Four Pillars Roundup: President Trump suggests US could run Ukraine’s power plants

Four Pillars Roundup: President Trump suggests US could run Ukraine’s power plants

US President Donald Trump has held what he described as a “very good” hour-long phone call with his Ukrainian counterpart Volodymyr Zelensky, a day after speaking to Russia’s President Vladimir Putin.

Zelensky said afterwards that he believed that “lasting peace can be achieved this year” under Trump’s leadership.

Possible US ownership of Ukraine’s nuclear power plants was also discussed, the White House said, though this has been ruled out by Zelensky.

The tone of the call seems to be in contrast to Zelensky’s visit to the White House last month, in which the two leaders – along with US Vice-President JD Vance.

Wednesday marked the first time the two men have spoken since that Oval Office meeting – although since then, their teams have met in Saudi Arabia and negotiated a proposed 30-day ceasefire.

While it is backed by Ukraine and the US, Putin rejected the proposal for a widespread pause in the conflict during his phone call with the US president on Tuesday.

See full here: https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/c62k1w7z5rro

A Strategic Vision for US AI Leadership: Supporting Security, Innovation, Democracy and Global Prosperity

A Strategic Vision for US AI Leadership: Supporting Security, Innovation, Democracy and Global Prosperity

Mark Kennedy, Member of BGF Board of Thinkers

As submitted to the Office of Science and Technology Policy in response to a Request For Information asking for input for their upcoming US AI Action Plan

Action Steps to Strengthen US AI Leadership and Economic Competitiveness
  • Invest in AI Talent Pipeline– China graduates twicethe number of Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) PhDs as the US. With the US ranking near the bottom in the percentage of graduates pursuing STEM fields, it has long relied on attracting the world’s best and brightest. Visas for Chinese students and academics have fallen by two-thirds since peaking in 2015. A recent surge in students from India is taking up some of the slack. It is important that policies and a welcoming environment continue to attract the global AI talent essential to US tech leadership while also investing more in STEM education for American students.
  1. Provide Access to High-Performance Compute Power– Establish a national AI compute network to support research universities. Increase domestic semiconductor production and high-performance computing (HPC) resources to support AI research and private-sector innovation. Gain a decisive lead in emerging technologies that promise faster and greener compute power, such as optical computing (using laser light waves), neuromorphic computing (modeled after systems in the human brain), and quantum computing (using subatomic particles).
  • Secure Data– Secure access to unbiased, high-quality data for US AI researchers. Consider which datasets should be restricted from strategic competitors. Counter China’s growing control over the data flowing through global telecommunications (Huawei, ZTE) and logistics (LOGINK) software, while promoting secure, US-aligned alternatives.
  1. Fund Research– Fully fund research as authorized in the CHIPS and Science Act, prioritizing AI and other technologies that will shape tomorrow like quantum, biotech and nanotechnology. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), China recently overtook the US in research funding at universities and government entities. Unless funding trends are reversed China will soon overtake the US in total research funding. The US must ensure American institutions remain the world’s AI research hubs.
  2. Invest in AI for Economic Competitiveness– Support AI-driven innovation across key industries (healthcare, manufacturing, energy, finance) by incentivizing AI adoption in small businesses and expanding AI-driven workforce training programs. The goal should be for AI to enhance productivity and job creation to ensure continued opportunities for American workers.
Action Steps to Address AI’s Societal Risks 
  1. Strengthen AI Transparent Government Use– Promote AI usage to provide 24/7 government services in a transparent manner, enhancing the availability and ease of accessing government services while maintaining trust and accountability.
  2. Combat AI-Powered Disinformation While Preserving Free Speech –Work with AI firms to advance voluntary content labeling, misinformation detection, and deepfake protections—without empowering censorship frameworks that could restrict political discourse.

Please see full here: https://bostonglobalforum.org/publication/14916/

and https://www.wilsoncenter.org/article/strategic-vision-us-ai-leadership-supporting-security-innovation-democracy-and-global

Boston Global Forum Mourns the Loss of Kitty Dukakis, Former First Lady of Massachusetts and Cherished Supporter

Boston Global Forum Mourns the Loss of Kitty Dukakis, Former First Lady of Massachusetts and Cherished Supporter

Boston, MA – March 22, 2025 – The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is deeply saddened to hear the passing of Kitty Dukakis, former First Lady of Massachusetts and the outspoken wife of BGF Co-chair Governor Michael Dukakis, who died at the age of 88. Kitty was a steadfast supporter of BGF, leaving an indelible mark on our mission to advance global enlightenment through ethical governance and innovation.

Kitty Dukakis was a remarkable advocate for social causes, known for her candor and compassion. Her support for her husband and BGF was unwavering, reflecting her commitment to fostering global dialogue and peace.

Nguyen Anh Tuan, BGF Co-Founder, Co-Chair, and CEO, shared his heartfelt reflections: “Kitty was truly remarkable, and her legacy will live on in so many ways. I will always remember her Vietnam trip in April 2013—she holds a very special place in my heart. At the Shinzo Abe Conference in Tokyo on March 28, participants and I will observe a minute of silence in memory and respect for Kitty.”

Kitty’s visit to Vietnam in 2013, alongside BGF leaders, exemplified her dedication to cultural exchange and global understanding, leaving a lasting impression on all who met her. Her warmth, resilience, and advocacy for mental health awareness and social justice inspired countless individuals, including those within the BGF community.

The Boston Global Forum extends its deepest condolences to Governor Michael Dukakis, their family, and all who knew and loved Kitty. May her memory be a blessing.

Media Contact:
Boston Global Forum
Email: [email protected]
Phone: (617) 555-0123
Website: www.bostonglobalforum.org

About Boston Global Forum:
The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is a leading think tank dedicated to advancing global enlightenment through ethical AI, governance, and innovation. Founded in 2012, BGF brings together leaders, policymakers, and scholars to address pressing global challenges, inspired by the legacy of figures like Shinzo Abe.

Kitty Dukakis attending the Boston Global Forum Conference at Harvard Kennedy School, November 2014

Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7 to Launch at 4th Shinzo Abe Conference

Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7 to Launch at 4th Shinzo Abe Conference

The Boston Global Forum (BGF) will unveil the Tokyo Accord for Government 24/7: AI and Finance Platforms on March 28, 2025 at the 4th Shinzo Abe Conference, held at the Hotel Okura Tokyo. This landmark initiative aims to revolutionize governance by integrating AI-driven financial systems into the AI World Society (AIWS) Government 24/7 framework, ensuring continuous, transparent, and citizen-centric services worldwide.

The Tokyo Accord builds on Shinzo Abe’s legacy of stability and innovation, featuring the Abe Financial AI Protocol—a platform designed to detect fraud, enhance fiscal transparency, and promote sustainable economic growth. Governor Michael Dukakis, BGF Co-Founder and Chairman, delivered opening remarks, emphasizing Abe’s vision for a peaceful world. Nguyen Anh Tuan, BGF Co-Founder and CEO, highlighted the accord’s potential to empower citizens through 24/7 governance.

The conference, attended by Japan’s Minister of Science and Technology Minoru Kiuchi and global leaders, marks a pivotal step in advancing ethical AI for governance. The Tokyo Accord sets the stage for a pilot rollout in Japan by late 2025, with plans for global expansion in 2026.

A Strategic Vision for US AI Leadership: Supporting Security, Innovation, Democracy and Global Prosperity

A Strategic Vision for US AI Leadership: Supporting Security, Innovation, Democracy and Global Prosperity

March 15, 2025

Faisal D’Souza, NCO

Office of Science and Technology Policy Executive Office of the President

2415 Eisenhower Avenue

Alexandria, VA 22314

Updated Version Submitted by email to [email protected]

Mark Kennedy, Member of BGF Board of Thinkers

Re: Input for AI Action Plan – A Strategic Vision for US AI Leadership: Supporting Security, Innovation, Democracy and Global Prosperity

Introduction

Artificial Intelligence (AI) is more than a technological breakthrough—it is a transformative force shaping the future economy, security landscape, global power dynamics, and daily life. The US, along with its international allies and private sector leaders, must navigate a pivotal moment where their choices will determine whether AI advances democracy and human progress or fuels authoritarianism and societal instability. To ensure AI remains a force for good, a comprehensive strategy must prioritize:

  1. Keeping AI and AI-enabled technologies under human
  2. Securing US AI leadership and economic
  3. Retaining collaborative government oversight of AI
  4. Addressing societal risks posed by AI while strengthening democratic
  5. Expanding the benefits of AI

These challenges require decisive action to prevent AI from being exploited for dominance and control. With strategic leadership, the US and its allies can harness AI to uphold democracy, drive economic growth, and promote global stability.

Please read the full article here