by Editor | Nov 13, 2023 | News
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.
In the Israel-Hamas War, the IDF has encircled Gaza City and is seeking to breach al-Shifa Hospital, where Hamas’ military headquarters was assessed to be. The US has urged Israel to open a humanitarian corridor from Gaza to the south of the strip, leading to a daily 4-hour pause to allow civilians to evacuate. In the broader Middle East, the US has begun retaliating attacks from Iranian proxies with airstrikes.
European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen, a World Leader for Peace and Security Award recipient, outlined five principles for Gaza after the war: “No safe haven for terrorists, No Hamas-led government, No long-term Israeli security presence, No forced displacement of Palestinians, No sustained blockade.”
The EC in the past week also produced a report on EU enlargement. They recommended starting accession negotiations with Ukraine, Moldova, and Bosnia-Herzegovina, and candidate status for Georgia. This is additionally symbolic for Ukraine, whose Euromaidan Revolution (and its subsequent events) was started with then-President Yanukovych reneging on a trade deal with the EU ten years ago.
In the process of revamping and reevaluating its military bureaucracy, Germany has asserted that it needs to step up and become the “backbone of deterrence and collective defense in Europe,” in light of the Russian invasion of Ukraine and recent global upheavals. The report reflects Zeitenwende, the German policy shift in 2022.
In Asia-Pacific, tensions in the South China Sea continue to simmer between China and the Philippines. Chinese Coast Guard vessels harassed a Filipino resupplying mission near Ayungin Shoal. In response, the EU, Germany, and Five Eyes have voiced support for the Philippines and international maritime law.
John Thys/AFP/Getty Images | European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen speaks at the EU headquarters in Brussels, on November 8, 2023.
by Editor | Nov 13, 2023 | Global Alliance for Digital Governance
Regardless, the terrorist attacks on innocent civilians in Israel by Hamas on October 7th were more brutal than reported and highly problematic. On the other hand, the reporting and social media coverage of these heinous attacks by Hamas terrorists were sugar-coated, leaving many unaware of what really happened. Instead of criticizing Hamas, a terrorist organization recognized by the U.S. government, there’s a growing criticism of the Israeli government. This shift is leading to increased discrimination and hate towards Jewish people worldwide, which I find extremely troubling. Even on the internet, like YouTube, videos of Adolf Hitler’s initial speeches when he established Nazi Germany during World War II randomly pop up. In addition to real-world wars, the internet has become a battlefield, spawning a new kind of warfare. Fake news is terrifying. The use of AI-generated videos, even in live streaming, can mislead people, causing confusion, altering thoughts and perceptions, instilling fear, and ultimately inciting violent behavior. This vicious cycle is unsightly, but people have become accustomed to exposing their darker side online. This development divides people into categories: those who grow mentally stronger, those who become weaker, and those who turn to hate and violence. Politics must encompass all these issues. In an era where technology easily manipulates people’s minds, the challenge becomes how to implement education based on culture. Alongside this, physical education, as it is said, “a healthy soul dwells in a healthy body,” becomes increasingly important. Should education focus solely on academic scores? Living in modern Japan, I worry that my fellow Japanese, though peaceful, are overly complacent. After COVID-19, Russia’s war of aggression against Ukraine began, and as you know, a major war has now started in the Middle East. China’s leadership might consider advancing on Taiwan. North Korea may take more aggressive actions, and Russia might act against the Far East. The India-Pakistan conflict could reignite. Considering these potential flashpoints, it wouldn’t be surprising if a Third World War were to break out. Considering these views, I would like to explore how we can approach commitments to issues, including those in the Middle East, moving forward. This contemplation is essential in understanding and addressing the complex dynamics of global politics and conflicts.
by Editor | Nov 12, 2023 | News
On November 2, 2023, Amma delivered the Distinguished Global Enlightenment Lecture as the 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award Recipient, at the BGF at Harvard University Loeb House. Here are its key messages:
Amma bows down to all of you, who are embodiments of Pure Love and the Supreme Self.
At the outset, Amma wishes to thank the Boston Global Forum for conferring this prestigious award on her. Amma feels that if she has made a positive impact on the world, it is solely because she has children who have chosen to selflessly love and serve others. Therefore, this acknowledgement and accolade should go to them. Amma’s only wish is to offer solace to the suffering, wipe their tears and comfort them until her last breath.
God has bestowed upon all living beings an exquisite and eternal divine flower. This undying flower is our sole shelter – planet Earth. Our Earth has an amazing power to provide us everything we need to overcome any challenge thrown at us by the changing seasons and weather. But God has also made us responsible for taking care of Earth and ensuring that her beauty, color, vitality and fragrance do not fade. What are we doing instead? Are we protecting this rare boon, or ruining it?
Externally, the gap between man and machine is decreasing. Internally, revenge, hatred and anger are eating away at the human mind. With advancements in science, man has learned to fly like a bird and swim like a fish, but has forgotten how to walk and live like a human.
We end up destroying ourselves when we fail to handle science and technology with proper discernment. Science and technology do not have any awareness or discerning power of their own. We need to have the right values to direct them.
Humans believe that they can conquer the entire universe using science and human intelligence. This is similar to the ignorance of a child who sees the sky through his bedroom window and claims it to be his own. In reality, what man’s intelligence has discovered is nothing but a small speck of this infinite universe.
Human beings are like waves that frolic on the surface of the boundless ocean yet know nothing of its depth or vastness. Waves are born and die in the ocean. All living beings are waves in the infinite ocean that is God. We are born, live, die in this infinite ocean. Just as the wave and the ocean are essentially one, man, nature and God are essentially the same.
We should learn to have gratitude towards everything in life. We are indebted to everything in this world—to all the creatures that helped us grow and made us who we are today. This Earth is our mother. Nature is our mother. We should never forget our debt to our mother. We should not walk away, refusing to pay heed to the cries of our brothers and sisters in pain. We should do what we can to help them. To help those in need, we may not need position or wealth. All we need to do is offer a loving word, a compassionate glance, a helping hand. Just these simple acts can make our life and theirs, bright and meaningful. It is what we give—not what we take—that determines the value of our life. If we can bring a moment of happiness to just one person’s life, it will greatly enrich our own. May all you children be able to achieve this. May divine grace bless you all.
Please watch Amma’s Distinguished Global Enlightenment Lecture here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FXeC6T1ubeY&t=46s
Amma spoke at the 90th Birthday Celebration of Governor Dukakis, November 2, 2023, at Harvard University Loeb House.
by Editor | Nov 12, 2023 | News
During Governor Dukakis’s 90th Birthday Celebration held on November 2, 2023, at Harvard University Loeb House and organized by the Boston Global Forum (BGF), an exciting and innovative initiative was unveiled. BGF, in collaboration with the Active Inference Institute, introduced the initiative “Advancing Human-Centered AI through Integration with Natural Systems and Neuroscience: Toward Policy and Societal Well-Being.” The presentation featured insights from pioneering innovators such as John Clippinger, Thomas Kehler, and Harvard professor David Silbersweig. David Silbersweig’s presentation, titled “Putting The Best of Human Nature into Natural-Artificial Intelligence:A Brain-Based Approach”.
This initiative is set to drive progress in the field of AI by embracing natural systems and neuroscience, with the ultimate goal of enhancing the well-being of society.
Please see the full presentation here.
Harvard Professor David Silbersweig, BGF Board Member, presented the initiative at the BGF Conference on Nov 2, 2023 at Harvard University Loeb House.
![[Horizon Search] Celebrating a Milestone in AI Governance: Michael Dukakis’s 90th and Amma’s World Peace and Security Award](https://bostonglobalforum.org/wp-content/uploads/1699678453537-1080x572.jpg)
by Editor | Nov 12, 2023 | News
Originally published by Horizon Search on November 10, 2023.
The Boston Global Forum honored its Chair, Governor Michael Dukakis, on his 90th birthday at Harvard University’s Loeb House, where a select group of dignitaries gathered to express their appreciation and respect for the legendary public servant. The event also celebrated Amma’s receipt of the prestigious annual World Peace and Security Award. Though Governor Dukakis and Amma have traversed different journeys, they converge at a crucial intersection regarding AI ethics and governance, highlighting the broader impact of AI on society and global policy.
https://www.britannica.com/biography/Michael-Dukakis
This event coincides with the Boston Global Forum’s (BGF) efforts in developing a framework for AI governance, reflecting a growing global trend. Nations around the world grapple with the implications of artificial intelligence, seeking to balance innovation with ethical responsibility. The BGF’s collaboration with the Global Alliance for Digital Governance represents a significant stride in this direction.
The core of BGF’s initiative is establishing common policy and practice principles, aiming to maximize AI’s benefits while minimizing risks, especially for democratic nations. These principles include fairness and justice for all, responsibility and accountability in decision-making, the precautionary principle in innovation, and ethics-in-AI. This global ethical system seeks to harmonize diverse cultural and ethical systems under common precepts.
Ambassadors and academics watch a message from Amma on ethical AI
The partnership between BGF and Amma in developing the AI World Society (AIWS) is a significant highlight of these collaborative efforts. Amma’s renowned contributions of love, compassion, and her profound spiritual values play a pivotal role in shaping the AIWS’s approach. This partnership underscores the integration of humanistic values into technological development, advocating for an AI governance framework that prioritizes technical and ethical standards and also embodies the core human values of empathy and compassion.
This collaborative effort between BGF and spiritual leaders like Amma illustrates a unique fusion of technology and spirituality, offering a holistic approach to AI governance. It emphasizes the importance of nurturing the ‘soul’ of AI development, ensuring that technological advancements are aligned with the betterment of humanity and the nurturing of a compassionate global society.
However, the BGF’s focus is one of many perspectives in this global conversation. Diverse approaches from various countries and organizations highlight the multifaceted nature of AI governance. For instance, the European Union’s approach to AI regulation emphasizes stringent data privacy and user rights, contrasting with the BGF’s more principle-based framework. Including these varied viewpoints enriches the discussion, illustrating the complexity and global nature of AI governance.
British Consul General of Boston, Peter Abbott OBE (L), shakes hands with former Governor of Massachusetts, Michael Dukakis (C), as CEO of Boston Global Forum, Tuan Nguyen (R), looks on
The BGF proposes an action plan rooted in values like benevolent alliance, cohesion, inclusion, collaboration, mutual trust, harmony, peace, security, excellence, and the protection of fundamental democratic freedoms and human rights. This approach underscores that managing AI is fundamentally about preserving the “soul” of humanity, not just addressing technological challenges.
In the short and long term, the BGF aims to reinforce alliances with major democracies, engage with international bodies like the United Nations and the Vatican, and collaborate with the private sector. This comprehensive approach highlights the necessity of ethical principles and robust regulatory frameworks to guide AI development, safeguarding human rights and preventing misuse by authoritarian regimes.
A Memorandum of Understanding between Boston Global Forum, Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation, and Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham
The collaboration of BGF with Amrita University in initiatives like the “World’s Congress of Religions in AI Responsibility” further illustrates the integration of spiritual values and ethical considerations in AI governance discourse. This event, alongside BGF’s initiatives and Amma’s contributions, marks a crucial point in aligning AI development with human-centric values and ethics, fostering global cooperation and ensuring AI’s positive contribution to society.
https://www.amrita.edu/
The Boston Global Forum’s initiatives, supported by global movements towards shared AI governance frameworks, are part of a growing consensus on the importance of ethically developing AI. This collaborative effort, bringing together diverse perspectives and stakeholders, is crucial in shaping a future where AI advances align with human dignity, freedom, and global well-being.
Join the Conversation: The Boston Global Forum invites you to be a part of this critical dialogue on AI ethics and governance. Share your insights, contribute to the development of global frameworks, and help shape a future where AI aligns with human dignity, freedom, and global well-being. Visit bostonglobalforum.org to learn more about our initiatives and participate in upcoming events. Your voice matters in building a compassionate, ethical AI future.
The article was originally posted at Horizon Search.
