Honoring Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi (Amma) with the 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award
Boston Global Forum (BGF) and Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI)
My Namaste and Pranams to all
Distinguished leaders and esteemed guests.
Today, October 3, 2023, we gather to mark the 70th birthday of Amma, Sri Mata Amritanandamayi Devi. It is a time of celebration and also a time to recognize her for her extraordinary spiritual and charitable contributions. The Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI) are honored to present to Amma our 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award. Past recipients of this award include Ukraine’s Volodymyr Zelenskyy, the United Nations’ Ban Ki-moon, and Germany’s Angela Merkel, Japan’s Shinzo Abe, European Commission’s Ursula von der Leyen.
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.”
Amma’s tireless efforts to foster a fair and sustainable planet are in perfect alignment with the principles of world peace and security championed by the Boston Global Forum and the Michael Dukakis Institute. Every life is valued, every act of kindness helps, every hug affirms our common humanity.
Michael Dukakis, the Chair of the Boston Global Forum and three-time governor of the State of Massachusetts, aptly expresses our sentiments when he stated, “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.”
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.
With profound respect and gratitude, the Boston Global Forum and Michael Dukakis Institute extend their heartfelt congratulations to Amma on her 70th birthday and upon her recognition as our 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award recipient. She is a guiding light in our troubled world.
On November 2, a special gathering will be held at Harvard University’s Loeb House, where Amma will deliver a Distinguished Global Enlightenment Lecture in conjunction with her World Leader award. The Boston Global Forum has also organized a Global Enlightenment Concert as a tribute to her unwavering commitment to the betterment of humanity.
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.
Prime Minister Enrico Letta, a distinguished Global Enlightenment Leader, extends his warmest congratulations to Amma on her 70th birthday and her well-deserved recognition with the 2023 World Leader for Peace and Security Award from the Boston Global Forum. In a heartfelt video message, Prime Minister Letta commends Amma’s tireless dedication to promoting love, compassion, and global unity. Her exemplary leadership and spiritual wisdom have left an indelible mark on the world, embodying the very essence of peace and security. Prime Minister Letta celebrates Amma’s profound legacy and the positive impact she continues to make on humanity’s collective journey toward a more harmonious world.
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.
The UN General Assembly 2023 began this week. Leaders of four out of the five permanent members of the UN Security Council are not attending, but the UNGA is a platform for countries to exprress their opinions, even if there is little enacted. Regardless, some notable events pertaining to the Four Pillars are:
The US and Brazil aligned with each other on labor, with Biden and Lula minimizing their differences on issues such as Ukraine and Venezuela. In a meeting of the leading countries in the Western hemisphere, they announced a partnership on supporting workers’ rights.
Ukraine’s Zelensky, recipient of the World Peace and Security Award 2022, spoke in front of the UNSC, strongly denouncing the Russian invasion as a flagrant violation of the UN Charter and norms of war, and urged member states to revoke Russia’s veto.
The UK used its platform to pitch how it wants to be a world leader in handling AI.
In minor news, Reuters reported that the US and Vietnam are negotiating a deal that would send F-16s to the Southeast Asian country. This came on the heels of Biden’s visit to Vietnam and the elevation of the two country’s relationship to Comprehensive Strategic Partnership. Furthermore, the US is seeking to counterbalance China, and thus seeks partners in their efforts. Still, it is unclear whether or not Vietnam is deeply invested in just American arms, as the country is trying to strike up an arms deal with Russia as well.
There are some follow-ups to last week edition’s as well:
China complained about German Foreign Minister Annalena Baerbock’s remark last week which called Xi Jinping a “dictator.” Germany’s Ambassador to China, Patricia Flor, was summoned and reprimanded.
It was reported in the Wall Street Journal that the former Chinese Foreign Minister Qin Gang was sacked because of an extramarital affair, which resulted in a child being born in the US (and thus, an American citizen). It is said that (former?) Defense Minister Li Shangfu is under investigation too, but the cause is unclear.
Minh Nguyen
Read more about these topics:
[Politico] It’s the Biden show as other top leaders skip UNGA
[AP News] Biden and Brazil’s Lula focus on workers’ rights while publicly playing down differences
[AP News] Ukraine’s president, at Security Council, lashes out at Russia but avoids face-to-face encounter
[AP News] Britain uses UN speech to show that it wants to be a leader on how the world handles AI
[Reuters] Exclusive: Biden aides in talks with Vietnam for arms deal that could irk China
[Deutsche Welle] China outraged: Baerbock called President Xi ‘dictator’
[Wall Street Journal] China’s Former Foreign Minister Ousted After Alleged Affair, Senior Officials Told
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres addresses the 78th Session of the U.N. General Assembly in New York City, U.S., September 19, 2023. REUTERS/Mike Segar
The Boston Global Forum (BGF) is contributing a groundbreaking Special Report titled “Governing AI in the Age of Global Tension” to the prestigious Riga Conference 2023.
The Riga Conference, an annual event bringing together policymakers, experts, and thought leaders from around the world, serves as a platform for discussing critical geopolitical and security issues. This year, the inclusion of BGF’s Special Report adds a significant dimension to the conference’s focus on emerging technologies and their implications.
The Special Report delves into the complex landscape of Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance, particularly in a world marked by increasing global tension and geopolitical complexities. It highlights the need for comprehensive strategies and actions to govern AI technologies effectively and ethically.
Key components of the Special Report include:
Scenario Planning: Acknowledging the importance of preparing for AI-related security threats during periods of global tension through contingency plans and scenario simulations.
Four Pillars: Recognizing the essential role of the United States, Japan, the European Union and the United Kingdom (EU-UK), and India as foundational players in establishing an enlightened approach to AI governance.
Stakeholders: Emphasizing the involvement of diverse stakeholders such as civil society, think tanks, universities, the business community, religions, and governments in shaping AI governance.
Fundamental Aspects: Focusing on core aspects of AI governance, including the development of globally accepted standards and norms for AI ethics, fostering innovation and research, and promoting AI development that prioritizes the well-being of all individuals.
Action Plan: Outlining a comprehensive action plan that encompasses setting standards and norms, engaging with religions, coordinating efforts through organizations like the Global Alliance for Digital Governance (GADG) and GLIDES, building an AI World Society, and monitoring and adapting to AI developments.
The report calls for international cooperation, the engagement of religious leaders, and collaboration among governments and stakeholders to ensure that AI technologies are developed and deployed ethically and responsibly.
The inclusion of BGF’s Special Report at the Riga Conference 2023 reflects the increasing recognition of AI governance as a global priority, especially in the context of geopolitical tensions. It underlines the urgency of addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by AI in a manner that aligns with ethical principles and societal well-being.
The Boston Global Forum remains committed to fostering dialogue and cooperation among global leaders and experts to address the pressing challenges of our time, including those posed by emerging technologies like AI.
Boston Global Forum and Michael Dukakis Institute are delighted to introduce two Global Enlightenment Leaders who will be speaking at the upcoming Boston Global Forum – MIT Connection Science High-level Dialogue, taking place on September 27, 2023, from 10:00 am to 11:30 am EST at the MIT Media Lab in Cambridge, Massachusetts. This dialogue is centered around the theme of “Reinventing Silicon Valley: Establishing Enlightenment Tech Economy Alliance between the US and India.”
This high-level dialogue promises to be an insightful and collaborative discussion on strengthening ties between the US and India in the realm of technology and innovation. We look forward to the valuable insights that will be shared by our distinguished speakers.
Professor Alex Pentland is a renowned MIT professor, Board Member of Boston Global Forum, Distinguished Contributor to the book “Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment”, author, and a leading authority in the field of social physics, data-driven decision-making, and technology-driven innovation.
Contribution: Professor Pentland’s groundbreaking research has paved the way for a deeper understanding of human behavior through data analytics, and he is a strong advocate for the ethical and responsible use of data in shaping our future.
Professor John Quelch is a co-founder and Member of the Boston Global Forum (BGF), as well as a distinguished academic leader.
Contribution: Professor Quelch has made significant contributions to the fields of global business, marketing, and public health. His involvement in BGF highlights his dedication to fostering global cooperation and addressing pressing global challenges.
