers, which had an end goal (arguing for the ratification of the Constitution), The Digitalist Papers intentionally do not. Rather, the goal was to elevate the voices of varied experts who have informed and well-researched ideas and solutions across a range of related topics. Authors represent diverse fields—including economics, law, technology, management, and political science—along with leaders from industry and civil society. This matters because the thoughtful examination of AI-enabled developments in relation to institutional structures requires us to turn the spotlight on our current institutions and ask whether they remain fit for purpose, and if so, whose purpose. This is a daunting exploration that demands deep domain expertise and collaboration across academic disciplines.
Essays explore topics ranging from how to rethink democratic engagement, why the government risks losing an active electorate if it doesn’t embrace the potential of AI, and how we should be thinking about regulating AI. But the bedrock of every essay—whether by a technology executive, law professor or economist—was that democracy and AI can and should work well together; that our democratic institutions are strong and can be ushered into the AI era.
The Digitalist Papers present varied proposed solutions with the understanding that a technology as fast-changing as AI requires nimbleness, keeping an open mind, and the continual engagement of a diverse group of leaders to debate and guide the technology.
Alex Pentland, a co-author and distinguished contributor to the book Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment—a work exploring AI and new democracy within the AI World Society (AIWS)—is a Board Member of the Boston Global Forum (BGF). He has made significant contributions to AIWS, pioneering AI governance and new models of democracy.
https://bostonglobalforum.org/publication/aiws-pioneering-ai-governance-and-new-democracy/
The Boston Global Forum welcomes the book and congratulates Alex Pentland. BGF will organize discussions with its World Leader Award recipients, distinguished leaders, thinkers, and business leaders about The Digitalist Papers and AI World Society.
