by Editor BGF | Jun 27, 2022 | Executive Board
Chief of the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI), Co-Chair of the United Nations Centennial – BGF and UNAI Initiative in Honor of the United Nations 2045 Centenary
Ramu Damodaran joined the United Nations Department of Global Communications in 1996; his responsibilities in the Department have included oversight of relationships with civil society, the creative community and celebrity advocates, publications (including as Chief Editor of the UN Chronicle), the Dag Hammarskjöld Library and the United Nations Academic Impact, which he was asked by Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon to devise and lead. He has also been secretary of the United Nations General Assembly’s Committee on Information since 2011. He completed his career with the United Nations in May 2021.
His earlier Secretariat assignments included the Departments of Special Political Questions and Peacekeeping as well as speechwriting in the Executive Office of the Secretary-General. He was spokesman for the “Durban Review” human rights conference in 2009 and has fulfilled a range of speaking engagements on behalf of the Organization over his career.
As a member of the Indian Foreign Service, where he was promoted to the rank of ambassador, he served as executive assistant to the Prime Minister of India between 1991 and 1994 and earlier in the Ministries of External Affairs, Home Affairs, Defence, Planning and Human Resource Development.
Before joining government service in India, he worked as a television news anchor, radio producer and host, and university correspondent for All India Radio and the Hindustan Times Evening News. His radio feature on university students in Delhi won the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union award. Ramu also served as President of the United Nations Staff Recreation Council.
by Editor BGF | Dec 23, 2023 | News
by Editor BGF | Dec 12, 2023 | Statements, News
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and CEO of Boston Global Forum
December 12, 2023
AI World Society (AIWS) stands at the forefront of a collaborative effort with spiritual leaders and religious figures, engaging in a profound exploration of esteemed values. This collaborative endeavor aims to contribute substantively to the formulation of a spiritual values framework that will guide AIWS in its mission and principles.
Among the distinguished spiritual leaders contributing to this initiative, Amma holds a special place. Her active support and direct involvement underscore the significance of spiritual wisdom in shaping the ethical foundations of AI World Society. Amma’s insights and guidance are instrumental in ensuring that AIWS Spiritual Values are rooted in profound spiritual principles.
Situated in the heart of Boston, a city that bears historical and contemporary significance in the Age of AI and the Age of Global Enlightenment, AIWS finds its genesis in Beacon Hill. This symbolic birthplace marks the foundational city from which AIWS Spiritual Values emanate. Boston, celebrated as a great city and regarded as sacred in the context of the evolving era, serves as a beacon of enlightenment, reflecting the transformative ideals that underpin the AI World Society.
In essence, Boston is not merely a geographical location; it is the cradle from which AIWS Spiritual Values spring forth. As AIWS takes shape and evolves, Beacon Hill remains a vital root city, embodying the foundational principles and spiritual values that guide the trajectory of AI World Society.
AI World Society (AIWS) draws inspiration and values not only from the esteemed and sacred grounds of Beacon Hill in Boston but also from the renowned institutions of Harvard University and MIT. These institutions, known for their intellectual legacy and commitment to knowledge, further enrich the spiritual fabric that AIWS aims to weave.
The connection to Beacon Hill, with its historical and symbolic significance, serves as a powerful source of inspiration. As a cradle of spiritual and ethical ideals, Beacon Hill imparts a unique character to the spiritual values embraced by AI World Society.
Harvard University and MIT, as pillars of academic excellence, contribute to the diverse and profound reservoir of spiritual wisdom. These institutions, situated in the intellectual heart of Boston, serve as beacons of enlightenment and knowledge. AIWS, in collaboration with these esteemed institutions, endeavors to integrate the spiritual values derived from the sacred cities and places into its foundational principles.
In this collaborative effort, AI World Society acts as a curator of spiritual values, collecting insights and wisdom from various sacred cities and places. By assimilating these diverse perspectives, AIWS aspires to build a comprehensive and inclusive spiritual values framework, reinforcing its commitment to a future guided by ethical and enlightened principles.
Looking ahead to 2024, Boston Global Forum will play a pivotal role in furthering this initiative. The forum will develop a special report and organize a conference that will bring together spiritual leaders and esteemed religious figures. This gathering aims to deepen the exploration and development of spiritual values for AIWS, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward an ethically grounded and enlightened AI World Society.
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and CEO of Boston Global Forum
by Editor BGF | Dec 11, 2023 | Publications
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and CEO of Boston Global Forum
December 12, 2023
AI World Society (AIWS) stands at the forefront of a collaborative effort with spiritual leaders and religious figures, engaging in a profound exploration of esteemed values. This collaborative endeavor aims to contribute substantively to the formulation of a spiritual values framework that will guide AIWS in its mission and principles.
Among the distinguished spiritual leaders contributing to this initiative, Amma holds a special place. Her active support and direct involvement underscore the significance of spiritual wisdom in shaping the ethical foundations of AI World Society. Amma’s insights and guidance are instrumental in ensuring that AIWS Spiritual Values are rooted in profound spiritual principles.
Situated in the heart of Boston, a city that bears historical and contemporary significance in the Age of AI and the Age of Global Enlightenment, AIWS finds its genesis in Beacon Hill. This symbolic birthplace marks the foundational city from which AIWS Spiritual Values emanate. Boston, celebrated as a great city and regarded as sacred in the context of the evolving era, serves as a beacon of enlightenment, reflecting the transformative ideals that underpin the AI World Society.
In essence, Boston is not merely a geographical location; it is the cradle from which AIWS Spiritual Values spring forth. As AIWS takes shape and evolves, Beacon Hill remains a vital root city, embodying the foundational principles and spiritual values that guide the trajectory of AI World Society.
AI World Society (AIWS) draws inspiration and values not only from the esteemed and sacred grounds of Beacon Hill in Boston but also from the renowned institutions of Harvard University and MIT. These institutions, known for their intellectual legacy and commitment to knowledge, further enrich the spiritual fabric that AIWS aims to weave.
The connection to Beacon Hill, with its historical and symbolic significance, serves as a powerful source of inspiration. As a cradle of spiritual and ethical ideals, Beacon Hill imparts a unique character to the spiritual values embraced by AI World Society.
Harvard University and MIT, as pillars of academic excellence, contribute to the diverse and profound reservoir of spiritual wisdom. These institutions, situated in the intellectual heart of Boston, serve as beacons of enlightenment and knowledge. AIWS, in collaboration with these esteemed institutions, endeavors to integrate the spiritual values derived from the sacred cities and places into its foundational principles.
In this collaborative effort, AI World Society acts as a curator of spiritual values, collecting insights and wisdom from various sacred cities and places. By assimilating these diverse perspectives, AIWS aspires to build a comprehensive and inclusive spiritual values framework, reinforcing its commitment to a future guided by ethical and enlightened principles.
Looking ahead to 2024, Boston Global Forum will play a pivotal role in furthering this initiative. The forum will develop a special report and organize a conference that will bring together spiritual leaders and esteemed religious figures. This gathering aims to deepen the exploration and development of spiritual values for AIWS, marking a significant milestone in the journey toward an ethically grounded and enlightened AI World Society.
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and CEO of Boston Global Forum
by Editor BGF | Nov 27, 2023 | Papers & Reports
BGF Special Report – Riga Conference 2023 
HOW TO GOVERN AI IN AN AGE OF GLOBAL TENSION
Boston Global Forum Special Report, The Rīga Conference 2023
Contributors: Krishnashree Achuthan, David Bray, Ramu Damodaran, Michael Dukakis, Thomas Kehler, Yasuhide Nakayama, Minh Nguyen, Quynh Nguyen, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Zaneta Ozolina, Thomas Patterson, Alex Pentland
Please download Bostonglobal Forum special report – Riga Conference 2023 “How to Govern AI in An age of Global Tension” are here
by Editor BGF | Nov 27, 2023 | Papers & Reports
The Shinzo Abe Initiative 2nd Conference
Japan’s Prominence in the New Age of Global Enlightenment
Tokyo, April 5th, 2023
Contributors: Nazli Choucri, Michael Dukakis, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Quynh Nham, Thomas Patterson, Alex Pentland, Shyamal Sharma, David Silbersweig
The Boston Global Forum Shinzo Abe Initiative
In 2015, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) honored Prime Minister Shinzo Abe with the “World Leader for Peace and Security Award.” This award was given in recognition of Prime Minister Abe’s contributions to promoting peace, security, and economic development in Japan and around the world. Prime Minister Abe’s leadership and vision helped to bolster the Japanese economy, strengthen international partnerships, and promote a more secure and peaceful world for all.
Prime Minister Abe was a distinguished contributor to the book Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment, which was published in 2021 by the Boston Global Forum and the United Nations Academic Impact. The book presents a vision of the future based on the deep integration of applied Artificial Intelligence (AI) in all aspects of politics, economy, education, and society.
On July 10, 2022, the Boston Global Forum founded the Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security to recognize his legacy and continue his work on global peace and security through engaging world leaders, scholars, thinkers, and innovators on these topics with special attention to promoting Japan’s economic growth and innovation.
In January 2023, the BGF announced former State Minister for Foreign Affairs BGF. Yasuhide Nakayama as the coordinator of the Shinzo Abe Initiative and a distinguished contributor to the BGF.
Please download The Shinzo Abe Initiative 2nd Conference – Japan’s Prominence in the New Age of Global Enlightenment are here
by Editor BGF | Oct 19, 2023 | Event Updates
The symposium organised by the Institute of Future and Innovation Studies at John Cabot University and the Boston Global Forum, and is part of the “Festival of Diplomacy,” which has been one of Italy’s most important forums for international diplomacy since 2009, with the support and patronage of the Italian Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Commission and European Parliament Representation in Italy, more than 70 embassies, seven universities, and numerous scientific partners. This symposium seeks to support all diplomatic efforts in the global coordination of a future vision of technological development and regulation aimed at promoting the use of technology and AI for peace, democracy, and the planet.
AGENDA
The seminar «Tech for Humanity: Open Standards, Trustworthy AI, and the Common Good» will investigate the role of open technical standards and open and FAIR data principles in promoting the safe, fair and sustainable development of Artificial Intelligence. Experts, policymakers, and representatives of civil society will convene to discuss how the development of shared technical standards and a global regulation and assessment of the fundamentals of AI systems is the only way to ensure that AI is developed for the benefit of humanity. The symposium will delve into the ethical considerations surrounding AI, and how technical standards can ensure that AI is developed and used in a way that aligns with values such as privacy, transparency, accountability, inclusivity, trustworthiness, and the general respect for human rights. The discussions will also address the role of stakeholders, including government, industry, and academia, in establishing a global alignment on technical standards, or Digital Compact. The seminar strives to promote global governance, technological diplomacy, and interdisciplinary collaboration among stakeholders groups, governmental and intergovernmental organization and standards organizations in the elaboration and application of global standards for Digital and AI in the effort of shaping the future for the common good of humanity and the planet.
Speakers:
Konstantinos Karachalios, Director of Standards and former Managing Director IEEE.
Domenico Squillace, President UNINFO
Gianluca Misuraca, Executive Director AI4GOV
Mihalis Kritikos, Policy Analyst at European Commission
Tuan Nguyen, CEO Boston Global Forum, (opening remarks)
Anna Gressel, Caunsel at Paul, Weiss, Rifkind, Wharton & Garrison LLP
Dario Focarelli, General Director ANIA
Francesco Lapenta, Director Institute of Future and Innovation Studies, John Cabot University. (Opening remarks)
Moderator
https://www.festivaldelladiplomazia.eu/eventi/tech-for-humanity-open-standards-trustworthy-ai-and-the-common-good/?fbclid=IwAR2Z2EuD1FY1IgHtCeIFuKX1ovnNQb9evbjD_5wbjhuxFhDhTbz8MIY07rY
SPEAKERS
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2023 | News
Amma’s organization exists to help alleviate the burden of the poor through helping to meet each of their five basic needs—food, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood—wherever and whenever possible. MAM is especially focused on helping to meet these needs in the aftermath of major disasters. To date, MAM has provided free medical care to nearly six million people. It has built more than 47,000 homes for the homeless throughout India and has provided financial aid for more than one lakh people unable to care for themselves. MAM is also providing educational assistance to 50,000 students. Moreover, it is offering vocational-training, literacy-training, running orphanages, hospices, old-age homes, scholarship programs, planting trees and managing environmental-protection programs. MAM has done massive relief-and-rehabilitation work following the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami as well as in response to flooding in Mumbai, Gujarat, Chennai and Bihar, Uttarakhand and Jammu-Kashmir, as well as in response to earthquakes in Kashmir, Nepal, Haiti and Japan, cyclones in West Bengal and the Philippines, and hurricanes in the United States
About Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi
Spiritual leader, humanitarian and visionary Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi, known throughout the world simply as “Amma,” has served the world-community for decades, imparting wisdom, strength and inspiration. Accessible to one and all, she has embraced more than 40 million people and inspired a global volunteer-based humanitarian movement to help alleviate the burden of the poor and suffering. Under the auspices of the Mata Amritanandamayi Math (MAM), the organisation exists to help meet the five basic needs—food, shelter, healthcare, education, and livelihood—wherever and whenever possible. This is especially the case after natural disasters and civil conflicts. MAM also leads environmental projects such as tree planting and public clean-up drives. With volunteer groups in more than fifty countries across the world’s six continents, MAM has been an NGO with Special Consultative Status to the United Nations since 2005. Due to her lifetime of experience in the successful management of humanitarian programs, when India assumed the Presidency of the G20 in 2023, Amma was made Chair of the Civil20, as which it was her responsibility to consult with other civil-society organizations and present a “policy pack” of recommended initiatives to the Prime Minister prior to the G20 meet in Delhi.
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2023 | News
Boston Global Forum (BGF) and Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI) Honor Esteemed Spiritual Leader Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) with 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award
Celebrating Amma’s Legacy, Spiritual Values, and Leadership as Chair of C20 India 2023
Amma’s Legacy and Spiritual Values Significantly Contribute to Building AIWS – The Age of Global Enlightenment
Boston, September 15, 2023 – The Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI) proudly honor Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma), an esteemed spiritual leader and Chair of the Civil 20 Engagement Group of the G20. Amma is globally recognized as a symbol of hope and compassion, and she receives the prestigious 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award. This accolade acknowledges Amma’s profound legacy, steadfast commitment to spiritual values, and her influential role in global leadership.
Amma’s remarkable influence transcends traditional boundaries, encompassing spiritual wisdom and compassionate leadership. As Chair of C20 Summit India 2023, she advocates for unity, compassion, and collective well-being in an ever-evolving world, epitomizing the summit’s motto, “You Are the Light.” Her dedication to fostering a fair and sustainable planet aligns with the missions of world peace, security, and the mandates of BGF and MDI.
Amma’s legacy of compassion and her leadership within the C20 Summit India 2023 seamlessly align with the principles of AI World Society (AIWS) – The Age of Global Enlightenment. BGF and MDI proudly integrate Amma’s spiritual values into the fabric of AIWS, enriching the initiative’s vision for a more enlightened, compassionate, and secure world.
Governor Michael Dukakis, Chair of the Boston Global Forum, remarked, “We are profoundly honored to recognize Amma as a World Leader for Peace and Security. Her tireless efforts to promote love, compassion, and global unity are truly exemplary. Amma’s legacy will continue to inspire our collective journey towards a more harmonious world, perfectly aligning with the AIWS initiative.”
The integration of Amma’s spiritual values into AIWS represents a powerful fusion of technology and humanity, where compassion and enlightenment converge to address global challenges. As AIWS endeavors to shape a brighter future for all, Amma’s principles further empower the initiative’s ability to nurture a more ethical, secure, and equitable world. In the words of the communique issued at the C20 Summit in Jaipur, India, on July 31, “we recognize the rapid and widespread change brought about by digital transformation, offering unprecedented advancements for improving the human condition… We call for a new social contract to unite and protect an Artificial Intelligence World Society.”
With profound respect and gratitude, BGF and MDI extend their heartfelt congratulations to Amma, a guiding light in our intricate world. The legacy of her leadership and spiritual wisdom will reverberate perpetually within AI World Society – The Age of Global Enlightenment and will be introduced at the House of Honor of AIWS City.
Two significant events are on the horizon to honor Amma. On October 3, India will celebrate Amma’s 70th birthday, and on November 2, a special gathering will take place at Esteem Loeb House, Harvard University, where she will deliver a Distinguished Global Enlightenment Speech. Additionally, BGF is organizing a Global Enlightenment Concert on October 3 to pay tribute to her.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Tuan Nguyen, CEO of the Boston Global Forum
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 617 286 6589
Jim McManus
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +1 617 413 9232
Previous recipients of the World Leader for Peace and Security Award:
- 2015: Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and German Chancellor Angela Merkel
- 2016: Secretary General of the United Nations Ban Ki-moon
- 2017: Estonian President Toomas Hendrik Ilves
- 2018: Finnish President Sauli Niinisto
- 2019: Latvian President and President of World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid Vaira Vike-Freiberga
- 2020: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen
- 2021: Swedish Parliament Speaker Andreas Norlen
- 2022: President Volodymyr Zelensky and all Ukrainian people
About Boston Global Forum (BGF): The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is an international think tank based in Boston, Massachusetts. Its mission is to convene thought leaders, policymakers, scholars, and business leaders to collaborate on critical issues impacting peace, security, and economic development.
About Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI): The Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI) is committed to fostering leadership, promoting innovation, and enhancing cooperation to address global challenges. Through research, forums, and initiatives, MDI brings leaders from diverse sectors together to develop practical solutions for a better world.
