Four Pillars Roundup: India and EU agree to conclude a long-pending free trade agreement by the end of this year

Four Pillars Roundup: India and EU agree to conclude a long-pending free trade agreement by the end of this year

India and the European Union have agreed to finalize a long-pending free trade agreement this year and boost cooperation in trade, technology, connectivity and defense, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the European Commission chief said Friday.

Modi said after meeting with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, World Leader for Peace and Security Award Recipient, that the two sides have directed their teams to conclude the bilateral free trade deal by end of this year. Modi said many decisions were taken to “elevate and accelerate India-EU partnership” in the meeting.

“India-EU strategic partnership is natural. Its core is trust and shared belief in democratic values,” Modi said.

The European Commission chief said the “free trade agreement between the EU and India would be the largest deal of this kind anywhere in the world.”

Brussels is ramping up efforts to seal with deal with New Delhi in the face of potential U.S. tariffs. U.S. President Donald Trump has said he is planning to hit goods made in the EU with tariffs of 25%.

https://apnews.com/article/india-eu-modi-ursula-von-der-leyen-309ab4795ad0206b66fe20bef5ca9a92#

Japanese Ministers to Address Shinzo Abe Initiative Conference on AIWS Government 24/7 in Tokyo

Japanese Ministers to Address Shinzo Abe Initiative Conference on AIWS Government 24/7 in Tokyo

Tokyo, Japan – March 2, 2025 – The Shinzo Abe Initiative Conference on AIWS Government 24/7 is set to take place on March 28, 2025, in Tokyo, featuring keynote addresses from Japan’s Minister of State for Economic Security, Mr. Minoru Kiuchi, and Minister for Digital Transformation, Mr. Masaaki Taira. This event, building on the momentum of the AI Action Summit held in Paris on February 10-11, 2025, will focus on advancing the concept of AI World Society (AIWS) Government 24/7—a vision for AI-driven, continuously responsive governance that prioritizes security, innovation, and human-centric values.

Organized as a continuation of global efforts sparked by the Paris summit, which convened over 80 heads of state and 1,000 representatives to discuss AI’s economic potential and ethical implications, the Tokyo conference will spotlight Japan’s leadership in integrating artificial intelligence into public administration and economic security. Mr. Kiuchi, known for his strategic oversight of Japan’s economic security policies, will address how AI can safeguard national interests in an increasingly digital world. Meanwhile, Mr. Taira, a key figure in Japan’s digital transformation agenda, will explore the technological frameworks needed to support a 24/7 AI-enhanced government, drawing on his expertise in cybersecurity and digital reform.

The conference honors the legacy of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, whose proactive vision for peace, security, and technological progress continues to inspire Japan’s role in the global AI landscape. It will bring together policymakers, tech innovators, and scholars to discuss how AIWS Government 24/7 can enhance transparency, efficiency, and resilience in governance while addressing challenges like cybersecurity threats and ethical AI deployment.

Held at a yet-to-be-announced venue in Tokyo, the event underscores Japan’s commitment to shaping a future where AI serves as a tool for societal advancement. As the world watches, this conference promises to bridge the outcomes of the AI Action Summit Paris with actionable steps toward a globally connected, AI-empowered society.

Von der Leyen, World Leader for Peace and Security Award Recipient, cools on EU army as Trump fuels demand

Von der Leyen, World Leader for Peace and Security Award Recipient, cools on EU army as Trump fuels demand

Ursula von der Leyen, World Leader for Peace and Security Award Recipient, has distanced herself from her past support for an EU army, despite Donald Trump fuelling demands for the creation of a joint European fighting force.

European governments are scrambling to boost their collective defence amid concerns over deteriorating relations with Mr Trump’s administration, as well as fears US troops will pull out of Europe and weaken Nato.

These concerns would have been only exacerbated by Volodymyr Zelensky’s disastrous Oval Office meeting with Mr Trump on Friday, which descended into a shouting match.

The crisis has boosted calls to ensure Europe can act independently of Washington, and raised the long-distant prospect of an army coming a step closer.

https://www.yahoo.com/news/von-der-leyen-cools-eu-120000781.html

Othismos

Othismos

Sponsored by AIWS Government 24/7
Written and Produced by Joseph Caristena

A fantasy-fiction theater production dedicated to enthusiasts and lovers of the Hellenic world and Magna Graecia.

Synopsis

“Othismos” presents a titanic clash between “Spiritual Intelligence” and “Artificial Intelligence”—a parallel between the spiritual wisdom of ancient mysticism and the modern quantum physics of artificial intelligence, exemplified by concepts like entanglement.

In the era of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, artificial intelligence (AI) is rapidly reshaping the boundaries and architecture of our society. Today, even the basic understanding of intelligence itself grows increasingly elusive, plunging humanity into a profound identity crisis. As democracies worldwide face backsliding and a process of social reverse engineering, technological progress accelerates at an unprecedented pace. This relentless advance demands urgent reflection on the ethical, philosophical, and social implications of a disruptive and pervasive technological revolution.

Technological development must not be reduced to the mere financial expansion of a few global high-tech empires, stretching their influence across the world and into space. True development must be holistic—geared toward the social elevation of every individual, leaving no one behind. What matters is not the abstract technological advancement of society, but the progress, growth, and elevation of humanity’s spiritual well-being. Only when this occurs within every person, every community, and ultimately all of humankind can we speak of genuine social progress and universal development.

In this context, it may seem paradoxical to turn to the world of Greek mythology. Yet, these ancient myths offer timeless and powerful insights to decode the abstract challenges and threats posed by AI. They place humanity back at the center of evaluating societal progress in a hyper-technological world, where algorithms—driven by a hybrid form of artificial intelligence—increasingly shape our behaviors, attitudes, and decisions.

Only a clear perception and authentic narration of lived reality (not a virtually constructed one) can illuminate the horizon of our future. Through deep spiritual discernment, we can redefine the universal values and ethical principles that guide humanity. In recent years, the rapid pace of technological acceleration and an obsession with anticipating the future have triggered a relentless erosion of the human spirit—destructuring identities, flattening memories, and uprooting our original essence.

The wild, unrelenting forces of AI now challenge human intellect and identity. The unexplored consequences of creating artificial entities raise profound questions about consciousness and the essence of existence, leaving humanity in perpetual confusion as perception spirals out of control. Without knowing our destination, only a journey inward can exorcise both our known and unknown fears.

In antiquity, “Know thyself” was inscribed in bold letters on the pediment of Apollo’s temple at Delphi. We must look within to discover that the essence of life lies in our inner world, not in the external one. If external conflicts stem from internal struggles, the emergence of a third, immersive virtual dimension—blurring the boundaries with our physical and mental realities—complicates matters further.

To uncover our destiny, we must be prepared for sacrifice, hoping that this journey ends with the embrace of the Muse of Truth. This quest might conclude in a single, unexpected moment or become the pursuit of a lifetime. Regardless, it is a journey worth embarking upon—to feel truly alive and to finally encounter our authentic selves waiting at the end.

Statement from the Enlightenment in Action Alliance (EAA) on Dialogue with Tech and Financial Leaders in Chip Development

Statement from the Enlightenment in Action Alliance (EAA) on Dialogue with Tech and Financial Leaders in Chip Development

Following the AI Action Summit Paris, the Enlightenment in Action Alliance (EAA) and the Boston Global Forum (BGF) are proud to announce a pivotal dialogue focused on building a better future for the chip industry within the AI World Society (AIWS). This event will unite leaders from the technology sector and prominent financial institutions to explore advancements, investments, and strategic opportunities in chip development—a cornerstone of the AI-driven global economy—with a special emphasis on quantum chips and artificial intelligence.

Co-organized by the BGF and the Wilson Center, the dialogue will take place from March 15 to March 25, 2025, and will feature key financial leaders, including representatives from:

  • BlackRock
  • Vanguard Group
  • State Street Global Advisors
  • Rowe Price
  • Elliott Management
  • JPMorgan Chase Asset Management
  • Goldman Sachs

This dialogue aims to foster collaboration between tech innovators and financial powerhouses, examining how investments in semiconductor technologies, including quantum chips, can accelerate AI innovation while promoting sustainable growth and societal benefit. The EAA is committed to ensuring that advancements in the chip industry align with humanistic values, strengthening the AI World Society (AIWS) framework for a compassionate and equitable future.

We look forward to a robust exchange of ideas that will shape the next era of technological and economic progress.

Special Tribute to President Macron and the People of France “Creating a New Paris of Enlightenment”

Special Tribute to President Macron and the People of France “Creating a New Paris of Enlightenment”

At the AI Action Summit Paris, during the session “Government 24/7 – How AI Might Best Transform Governance” on February 11, 2025, Boston Global Forum (BGF) Co-chair and CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan, along with former French Minister Elisabeth Moreno, BGF Representative in France and Africa, Honorable Mark Kennedy, Director of the Wilson Center’s Wahba Institute for Strategic Competition of the Wilson Center, former Japanese Minister Sanae Takaichi, former Japanese State Minister Yasuhide Nakayama, and Harvard Professor Thomas Patterson, introduced and discussed AIWS Government 24/7 and the Creating a New Paris of Enlightenment initiative.

This initiative serves as a special tribute to President Emmanuel Macron and the people of France, offering strategies and solutions to leapfrog in AI and position France at the forefront of AI innovation, even in the face of limited resources and investments in AI., envisioning a transformative era where AI-driven governance and humanistic values merge to create a New Paris of Enlightenment.

Official Version of Creating a New Paris of Enlightenment

For the full official version, please view and download here

Macron says he will tell Trump not to be weak with Putin in Washington visit

Macron says he will tell Trump not to be weak with Putin in Washington visit

French President Emmanuel Macron, 2024 World Leader for Peace and Security Award recipient, said on Thursday Feb 20, he will travel to Washington to try to convince President Donald Trump that his interests were in line with European allies and that showing any weakness to Russia’s Vladimir Putin would make it harder to deal with China and Iran.

“Trump, I know him. I respect him and I believe he respects me,” Macron said during a one-hour question and answer session on social media. “I will tell him: deep down you cannot be weak in the face of President (Vladimir Putin). It’s not you, it’s not what you’re made of and it’s not in your interests.”

Macron said the uncertainty in how Trump was handling Russia’s three-year-old invasion of Ukraine was worrying for U.S. allies because he could negotiate something that was insufficient, but it was also creating uncertainty for Putin and this was something that needed to be used to help negotiations.

“The word is uncertainty. Donald Trump creates uncertainty among others because he wants to make deals, so Donald Trump creating uncertainty for Vladimir Putin is a good thing,” Macron said, adding that the Russian president did not know what Trump would do or how he could act.

President Macron is due to go to Washington on Monday to hold talks with Trump as Europeans seek to ensure they play a key role in negotiations to end the conflict and outline how they plan to provide security guarantees for Ukraine should there be a ceasefire.

https://www.reuters.com/world/macron-says-he-will-tell-trump-not-be-weak-with-putin-washington-visit-2025-02-20/

 

Four Pillars Roundup: Three Years Since Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: A Testament to Ukraine’s Resilience February 24, 2025, marks

Four Pillars Roundup: Three Years Since Russia’s Invasion of Ukraine: A Testament to Ukraine’s Resilience February 24, 2025, marks

February 24, 2025, marks three years since Russia’s invasion of Ukraine, a moment that reshaped global geopolitics and reaffirmed Ukraine’s unyielding spirit. Since February 24, 2022, President Volodymyr Zelensky has led the Ukrainian people with bravery and strategic acumen, defending their homeland against an aggressive invasion. Backed by strong support from the United States, the European Union, and the United Kingdom, Ukraine has demonstrated remarkable resilience in the face of adversity.

The international community has widely condemned Russia for its actions, imposing severe sanctions and political isolation. Ukraine’s fight for sovereignty has not only been a military struggle but also a defining moment in defending democracy and international law.

In recognition of President Zelensky’s leadership and the courage of the Ukrainian people, the Boston Global Forum (BGF) honored President Zelensky and all Ukrainians with the 2022 World Leader for Peace and Security Award at Harvard University’s Loeb House in April 2022. This award acknowledged Ukraine’s unwavering stand for peace, freedom, and security in the face of aggression.

As the war enters its third year, Ukraine remains determined, continuing to inspire the world with its strength, resilience, and commitment to democracy. Now, the world must find solutions to stop the war, support Ukraine in achieving sustainable peace, and aid in rebuilding the country. Additionally, Russia must be held responsible for the damage inflicted upon Ukraine.

Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip carves new path for quantum computing

Microsoft’s Majorana 1 chip carves new path for quantum computing

Microsoft today introduced Majorana 1, the world’s first quantum chip powered by a new Topological Core architecture that it expects will realize quantum computers capable of solving meaningful, industrial-scale problems in years, not decades.

It leverages the world’s first topoconductor, a breakthrough type of material which can observe and control Majorana particles to produce more reliable and scalable qubits, which are the building blocks for quantum computers.

In the same way that the invention of semiconductors made today’s smartphones, computers and electronics possible, topoconductors and the new type of chip they enable offer a path to developing quantum systems that can scale to a million qubits and are capable of tackling the most complex industrial and societal problems, Microsoft said.

Please read full at:

https://news.microsoft.com/source/features/innovation/microsofts-majorana-1-chip-carves-new-path-for-quantum-computing/

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/02/19/technology/microsoft-quantum-computing-topological-qubit.html