The C20 Technology and Security for One World Summit, G20 – C20 India
May 12-14, 2023
Global Enlightenment Community: From Words to Actions – The Urgency for Government and Civic Action
Special Address by Nguyen Anh Tuan, Co-founder and CEO of Boston Global Forum
Dear Professor Krishnashree Achuthan and distinguished guests,
I am honored to address you today at the C20 Technology and Security for One World Summit. In a world plagued by conflict and the threat of warfare, it is crucial that we also recognize the potential dangers of uncontrolled and unregulated artificial intelligence (AI) development.
Boston Global Forum (BGF), in response to these risks and the ongoing cybersecurity threats, initiated the AI World Society (AIWS) in 2017. The aim of AIWS is to establish a Seven-layer Model that maximizes the benefits of AI while managing and controlling the associated risks for individuals, organizations, and governments. This model seeks to achieve greater intelligence, higher labor productivity, increased efficiency, speed, and optimization, all while ensuring responsible AI development.
BGF has taken several initiatives to lay the foundation for a new AI World Society called the Age of Global Enlightenment. The first of these initiatives was the BGF-G7 Summit in 2018, which introduced the AIWS 7-Layer Model to Build Next Generation Democracy. Subsequently, the AIWS-G7 Summit Initiative in 2019 introduced the concepts of AI-Government and AI-Citizen. In collaboration with the United Nations Academic Impact, BGF co-founded the United Nations Centennial Initiative in 2019, with the goal of building the Age of Global Enlightenment.
To further solidify the framework for AI governance, BGF partnered with the Club de Madrid, an organization of over 100 former presidents and prime ministers, to announce the Social Contract for the Age of Artificial Intelligence in September 2020. This was followed by the announcement of the AI International Accord (AIIA) and the co-founding of the Global Alliance for Digital Governance (GADG) in September 2021. These initiatives provide a framework for relationships between nations, businesses, and individuals in the era of AI, technology, and data. It is crucial to understand that the world of AI, technology, and data requires not only technological standards but also social standards rooted in ethical principles. These fundamental standards represent the ideals that civilized humanity aspires to achieve, ensuring every citizen can maximize their potential in innovation, have equal opportunities, actively participate in social governance and supervision, receive fair opportunities in education, be educated in the foundational values of humanity and society, and have access to information, transparency, and public accountability. By adhering to these standards, we can limit conflicts, mutual destruction, and mitigate the risks posed by AI.
Furthermore, AI and data have the potential to build a better and more democratic society. By leveraging AI, we can restrain governments with extreme nationalist ambitions from deceiving the people through media manipulation and trampling on the sovereignty and territorial integrity of other nations. The Social Contract for the Age of Artificial Intelligence aims to empower each citizen to maximize their own abilities and power while upholding ethical standards.
In collaboration with the United Nations Academic Impact, BGF co-founded the United Nations Centennial Initiative in 2019, laying the groundwork for the Age of Global Enlightenment. The Social Contract for the Age of Artificial Intelligence explicitly recognizes AI Assistants as a center of power. Platforms like ChatGPT, born on November 30, 2022, serve as material embodiments of this idea. The question then arises: how do we control and govern this center of power?
To address this question, BGF organized a series of high-level conferences on Governance for AI Assistants and ChatGPT, culminating in the High-level Conference on April 26, 2023, at the Harvard University Faculty Club. The Framework for Global Governance of AI Assistants and ChatGPT was announced during this conference. These efforts, along with the establishment of the Global Enlightenment Community, create an international platform where leaders, thinkers, innovators, artists, and business leaders can come together to promote thought, creativity, and ethical behaviors worldwide. The community emphasizes the urgent need for government action to translate words into tangible actions.
In building the Age of Global Enlightenment, four pillars play a crucial role: the United States, Japan, Europe, and India. These countries and regions, with their technological prowess and economic models driven by AI and digital advancements, form the foundation for the Global Enlightenment Mountain—a new Silicon Valley model. It is heartening to see the establishment of the Global Internet Governance, Digital Empowerment and Security Alliance (GLIDES), which BGF fully supports as a Charter Member.
GLIDES, as an alliance of social organizations, will play a crucial role in connecting and harnessing the strength of humanity. By promoting unity and empowering citizens, it will contribute to creating a better world in the age of AI, guided by the principles of the AIWS model. The establishment of this alliance is not only essential but timely.
BGF, the Global Enlightenment Community, and GLIDES will collaborate on implementing action programs to navigate the AI age successfully. The Global Enlightenment Education Program aims to educate and equip citizens with knowledge and understanding to thrive in the AI-driven world. Simultaneously, the Global Enlightenment Leadership Program focuses on developing ethical and visionary leaders.
The GE Community, BGF, and GADG will serve as bridges for dialogue, control, and governance of AI. They will facilitate a global dialogue environment among civil society organizations, businesses, and governments to address challenges and risks associated with AI. Additionally, these entities will champion ethical AI innovation and explore new avenues of development for humanity, from improving democratic mechanisms to economic innovation.
Together, we will establish a technology-driven economic market across the United States, Japan, India, Europe, Canada, Australia, South Korea, Israel, ASEAN, and beyond. Our goal is to connect with all countries and citizens who uphold and implement the standards set forth in the Social Contract for the AI Age. Through this alliance, we will leverage the power of the market and democracy to protect values, standards, and the dignity of individuals worldwide.
While our focus initially lies on implementing these initiatives in advanced countries, we acknowledge the importance of extending our efforts to developing nations in Africa, the Middle East, and Latin America. The ultimate vision is to establish the Age of Global Enlightenment, turning the AIWS model into a tangible reality. This path of governance, guided by responsible humans and propelled by the right goals and a beautiful model, shows the synthesis between human ingenuity and new technologies.
As we embark on this journey, let us combine the essence of Boston with the warmth and emotional richness of the Vietnamese people to contribute to AIWS and build a new era—the Global Age of Enlightenment for humanity. Now is the time for action, and I am hopeful that India, as part of the G20, will help spearhead global initiatives. Let GADG, the Global Enlightenment Community, and GLIDES consolidate and unite to carry out these actions.
Together, we will harness the comprehensive strength of progressive humanity, ensuring that we navigate the AI age with wisdom and foresight, steering clear of potential catastrophes. Our action program, with its clear phases, emphasizes collaboration with governments, religious institutions, major AI and data companies, and the establishment of a creative AI-driven market system. This market system, with the GEM platform at its core, will empower citizens and protect their dignity against the influence of undemocratic institutions.
Our dedication to building a united force of citizens does not stop at the aforementioned regions. We also deeply care about the countries in Africa and the Middle East, recognizing their immense potential for growth and development. While we focus on implementing our initiatives in advanced nations first, we are committed to extending our support and collaboration to these developing countries. By fostering partnerships and providing the necessary resources, we aim to empower their citizens and ensure they are not left behind in the journey towards the Age of Global Enlightenment.
To achieve our collective vision, we need to leverage our knowledge, optimize our strategies, and take reasonable actions based on the best available information. It is through alliances and connections among progressive resources that we can create a powerful and unified voice—one that resonates with democratic citizens around the world. Together, we can help every individual become an educated and democratic global citizen, capable of innovating and shaping the future of our global society.
The Global Alliance for Digital Governance (GADG) and the Global Internet Governance, Digital Empowerment and Security Alliance (GLIDES) will play crucial roles in coordinating these resources. They will serve as the driving force behind comprehensive human progress, ensuring that the power of AI is harnessed for good and that humanity remains in control of its own destiny.
In our pursuit of the Age of Global Enlightenment, we emphasize the need for collaboration among governments, businesses, academia, and civil society. Only by working together can we overcome the challenges and risks posed by AI while unlocking its full potential for the benefit of all. By establishing open dialogue channels, fostering innovation, and implementing ethical practices, we can build a society that upholds the values of transparency, fairness, and democracy.
Furthermore, we recognize that the transformation towards an AI-driven future will require continuous education and knowledge-sharing. Through the Global Enlightenment Education Program, we will equip citizens with the necessary skills and understanding to thrive in the digital era. Simultaneously, the Global Enlightenment Leadership Program will nurture visionary leaders who can guide us through this transformative journey, ensuring that our actions are guided by wisdom and compassion.
Let us remember that the market is not merely a tool for economic exchange but a force that can shape societies. By harnessing the power of the market and aligning it with our shared values and standards, we can protect the dignity and worth of every individual. This alliance of citizens in the United States, Europe, India, Japan, Australia, Canada, South Korea, ASEAN, Brazil, and beyond will stand as a testament to our commitment to building a fair, just, and prosperous global society.
We can turn the ideals and principles of the Social Contract for the AI Age into a tangible reality. With the AIWS model as our guide, we will pave the way towards a future where AI and technology serve as tools for human progress rather than threats to our well-being. Let us seize this historic opportunity, united in purpose and driven by the shared vision of a better world.
India, as the host of the G20, has a unique opportunity to lead the way in global actions. We call upon India to take the helm, initiating collaborative efforts that will shape the course of our collective future. With the support of GADG, the Global Enlightenment Community, and GLIDES, we can consolidate our efforts and work towards the realization of our shared goals.
The time for action is now. Let us embark on this transformative journey together, leaving no one behind. By uniting our strengths and leveraging the power of AI and technology, we will usher in a new era—the Age of Global Enlightenment.