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.
by Editor BGF | Sep 22, 2024 | Event Updates, News
On September 17, 2024, at the office of the Governor of Tokyo Metropolitan Government, Boston Global Forum (BGF) CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan and BGF Representative in Japan and Taiwan, Yasuhide Nakayama, met with Governor Yuriko Koike. They discussed connecting the Tokyo Metropolitan area and Greater Boston in building a new democracy with AI—the AI World Society (AIWS)—and plans to expand this connection to Washington D.C. and Nha Trang.
This meeting is part of the Shinzo Abe Initiative and the Indo-Pacific Spark Initiative, a collaboration between BGF and the Wilson Center.
Governor Yuriko Koike introduced Sushi Tech Tokyo 2024—Sustainable High City Tech for the Future, which fosters open innovation with startups from Tokyo to the world. Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan discussed with Governor Koike how BGF can help Sushi Tech Tokyo connect to Boston and contribute significantly to building the AI World Society, a new democracy with AI. They emphasized the need to contribute ethics, kindness, and the cultural values of Tokyo and Japan to the world in the Age of AI. BGF supports these ideas.
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2024 | News
The Kamala Harris-Donald Trump presidential debate outdrew the earlier Joe Biden-Donald Trump debate, reflecting the heightened interest in the campaign that followed Biden’s abrupt decision in July to quit the race. With the polls showing the election to be a toss-up, the Harris-Trump debate was seen as potentially pivotal moment in the campaign. Whether that proves to be true remains to be seen, but post-debate commentary and polls gave a decisive edge to Harris. She was able to lay out her positions on key issues while effectively countering Trump’s attacks. At the same time, she was able to lure Trump into spending much of his time talking about himself and past grievances rather than what he might do for voters if elected. Harris’s strategic goal was clear. She was seeking to solidify her base while reaching out to independent voters and disaffected Republicans. Trump’s appeals were pitched to his hardcore supporters, most clearly in his repeated attacks on migrants. A review of the post-debate coverage in the mainstream media revealed a clear verdict in Harris’s favor, noting that her “turn the page” appeal positioned her as the candidate of the future. Trump’s coverage was largely negative except on conservative news outlets which predictably praised his performance while accusing the debate moderators (ABC sponsored the debate) of siding with Harris. Although Trump and his campaign claimed he had won the debate, a more telling development was his refusal (at least for now) to accept Harris’s challenge for a second debate. For a fuller assessment of the post-debate coverage, you can sample the stories of a diverse set of outlets, such as CNN, New York Times, MSNBC, and Fox.
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2024 | Shinzo Abe Initiative for Peace and Security, News
The “Shinzo Abe 70th Memorial Event” will be held on September 20, 2024, organized by the “Taiwan Shinzo Abe Friends Association.” This event is a tribute to the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, commemorating his lifelong friendship and support for Taiwan. A highlight of the event will be the official release of the Chinese translation of “Shinzo Abe Memoirs.”
As part of the celebration, Mr. Tuan Nguyen, CEO of Boston Global Forum, will present the prestigious “Shinzo Abe Award” to Dr. Chen Tang-shan, recognizing his contributions to fostering strong Taiwan-Japan relations.
The event is expected to host around 150 prominent guests, including senior officials like Taiwan’s former representative to Japan, the Minister of Economic Affairs, the Deputy Minister of the Digital Affairs Ministry, the Chairman of the Overseas Community Affairs Council, the former Vice President of the Judicial Yuan, and key business leaders and supporters of Taiwan-Japan relations.
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2024 | News
Japan’s economic security minister Sanae Takaichi said Monday Sept 9, 2024, she will run again to become president of the ruling Liberal Democratic Party, prioritizing economic growth to make the country “stronger and richer” while underscoring her conservative agenda.
Joining what is already a crowded race with a record number of candidates, Takaichi, 63, one of the most hawkish contenders in the Sept. 27 election, is seeking to replace Prime Minister Fumio Kishida, who is resigning to take responsibility for the party’s political funds scandal.
Unlike her previous presidential bid, she will not have the support of the late premier Shinzo Abe, with whom she shared conservative views on security issues. Takaichi is often picked by voters in media polls as most likely to become Japan’s first female prime minister.
Takaichi, who has harshly criticized China’s expanding military assertiveness, said she will focus on boosting Japan’s strength in the fields of diplomacy, defense, the economy, technology, intelligence and human capital.
“I will pursue economic growth first and foremost and as much as possible,” Takaichi told a press conference, noting the need for “strategic” fiscal spending for the economy. She is the seventh candidate and the first woman to join the upcoming LDP election.
Yasuhide Nakayama, former Japanese State Minister wrote: “Today, September 14, we held support for candidate Takaichi Sanae at Gran Green Osaka, a new landmark in Osaka City. Together with many volunteers, we talked about the policies and national views of high city candidates. After my street address, I am very grateful to all the people for their warm wishes.
The campaign has just begun, but we will fully support candidate Takaichi Sanae as Japan’s future leader. I have deep respect for her clear national view, unquestioned conviction and dignified policy arguments. Now is the time to work together to protect this country and build it to the next generation.
Our society has been built on the efforts and support of many generations. We will not forget to thank all the people who have supported Japan so far, and to all generations, and we will continue to work with candidate Takaichi toward a country where people can live with peace of mind. Please all party members support the high city candidate.”
https://www.japantimes.co.jp/news/2024/09/09/japan/politics/sanae-takaichi-ldp-presser/
https://english.kyodonews.net/news/2024/09/1109d260af69-conservative-takaichi-makes-2nd-bid-in-japan-ruling-party-chief-race.html
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2024 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
U.S. Representatives Madeleine Dean (D-PA-04) and María Elvira Salazar (R-FL-27) introduced legislation to federally protect individuals from AI-generated “deepfakes.” The Nurture Originals, Foster Art, and Keep Entertainment Safe (NO FAKES) Act is a bipartisan, bicameral bill that clearly defines a person’s right to control their voice and likeness. NO FAKES Act would address the rampant spread of unauthorized AI-generated deepfakes without stymieing innovation or censoring free speech.
“As AI’s prevalence grows, federal law must catch up—we must support technological innovation while preserving the privacy, safety, and dignity of all Americans,” Rep. Dean said. “By granting everyone a clear, federal right to control digital replicas of their own voice and likeness, the NO FAKES Act will empower victims of deep fakes; safeguard human creativity and artistic expression; and defend against sexually explicit deepfakes. I’m grateful to work with Congresswoman Salazar on common sense, common ground regulations of this new frontier of AI.”
“AI abuse threatens the ability of Americans to express themselves publicly, both online and in-person. While states like Florida are taking action, Congress needs to address this issue nationwide,” Rep. Salazar said. “The NO FAKES Act will strengthen federal protections for your individual right to your voice and likeness and protect our ability to express ourselves creatively for the world to see.”.
https://dean.house.gov/press-releases?id=997F4262-DA81-4C6A-B5B8-1606F8D9D870
by Editor BGF | Sep 15, 2024 | News
Boston, MA – September 15, 2024 – The Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Shinzo Abe Initiative are pleased to announce the presentation of the prestigious Shinzo Abe Award to Dr. Tan-Sun Mark Chen, Chairman of the Prospect Foundation, Taiwan. This award is given in recognition of Dr. Chen’s exemplary leadership in promoting a Free and Open Indo-Pacific.
Dr. Tan-Sun Mark Chen has been a central figure in Taiwan’s political and diplomatic spheres, significantly enhancing 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 elevate Taiwan’s global presence and strengthen international partnerships.
As Chairman of the Prospect Foundation, Dr. Chen has advanced initiatives in cultural exchange, education, and social development, which align with the Free and Open Indo-Pacific Strategy ardently supported by the late Prime Minister Shinzo Abe. The Foundation plays an instrumental role in fostering mutual understanding and cooperation between Taiwan and the international community, contributing significantly to global discussions on freedom and democracy.
Moreover, Dr. Chen’s personal relationship with Prime Minister Abe played a key role in strengthening the friendship between Japan and Taiwan, laying the groundwork for the strong bilateral ties that exist today.
In recognition of these accomplishments, Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Chair and CEO of the Boston Global Forum, will present the Shinzo Abe Award to Dr. Chen during a special ceremony on September 20, 2024, in Taipei, as part of an event commemorating the 70th birthday of Prime Minister Shinzo Abe.
This award reaffirms the Boston Global Forum’s commitment to recognizing and supporting leaders who promote peace, security, and democratic values across the globe.
For further information on the event and Dr. Chen’s contributions, please contact:
Boston Global Forum
Email: [email protected]
Phone: 617-286-6589
