The UNU Macau AI Conference 2024
From April 24th to 25th, 2024, the United Nations University Macau AI Conference 2024(UNU Macau AI Conference 2024) was successfully held in Macau. The conference revolved around the theme of “AI for All: Bridging Divides, Building a Sustainable Future”and officially launched “The United Nations University Global Artificial Intelligence Network” (UNU Global AI Network). Nearly 500 participants from academia, policymakers, the private sectors, international organizations, and civil society organizations from more than 30 countries participated in this academic event and connected across diverse viewpoints on the Al. School of International Governance Innovation of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies(GDUFS), as one of the founding members of the Network, sent two postgraduate representatives to participate in this forum.
Shouldering Great Responsibilities
Dr. Jingbo Huang, director of UNU IIST Macau
Huang Jingbo, Director of UNU IIST Macau, extended a warm welcome to the attending guest scholars and institutional representatives. She expressed her hope that UNU Macau AI Conference 2024 could serve as a significant bridge connecting the Global South and the Global North and facilitate equal exchange and dialogue.
Keynote speech by Tshilidzi Marwala, Rector of the United Nations University, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations
Tshilidzi Marwala, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Rector of the United Nations University, said in his speech at the conference: “Al is complex because it is how we are attempting to grapple with a planet in its full intricacy, and to solve some of the biggest problems of all time.” He also pointed out in his keynote speech, “Now is the time to ask big questions. We need to put AI at the core of sustainable development issues.”
To this end, the United Nations University proposed the Global AI Network, aiming to build a comprehensive global platform that integrates the expertise of academia, the innovation of the private sector, the foresight of policymakers, and the grassroots engagement of civil society to jointly address the complex global challenges posed by AI.
More than 30 representatives, including the Federal Ministry Republic of Austria, Ministry of Post and Telecommunications of Cambodia, Macau University of Science and Technology, Institute for AI International Governance of Tsinghua University, Norwegian University of Science and Technology, African Society in Digital Science, Chunlai Education, MGM, Tencent, SenseTime, Nothern Europe Innovation Centre, and School of International Governance Innovation of Guangdong University of Foreign Studies, jointly participated in the launch ceremony and promoted a new chapter of cooperation.
UNU Global AI Network launch ceremony
Tshilidzi Marwala, Under-Secretary-General of the United Nations, Rector of the United Nations University, emphasized in his speech at the launch ceremony, “The UNU AI Network aims to connect Al experts from industries, academia, policymaking bodies, and NGOs worldwide. It will serve as a dynamic platform for sharing Al knowledge and insights, thereby enhancing the application of Al technologies in promoting sustainable development and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals of the United Nations.”
Progress with Firm Determination
Postgraduate representatives from School of International Governance Innovation
As one of the founding members of the Network, School of International Governance Innovation of GDUFS enjoys the multiple advantages of disciplines such as international governance, economics, management, and law. Based on the development of the times and the strategic needs of the country, it actively conducts research on key theoretical issues and countermeasures in the field of AI international governance and also focuses on cultivating a group of comprehensive and high-end professional talents to participate in AI international governance. As a result, it can provide policy support and talent guarantee for China's active participation in AI international governance, and enhance China's global academic influence and policy leadership role in this field.
In addition, School of International Governance Innovation has expanded foreign cooperation and established close cooperative relationships with foreign universities such as University of Maryland, European University Institute, and University of Chile, as well as international organizations such as United Nations Conference on Trade and Development(UNCTAD), World Bank, and The International Trade Centre, jointly exploring new solutions for AI international governance.
As a strategic technology that leads the future and an important engine for developing new quality productive forces, AI has not only brought huge development opportunities to the world while also introducing risks and challenges in its rapid development process. Therefore, accelerating the construction of an international governance system for AI is crucial to the fate of all mankind. School of International Governance Innovation of GDUFS leads the charge to research and explore solutions for AI international governance, is committed to cultivating high-end professional talents for participating in AI international governance, and works with all parties to make AI benefit everyone.
