by Editor | Nov 13, 2022
Manifesto “Actions to Create the Age of Global Enlightenment”
Concept notes:
The United Nations is championing a Global Digital Compact, and Roadmap for Digital Cooperation, under the leadership of the Technology Envoy of Secretary General of United Nations and his office. These will be important areas of discussion at the United Nations Summit of the Future in 2024.
The Boston Global Forum’s “The United Nations Centennial Initiative” and its publication “Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment” (AIWS, AI International Accord, the Social Contract for the AI Age) capture the need of consolidate actions urgently. BGF established Global Alliance for Digital Governance (GADG) to coordinate global resources for this mission: create the Global Enlightenment Age.
It will support Global Digital Compact, Roadmap for Digital Cooperation and Summit of the Future of United Nations through the United Nations Centennial Initiative and GADG, creating actions for a peaceful, secure and prosperous world.
At this BGF conference, distinguished leaders and thinkers will honor United Nations Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology Amandeep Gill with the World Leader in AIWS Award. We will hear the Distinguished Global Enlightenment Speech by Ambassador Amandeep Gill and then proceed to a discussion on the Manifesto “AIWS Actions to create the Age of Global Enlightenment”
Agenda
2:00 pm – 5:30 pm, EST, November 22, 2022
Venue: Loeb House, Harvard University
17 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA
Honor Amandeep Gill as World Leader in AI World Society (AIWS)
Distinguished Global Enlightenment Speech
“AIWS Actions to create the Global Enlightenment Age”
2:00 pm – 2:30 pm: Welcome guests
2:30 pm: Opening Remarks, Professor Thomas Patterson
Honor Amandeep Gill World Leader in AI World Society Award, Remarks by Governor Michael Dukakis
The Distinguished Global Enlightenment Speech, Amandeep Gill
Discussion with Amandeep Gill
Manifesto “AIWS Actions to create the Global Enlightenment Age”
- AIWS – Global Alliance for Digital Governance, Innovation Program for the Global Enlightenment Age, Global Accord on AI and Digital to support the United Nations’ Global Digital Compact and Roadmap for Digital Cooperation
- Nazli Choucri, Cameron Kerry, Nguyen Anh Tuan
The Global Enlightenment Economy: build infrastructure that enables interoperability across company and national boundaries, Alex Sandy Pentland
The Global Enlightenment Age: solve misinformation and disinformation, Joan Donovan, Research Director, Shorenstein Center, Harvard, Professor Thomas Patterson, Harvard Kennedy School
Tech for Global Enlightenment Education and helping Ukraine, Lana Cook, MIT Opening Learning, Assistant Director
Discussion, Moderator Governor Michael Dukakis
Tenth anniversary of BGF: “Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment” and Manifesto “AIWS actions to create the Global Enlightenment Age” and grateful to contributors, dedicators to BGF
5:30 pm: Concluding, Governor Michael Dukakis
by Admin | Jun 29, 2023
Time: July 5, 2023, at 10:00 am EST (Boston time), 4:00 pm PST (San Francisco time), 7:30 pm IST (New Delhi time).
Zoom link: amrita.link/c20tst
Speaker: Mr. Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO of Boston Global Forum (BGF)
Topic: “Global Enlightenment Community: From Words to Actions – The Urgency for Governmental and Civic Action”
Introduction to Civil20 (C20) Global Internet Governance, Digital Empowerment, and Security Alliance (GLIDES):
We are delighted to have a distinguished speaker, Mr. Tuan Nguyen, CEO of Boston Global Forum (BGF), addressing the GLIDES July 2023 monthly meeting. Mr. Nguyen will present on the topic “Global Enlightenment Community: From Words to Actions – The Urgency for Governmental and Civic Action.” His insights will greatly benefit our CSO members.
Mr. Nguyen is not only the CEO of Boston Global Forum but also the director of the Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation (MDI). He is a co-founder of the AI World Society Innovation Network (AIWS.net), co-founder of AIWS City (AIWS.city), and co-author of the books “Social Contract for the AI Age” and “Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment.”
Zoom link: amrita.link/c20tst
We eagerly anticipate your participation in this monthly meeting to engage in thoughtful deliberations and policy dialogues.
For more information about C20 GLIDES, please visit their website: https://c20.amma.org/tst-wg/global-internet-governance-digital-empowerment-and-security-alliance-glides/
Best regards,
Civil20 (C20) Working Group on Technology, Security, & Transparency (TST)
Website: https://c20.amma.org/tst-wg/
by Editor | Nov 20, 2022
Time: November 22-23, 2022
Venue: Harvard University Loeb House, 17 Quincy Street, Cambridge, MA
The United Nations is championing a Global Digital Compact and Roadmap for Digital Cooperation under the leadership of the Technology Envoy of Secretary General of United Nations and his office. The UN initiative will be addressed at the UN Summit of the Future in 2024. The BGF is a strong supporter of this effort.
The Boston Global Forum framing of The United Nations Centennial Initiative as well as its publication entitled Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment (with the AI World Society (AIWS), the AI International Accord, and the Social Contract for the AI Age) capture the urgent need for consolidate action. Toward this end, the BGF has established Global Alliance for Digital Governance (GADG) to coordinate global resources to buttress the creation of an Age of Global Enlightenment.
On the first day of the Conference, distinguished leaders and thinkers will honor the UN Secretary-General’s Envoy on Technology Amandeep Gill with the World Leader in AIWS Award. Ambassador Gill will present the “Distinguished Global Enlightenment Speech”. This first will also include a discussion of ways in which the BGF can contribute to the development of an Age of Global Enlightenment as indicated in its Manifesto, entitled AIWS Actions to create an Age of Global Enlightenment.
On second day, the Conference will focus on the many contributions of, and lessons learned from, the lives of the late Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and the late Vietnamese Prime Minister Vo Van Kiet that helped to build critical pillars for world peace and security.
Moderators and Speakers:
Ambassador Amandeep Gill, Under Secretary General and United Nations Envoy on Technology
Governor Michael Dukakis, former Governor of Massachusetts, US Presidential
Democratic Candidate 1988, co-founder and Chair of the Boston Global Forum (BGF)
Cameron Kerry, former US and Acting Secretary of Commerce
Yasukazu Hamada, Japanese Minister of Defense
Shinsuke J. Sugiyama, former Japan Ambassador to the US
Thomas Patterson, Harvard professor, BGF Board Member
Nazli Choucri, MIT professor, BGF Board Member
Alex Sandy Pentland, MIT professor, BGF Board Member
Ramu Damodaran, Co-Chair of the United Nations Centennial Initiative, the first Chief of United Nations Academic Impact
Dr. Joan Donovan, Shorenstein Center on Media, Politics, and Public Policy’s Research Director, Harvard University
Zlatko Lagumdzija, former Prime Minister of Bosnia and Herzegovina, Representative of the Boston Global Forum in Balkan
Lana Cook, PhD, Assistant Director, Strategic Initiatives, MIT Open Learning
Koichi Hamada, Yale Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Tomohiko Taniguchi, Professor, Senior Advisor to Prime Minister Shinzo Abe
Ichiro Fujisaki, former Japanese Ambassador to the US
Nguyen Anh Tuan, CEO, Boston Global Forum
Mats Karlsson, former Vice President of the World Bank, Representative of BGF in Sweden
Francesco Lapenta, the Founding Director of the John Cabot University Institute of Future and Innovation Studies
by Editor | Oct 15, 2023
Cooperation between LATO, organizer of Riga Conference 2023 and the Boston Global Forum: How to Govern AI in the Age of Global Tension?
In the 21st century, global tensions have become more complex and unpredictable due to rapid technological change. This shift has redefined the arenas of contemporary conflict and warfare, encompassing both traditional domains and the digital realm of cyberspace. Participation in conflicts is no longer limited to government; entities possessing the capability to develop, possess, and deploy technology—such as tech giants and hacker groups—can now exert significant influence. In this context, there is an increasing global focus among governments and experts on the potential impact of Artificial Intelligence (AI) on global tensions. AI technologies are currently being researched on a global scale, with the aim of autonomizing weapons and weaponizing disruptive technologies such as 3D printing, drones, and robots. These advances have the potential to substantially reduce the cost of military operations and enhance targeting precision. How can AI be governed? What strategies will help to establish a global AI governance framework? Is a social contract regarding AI possible in the age of global tension?
David Bray, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center
Cameron Kerry, Former Acting Secretary of Commerce of the US
Thomas Patterson, Harvard Kennedy School Professor, Co-Founder of BGF
Caroline Louveaux, Chief Privacy Officer, MasterCard
Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-Founder and CEO of BGF
Moderator: Prof. Žaneta Ozoliņa, Vice-Chairwoman of the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation
Time: 11:00 am – 12:00 pm, EDT, Oct 19, 2023
Venue: The National Library of Latvia and online
by Admin | Jul 24, 2023 | World Leader for Peace and Security
2023 Award 2022 Award 2021 Award 2020 Award 2019 Award 2018 Award World Leader in AIWS Award 2023 Summary Boston Global Forum and Michael Dukakis Institute honored JAPANESE ECONOMIC SECURITY MINISTER SANAE TAKAICHI, WITH THE WORLD LEADER IN AIWS AWARD 2023 Prize...
by Editor | May 6, 2024 | News
This is a republication of Horizon Search’s article on LinkedIn.
Horizon Search
Exploring global insights in entrepreneurship, innovation, and leadership.
Published Apr 30, 2024
Generative AI isn’t a threat, but a powerful tool for human-AI collaboration. Boston Global Forum advocates for responsible AI development to unlock its potential for innovation across industries while ensuring ethical practices and human oversight.
Artificial Intelligence is changing the world at a neck-breaking speed. From Washington Street to Silicon Valley, the inception of ChatGPT in late 2022, stirred roundtable discussions centered around the implications of this technology across major institutions. The technology landscape has been brimming with countless AI innovations in the last two and a half years. From easy plagiarism to writing code, the media in 2022 scrutinized tasks a chatbot could perform in a couple of minutes. But now with rapid advancements in technology, the chatter has given way to grave questions related to ethical AI use:
● Will generative AI replace my job and leave me unemployed?
● How can I know what’s real and what’s not in a world of sophisticated algorithms?
● Will critical decisions about my health and well-being be made by machines?
From 2017, Boston Global Forum (BGF) has been among the world’s most innovative think tanks in developing strategies for AI in politics and society. Driven by its core purpose of unlocking the potential of those to advance the world, BGF has contributed many significant pioneering initiatives. Now, BGF is harnessing the combined power of generative AI and human capabilities to drive growth, innovation, and transformation through the Artificial Intelligence World Society Initiative (AIWS). Founded by Governor Michael Dukakis and Nguyen Anh Tuan in November 2017, the AIWS is a means of counteracting the unethical uses of AI by building a 7-layer model for the ‘Age of Global Enlightenment.’
AIWS: Moving Toward Responsible AI Governance
Since 2017, the AIWS initiative, spearheaded by the BGF, has been on a mission to shape responsible AI governance and foster new models of democracy. In a short period, the initiative has achieved the following:
● 2017: The AIWS has launched, setting the stage for global discourse on AI governance.
● 2018: The AIWS Leader Award was established to recognize distinguished leaders in AI for social good. At the BGF-G7 Summit, AIWS unveils the groundbreaking AIWS 7-Layer Model, a roadmap for leveraging AI to enhance democracy and individual rights.
● 2019: The AIWS-G7 Summit initiative introduces the ‘The Next Generation Democracy- AI World Society,’ envisioning a world with AI-powered transparency, inclusivity, and citizen engagement in governance. This has three components: AI-Government, AI-Citizen, and AI Government Index.
● 2020-2022: Expanding Collaboration and Addressing Challenges. A collaboration with Club de Madrid and Boston Global Forum (BGF) leads to the Policy Lab ‘Transatlantic Approaches on Digital Governance.’ This lab underscores the importance of global policies for AI management, governance and announces the social contract for the ‘AI-Age.’ BGF and United Nations co-published the book “Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment”. There is a special session at the Riga Conference 2021 about this book.
● 2023: The Riga Conference 2023 publishes BGF’s special report “How to Govern AI in an Age of Global Tension.” At the C20-G20 Summit in India in 2023, the recognition of the Social Contract for the AI Age and AI World Society highlighted the global significance of AI governance and the need for international cooperation.
● 2024-Present: The BGF conference honoring Alondra Nelson’s contributions to AI governance stands as a testament to AIWS’s unwavering pursuit of harnessing AI for the greater good and fortifying democratic principles globally and building new democracy.
Deploying Data Sovereignty – Knowledge Platform for AI
Through the AIWS initiative, the Boston Global Forum is seeking to build an AI architecture complementing, not competing with, human strengths. This means AI innovation that leverages human intellect, emotional intelligence (EQ), and cognitive Intelligence (IQ) to achieve desired outcomes.
In this AI-led era of technological advancement, it’s more important than ever for humans to tap into their empathy and lead ethically and with passion as they use AI to advance and improve society in their respective fields of work. Considering this, the Boston Global Forum has conceived “Data Sovereignty – Knowledge Platform for AI”.
As they experiment and innovate with AI, businesses must set in stone the ethical guardrails for using this technology. Generative AI, an amplified and augmented intelligence, is not an alternative to human ingenuity, the BGF believes. In the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI), the need for a comprehensive knowledge platform has never been more pressing. Furthermore, as AI systems continue to permeate various aspects of our lives, from healthcare and finance to transportation and entertainment, the importance of having a centralized repository of knowledge to inform decision-making processes is paramount. Recognizing this, the Boston Global Forum has conceived the Data Sovereignty – Knowledge Platform for AI. This platform serves as an essential resource, providing a foundation upon which AI applications and systems can reference, think critically, and make informed decisions.
CEO’s Guide to Generative AI Revolution
Much like the first free web browser that changed how humans worked and lived, generative AI can disrupt nearly every industry. A double-edged sword, AI promises both competitive advantage and creative destruction. Either way, a revolution in business-model innovation is coming. How should the C-suite respond? From BGF’s standpoint, the priority for CEOs isn’t to fully immerse themselves in the technology but, instead focus on how generative AI will impact their organizations and industries. They must also zero in on strategic choices they make for the company:
● What innovations become possible when every employee can access the seemingly infinite memory generative AI offers?
● How will this technology change how employees’ roles are defined and how they are managed?
● How do you deal with false or biased output generated by generative AI models?
Building Generative AI Solutions for Healthcare
The healthcare industry is committed to high-quality care for patients but for that, healthcare providers must first go through rigorous documentation tasks. Helios, a leading hospital chain in Germany, had begun working toward a comprehensive digital ambition when its team decided to explore using Generative AI to simplify lengthy documentation. BGF worked with partners to find ways to acquire patient data that doctors would consider before generating a discharge letter from the hospital information system, all of which were previously challenging to retrieve. Recognizing that patient privacy was paramount, BGF developed the proof of concept for the cardiology department in an on-the-premises environment. Based on real patient data and historic discharge letters, BGF fine-tuned two open-source large language models (LLMs) for the specific talk in several iterations, leveraging state-of-the-art data science practices. Through a detailed plan, BGF helped doctors generate discharge letters with a touch of a button-saving hours’ worth of work per day.
Artificial Intelligence: An Unchartered Territory
The emergence of generative AI is a pivotal juncture in human history. With its potential to revolutionize industries and augment human capabilities, industries should not miss the bus on AI innovation. However, responsible stewardship of AI is integral for its ethical and sustainable use.
President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen highlighted in her speech at the Boston Global Forum Conference on December 12, 2020:
“It is such an honor to be here with you today. At the Boston Global Forum and Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation, you are at the forefront of research and debate. And you definitely work on some of the world’s most pressing issues. You drive the discussion on digital policy and how a human-centric approach on AI could look like. This is an issue whose importance simply cannot be overestimated.”
by Editor | Jul 4, 2022 | Uncategorized
2021 Award 2020 Award 2019 Award 2018 Award World Leader in AIWS Award 2020 Summary UCLA Professor Judea Pearl is named 2020 World Leader in the Artificial Intelligence World Society. Prize announcement UCLA Professor Judea Pearl Is Named 2020 World Leader In The...
by Editor | Apr 28, 2024 | News, Publications
Yasuhide Nakayama
Martin Nkafu Nkemnkia
David Lovejoy
AIWS: Pioneering AI Governance and New Democracy
Since its inception in November 2017, the Artificial Intelligence World Society (AIWS), founded by the Boston Global Forum (BGF), has been at the forefront of shaping the governance of artificial intelligence (AI) and fostering new models of democracy. Through collaborations with global leaders and top AI thinkers, AIWS has introduced innovative initiatives and frameworks aimed at harnessing AI for the betterment of society.
World Leader in AI World Society Award
Boston Global Forum annually recognizes and honors distinguished leaders for their exemplary leadership and contributions in promoting AI for a better world with the World Leader in AIWS Award starting from 2018.
BGF organizes the Conference “Governing the Future: AI, Democracy, and Humanity” on April 30, 2024, at the prestigious Harvard University Loeb House to honor Alondra Nelson, former Deputy Assistant to President Joe Biden, former Acting Director of the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy, with the 2024 World Leader in AIWS Award. This conference served as a platform to recognize Nelson’s exceptional contributions to AI governance and to explore the intersection of AI, democracy, and humanity.
The prestigious award recognizes Dr. Nelson’s outstanding contributions to shaping global public policy, the governance of artificial intelligence (AI), and our understanding of the societal dimensions of AI development and deployment.
During her tenure at the White House Office of Science and Technology Policy (OSTP), Dr. Nelson spearheaded the development of the “Blueprint for an AI Bill of Rights,” which was incorporated into both President Biden’s historic executive order on artificial intelligence and enacted into policy for the federal government. In leadership at OSTP, she also provided guidance to expand taxpayer access to federally funded research, served as an inaugural member of the Biden Cancer Cabinet, strengthened evidence-based policymaking, and galvanized a multisector strategy to advance equity and excellence in STEM.
Prior recipients of the AIWS World Leader Award have included Ambassador Amandeep Singh Gill, the United Nations Envoy on Technology; Stavros Lambrinidis, European Union Ambassador to the United States; Internet pioneer Vint Cerf; and Sanae Takaichi, the Japanese Minister of State for Economic Security.
AIWS Contributes AI Governance to G7 Summit from 2018: Next Generation Democracy
At the BGF-G7 Summit in 2018, AIWS unveiled the groundbreaking AIWS 7-Layer Model to Build Next Generation Democracy. This model serves as a roadmap for a future where AI is leveraged to enhance creativity, innovation, tolerance, democracy, and individual rights. It emphasizes the role of AI in assisting government decision-making and empowering citizens to participate in governance.
The following year, at the AIWS-G7 Summit Initiative in 2019, held at Harvard University’s Loeb House, AIWS introduced the concept of The Next Generation Democracy – AI World Society. This initiative envisions a society where AI fosters transparency, inclusivity, and citizen engagement in governance. It comprises three key components: AI-Government, AI-Citizen, and AI Government Index, aimed at promoting accountability and efficiency in government operations.
Collaborate with Club de Madrid from 2019: the Social Contract for the AI Age and AIWS Model
In 2020, the collaboration between Club de Madrid and BGF resulted in the Policy Lab ‘Transatlantic Approaches on Digital Governance,’ where former heads of state and government, along with experts, discussed global policies for managing digital technologies and AI. The lab announced the Social Contract for the AI Age and supported AI World Society, urging world leaders to endorse and implement it.
Continuing its efforts, Club de Madrid and BGF launched a five-year initiative in 2021 to develop a human-centered agenda for digital transformation and governance. This initiative aims to build global consensus around principles that prioritize human rights and ethical considerations in digital societies.
At the Policy Lab ‘Fundamental Rights in AI & Digital Societies’ in 2021, the Global Alliance for Digital Governance (GADG) was established, fostering collaboration between BGF and the World Leadership Alliance-Club de Madrid to address the ethical and legal challenges posed by AI.
In 2020, the Boston Global Forum and the Riga Conferences collaborate for platforms for discussing AI governance and societal implications. Notably, the publication of the policy brief “Social Contract for the Artificial Intelligence Age” at the Riga Conference 2020 underscored the importance of safety, security, and sustainability in the AI era.
Collaboration with the United Nations in AI Governance from 2019: Remaking the World – Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment
In 2021, the Boston Global Forum and the Riga Conference 2021 collaborated to organize a special event: “Remaking the World – The Second Age of Enlightenment – The United Nations 2045”. This discussion was a notable highlight of the Rīga Conference 2021 and was co-organized by the Latvian Transatlantic Organisation and the Boston Global Forum.
The event aimed to commemorate the United Nations Centennial initiative, launched by the Boston Global Forum (BGF) and the United Nations Academic Impact (UNAI) in 2019. This initiative was established as the United Nations prepared to mark its 75th anniversary in the following year, with a vision to anticipate the world and the United Nations in 2045, the year of the world organization’s centennial.
Key messages from the event highlighted the core concepts outlined in the book “Remaking the World: Toward an Age of Global Enlightenment”. These concepts include the idea of a Social Contract for the Artificial Intelligence (AI) age, a framework for an AI international accord, an ecosystem for the “AI World Society” (AIWS), and a community innovation economy. The event brought together some of the finest minds of our times to envision a future where AI is harnessed to foster global enlightenment and societal progress.
The Riga Conference 2023 published the Boston Global Forum Special Report “How to Govern AI in an Age of Global Tension” as the Policy Brief of the Riga Conference 2023.
C20-G20 Summit 2023 in India: Recognize AI World Society and the Social Contract for the AI Age
At the C20-G20 Summit in India in 2023, the recognition of the Social Contract for the AI Age and AI World Society highlighted the global significance of AI governance and the need for international cooperation.
Through its pioneering initiatives and collaborations, AIWS continues to drive conversations and actions toward a future where AI is harnessed responsibly to benefit humanity and advance democratic principles on a global scale.
President of European Commission Ursula von der Leyen highlighted in her speech at the Boston Global Forum Conference on December 12, 2020: “It is such an honour to be here with you today. At the Boston Global Forum and Michael Dukakis Institute for Leadership and Innovation, you are at the forefront of research and debate. And you definitely work on some of the world’s most pressing issues. You drive the discussion on digital policy and how a human-centric approach on AI could look like. This is an issue whose importance simply cannot be overestimated.”
by Editor | Jul 4, 2022 | World Leader for Peace and Security
2021 Award 2020 Award 2019 Award 2018 Award World Leader in AIWS Award 2021 Summary Michael Dukakis Institute honored Stavros Lambrinidis, EU Ambassador to the US, with the World Leader in AIWS Award 2021. Prize announcement Michael Dukakis Institute to honor Stavros...
