The Riga Conference 2023 published the Policy Brief 2023 “How to Govern AI in an Age of Global Tension”, Boston Global Forum Special Report, The Rīga Conference 2023 both hoard copy and soft copy online, and can be downloaded at:
CONTRIBUTORS: Krishnashree Achuthan, Head of the Center for Cybersecurity Systems and Networks and Amrita Technology Business Incubator (Amrita TBI) at Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham, Ramu Damodaran, Co-Chair of the United Nations Centennial Initiative, Governor Michael Dukakis, Co-Founder and Chair of Boston Global Forum, Thomas Kehler, Chief Scientist, Co-Founder and Board Member at CrowdSmart, Yasuhide Nakayama, Former Japanese State Minister of Defense, Paul Nemitz, Principal Adviser, European Commission, Minh Nguyen, Editor, BGF Weekly, Quynh Nguyen, Co-Founder and President of Cyberkid, Tuan Anh Nguyen, Co-Founder and CEO of Boston Global Forum, Žaneta Ozoliņa, Vice-Chair of the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation, Thomas Patterson, Harvard Kennedy School Professor, Co-Founder of Boston Global Forum, Alex Pentland, Director of MIT’s Human Dynamics Laboratory and the MIT Media Lab Entrepreneurship Program, Boston Global Forum Board Member.
The Rīga Conference is an annual meeting of regional and international experts in foreign policy and defence, academics, journalists, and business representatives, promoting the discussion and assessment of issues affecting the transatlantic community. Convening in the Latvian capital since 2006, the conference has become a recognised annual tradition in the region.
While representatives from 193 countries came together at Amritapuri to wish the spiritual leader, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Union Cabinet Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Ministers Ashwini Kumar Choubey and V. Muraleedharan, Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and actor Mohanlal were also present.
In her birthday address, Mata Amritanandamayi focussed on the importance of love, selflessness and unity. She also expressed concern about youth’s exposure to negative influences and stressed on the role of parents in imparting values.
“Every calamity—be it a pandemic, natural disaster or climate change — urges humankind to cultivate three things: cooperation, companionship, and communion. That is, we need to move in cooperation with our fellow human beings, in companionship with nature, and in communion with God. Failure to do so, at least a little bit, will negatively impact all of our actions,” she said.
The 70th birthday of Mata Amritanandamayi was celebrated in the presence of lakhs of devotees on Tuesday.
While representatives from 193 countries came together at Amritapuri to wish the spiritual leader, Governor Arif Mohammed Khan, Union Cabinet Minister Mahendra Nath Pandey, Union Ministers Ashwini Kumar Choubey and V. Muraleedharan, Deputy Speaker Chittayam Gopakumar, Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan and actor Mohanlal were also present.
In her birthday address, Mata Amritanandamayi focussed on the importance of love, selflessness and unity. She also expressed concern about youth’s exposure to negative influences and stressed on the role of parents in imparting values.
“Every calamity—be it a pandemic, natural disaster or climate change — urges humankind to cultivate three things: cooperation, companionship, and communion. That is, we need to move in cooperation with our fellow human beings, in companionship with nature, and in communion with God. Failure to do so, at least a little bit, will negatively impact all of our actions,” she said.
Through a video address Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that Mata Amritanandamayi’s initiatives and influence had expanded globally, enriching the lives of countless individuals.
“For more than three decades, I have cherished a close bond with Amma, particularly during significant moments such as the earthquake in Kutch, Gujarat. I am deeply grateful for the moments I have shared with Amma, notably during her 60th birthday celebration in Amritapuri. Words alone cannot adequately convey the profound impact of Amma’s presence and benevolence; it must be experienced first-hand,” he said.
At the event, Mata Amritanandamayi was honoured with the prestigious World Leader for Peace and Security Award jointly presented by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI). She received the award from Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder and CEO of Boston Global Forum.
Amritakeerti Puraskars for the years 2020, 2021, 2022, and 2023 were presented to K.S. Radhakrishnan, Srivaraham Chandrasekharan Nair, M.R. Rajesh and author S.L. Bhyrappa.
Another important event was the mixing of soil from more than 70 countries with Indian soil in a prayer of peace in unity titled “An Offering to Mother Earth.”
To celebrate the 90th birthday (November 3, 1933) of Governor Michael Dukakis, Co-founder and Chair of the Boston Global Forum, Enrico Letta, Former Prime Minister of Italy wrote:
Enrico Letta, Former Prime Minister of Italy:
“Governor Mike Dukakis has been and continues to be a great and inexhaustible source of inspiration to me. Since the first time I met him, during the unforgettable study trip I did, very young, in the US in the 80s, to our last gathering, in Boston a few months ago. Always optimistic, sharp, curious. Always in a listening mood, the way to make the difference with these difficult times full of unbearable egos.”
Harvard Medical School Professor David Silbersweig:
“Governor Dukakis has been a beacon of perspective, wisdom, graciousness and integrity for the Boston Global Forum, for our state and for the world. He has brought deep experience and ability to get right to the heart of the matter, rooted in ethics and knowledge of politics. He has exemplified leadership and given a platform for others to lead for good. He bridges the latest advances with age-old human nature to maximize the impact of the BGF and AIWS, in its partnership with other leading international organizations. He reminds us all of common human decency, of how we as societies are falling short, and how we need to keep our eye on the most important elements to improve local, national and global lives.”
Prime Minister Letta and Governor Dukakis at the BGF High-level Conference at Harvard Faculty Club, April 26, 2023
Minh Nguyen is the Editor of the Boston Global Forum and a Shinzo Abe Initiative Fellow. She writes the Four Pillars column in the BGF Weekly newsletter.
[This article was written at 06:00 UTC – the newsletter is published at 11:00 UTC]
It is day four of Israel’s war on Hamas.
On October 7, Israel suffered a surprise terrorist attack and military operation by Hamas and Gaza militants, which killed hundreds of civilians and many were taken as hostages back to Gaza. The nature of this security failure and how Israel got blindsided is a topic worth diving into on its own. The Israeli government declared a state of war, began clearing out villages and towns taken over by terrorists and infiltrators, and started an airstrike campaign against Gaza. Reservists have been called up, and the whole country mobilized. A ground operation to Gaza is rumored to be conducted soon. For now, Israel has put Gaza under siege and barrages of airstrikes.
Nothing happens in a vacuum, however. Whichever actions Israel takes, there is wariness about a threat to the north: Hezbollah in Lebanon. Through all the recent posturings and public comments though, it is unclear whether or not a full incursion by Hezbollah will occur if Israel does go into Gaza. This, of course, compounds the chances of broader Middle Eastern involvement, especially from Iran. There have already been skirmishes between Israel and Hezbollah and other militants in the north of the country.
Here are how the Four Pillars have reacted to the current developments:
Israel’s foremost ally, the United States have unequivocally backed Israel after the Hamas attack. As many of the killed and many of the hostages are American citizens, there would have been obligations that the US intercede in some form. President Biden stated that no hostile country should exploit the situation Israel found itself in. The US sent a carrier strike force, centered on the USS Gerald R. Ford, to the Eastern Mediterranean to deter and interdict any outside involvement. In the government, efforts to shore up air defense equipment and munitions to aid Israel have begun. President Biden will be making a speech at 13:00 EDT.
The EU decided to cut all aid to Palestine after the attack, but reversed its decision on Monday, after some member-states said the decision circumvented due process. The funds are now under review.
The US, the UK, France, Germany, and Italy published a joint statement, stating their united support for Israel and unequivocal denunciation of Hamas. The statement emphasizes the point that “this is not a moment for any party hostile to Israel to exploit these attacks to seek advantage.”
Read more about this conflict:
[White House] Remarks by President Biden on the Terrorist Attacks In Israel
[AP News] The US will send a carrier strike group to the Eastern Mediterranean in support of Israel
[Euronews] EU to review its Palestine financial aid to ensure no ‘indirect’ support to terrorism
[Politico] ‘Planes have already taken off’: U.S. sends Israel air defense, munitions after Hamas attack
[AP News] Israel strikes and seals off Gaza after incursion by Hamas, which vows to execute hostages – comprehensive article about the first three days of the war
[Amichai Stein, KAN] “US chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff spoke with his Israeli counterpart and told him: “We stands by Israel, we are sending assistance from the US. Intelligence synchronization with the US Central Command Centcom, and what is required in terms of armaments, strategic assistance, the US will bring assets””
[Twitter List] Open Source Intelligence – a feed of (mostly) reliable OSINT updates and analysis, curated by @jonostrower
(Photo by Jalaa MAREY / AFP) Israeli forces launch artillery fire towards southern Lebanon from the border zone in northern Israel on October 9, 2023, after mortar fire and an infiltration attempt from Lebanon.
During her 70th birthday celebrations at Amritapuri, Amma was honoured with the prestigious ‘World Leader for Peace and Security Award,’ jointly presented by the Boston Global Forum and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation. Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder and CEO of Boston Global Forum, presented the award to Amma.
“Amma’s legacy is one of profound compassion and enduring dedication to spiritual and humanitarian values. She has uplifted millions by giving solace, building homes, hospitals, alongside many other projects. Her leadership as the Chair of the Civil 20 Engagement Group for India’s G20 Presidency reflects her unwavering commitment to unity, compassion and collective wellbeing,” said Nguyen Anh Tuan.
“The Boston Global Forum seeks to employ technology through values in service of humanity. We are honoured to be able to include Amma’s spiritual values into our initiatives. This brings a convergence of compassion with technology to address our global challenges. This has been exemplified by Amma’s work to set a brighter future for all. May we be guided by Amma’s principles in that regard.”
Michael Dukakis, the former Governor of Massachusetts, also sent a message saying, “We are profoundly honoured to recognize Amma as a leader for world 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.”
Amma received the World Leader for Peace and Security Award in recognition of her significant contribution of bringing spirituality into the realm of technology discourse.
Read the full news from the official website of Amma:
The Boston Global Forum is pleased to introduce its collaborative session with LATO at the Riga Conference 2023, “How to Govern AI in an Age of Global Tension,” scheduled from 17:00 to 18:00 Riga time on October 19, 2023. This session will feature a distinguished panel of speakers, including David Bray, a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center; Cameron Kerry, former Acting Secretary of Commerce of the United States; Thomas Patterson, a Harvard Kennedy School professor and co-founder of BGF; Ramu Damodaran, Co-Chair of the United Nations Centennial Initiative; Caroline Louveaux, the Chief Privacy Officer at MasterCard; and Nguyen Anh Tuan, co-founder and CEO of BGF. The session will be moderated by Zaneta Ozolina, Vice Chairwoman of LATO. The focal point of this session will be to delve into the insights and recommendations presented in the special report by BGF for the Riga Conference 2023, addressing the critical topic of governing AI in an era marked by global tension.
On October 3, 2023, at the Grand Ceremony to celebrate 70th birthday of Amma in Amrita University, BGF CEO Nguyen Anh Tuan presented and gave a speech to honor Amma with the 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award.
“Amma’s legacy is one of profound compassion and unyielding dedication to spiritual and humanitarian values who has uplifted millions by giving solace, building homes, hospitals, pension plans, amongst many other projects. Her leadership as Chair of the Civil 20 Engagement Group of the G20 reflects her unwavering commitment to unity, compassion, and collective well-being. In a world marked by change and disruption, she reminds us that all of us can be a guiding light – a belief reflected in the motto of the C20 Summit India 2023 – “You Are the Light.”
“Through its AI World Society program, the Boston Global Forum seeks to employ technology in the service of humanity. We are honored to be able to integrate Amma’s spiritual and humanitarian values into that initiative. It is a convergence where compassion and enlightenment join forces with technology to address the global challenges that have been at the heart of Amma’s work. As the AI World Society seeks to shape a brighter future for all, we will be guided by Amma’s principles in all that we do. We made that solemn commitment in a communique issued at the C20 Summit in Jaipur, India, on July 31.”
Amidst family struggles and societal disparities, Amritanandamayi, affectionately referred to as Amma, found her life’s mission—to alleviate suffering wherever she encountered it. A simple act of consoling the distressed with an embrace became her hallmark. This gesture, although unconventional in her village, soon resonated globally. The embrace symbolized hope, leading her to be known as the ‘Hugging Saint.’ As people from all walks of life flocked to her, she established the Mata Amritanandamayi Math in 1981. Amma’s compassion grew beyond borders and knew no boundaries. From climate change to cultural tensions, she addressed global issues, urging humanity towards unity and compassion.
“I don’t see if it is a man or a woman. I don’t see anyone different from my own self. A continuous stream of love flows from me to all of creation.” – Amma
She has embraced over 40 million individuals worldwide, often dedicating more than 22 hours without a break to this soulful connection. Her influence reached monumental platforms like the United Nations, where she has delivered a keynote address and emphasized blending science with compassion for global betterment. At her 70th birthday, the Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi, along with global figures like Lady Gaga and Salesforce CEO Marc Benioff, shared special messages for her, showcasing her wide-reaching impact.
Amma served as Chair of the Civil 20 India 2023, an official Engagement Group of the G20. This platform serves Civil Society Organizations (CSOs) worldwide, enabling them to present the aspirations of the global populace to the leaders of the G20 nations. This year they promised a collaborative and transformative approach to global challenges ranging from wellness and service to cyberspace and social justice, exemplifying the motto “You Are the Light”. Tuan Nguyen, CEO of the Boston Global Forum, was one of the keynote speakers and was so deeply moved by Amma’s contributions and spirit that he nominated her for the 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award.
“In honoring Amma, we celebrate the profound impact of her life and work, and we pledge to carry forward her message of love, compassion, and global unity in our shared quest for a brighter and more harmonious world.” – Tuan Nguyen, CEO of the Boston Global Forum
The Boston Global Forum and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation are esteemed institutions known for recognizing global peace and security leaders. Their decision to confer the 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award upon Amma further emphasizes the universal resonance of her message. Past luminaries who have received this award include global leaders like former Secretary-General of the United Nations, Ban Ki-moon, President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, and former Prime Minister of Japan, Shinzo Abe, indicating the stature of this recognition. This award does more than just honor Amma—it acknowledges the need for a more compassionate and unified world, a vision Amma has worked towards her entire life.
Tuan Nguyen greets Amma to present her with the 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award
“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.” – Michael Dukakis, Chair of the Boston Global Forum
As a tribute to Amma, a Global Enlightenment Concert and a Distinguished Global Enlightenment Lecture at Harvard University’s Loeb House are scheduled for November 2.
Special birthday wishes for Amma from the Boston Global Forum:
Minh Nguyen is the Editor of the Boston Global Forum and a Shinzo Abe Initiative Fellow. She writes the Four Pillars column in the BGF Weekly newsletter.
A gunfight at a monastery in Kosovo between Serb-backed gunmen and the Kosovar police broke out earlier this week, on the backs of simmering tensions and incidents in the region between ethnic Serbs and Albanians over the past year. This was seen as an escalation by the Kosovo government because of the direct ties of the assailants to parts of the Serbian government. Serbia claims in return that the battle was another step in provocations by Kosovo. The US issued a warning to Serbia, who deployed its troops to the border after the incident, to pull back. Serbian President Aleksandar Vucić denied that the country was mobilizing on the border. NATO subsequently deployed more UK peacekeepers to the region. Hopefully the situation can be defused without further armed skirmishes.
The UK announced a contract with BAE Systems for a nuclear submarine for the AUKUS pact. The contract is worth £3.95 billion ($4.82 billion), and will explore developing the next generation of nuclear-powered attack submarines. The security pact, consisting of Australia, the UK, and the US, seeks to counter China’s influence in Asia-Pacific. This is another step in shoring up stability in the region.
Relatedly, Taiwan’s security chief Koo Li-hsiung stated that AUKUS and NATO are needed to counter China’s threat to the island nation. He warned of China’s expansion of military presence abroad, such as in Cambodia, Pakistan, and Djibouti, and that more NATO (and AUKUS) engagement in Asia-Pacific would be beneficial to balance China’s ambitions.
