UN expert sheds light on China's AI resolution for global cooperation

The United Nations General Assembly on Monday unanimously approved China's groundbreaking resolution aimed at enhancing international cooperation in AI capacity building, underscoring both global consensus and China's pioneering role in AI governance.

Co-sponsored by over 140 countries, the resolution marks the UN's first dedicated effort towards fostering global collaboration in AI development.

The resolution underscores the importance of fair business practices and inclusivity in AI development, addressing widespread international concerns. It reaffirms the UN's central role in promoting multilateral cooperation amidst a fragmented global governance landscape.

Experts underscore the resolution's critical implications for current AI policies and governance, emphasizing the global imperative of ensuring ethical and inclusive AI deployment.

"In previous global discussions, the focus may have been on the security, ethics, and governance of artificial intelligence. However, for many low- and middle-income countries, they lack even the most basic AI infrastructure, let alone innovation and application capabilities. So, the original purpose of AI technology was to empower sustainable development and bridge the digital divide. But now, this gap has widened, making governance issues exceptionally critical. Therefore, capacity building is a crucial core. Its goal is to help these countries bridge the digital divide, and ensure that the benefits of AI reach them," said Zeng Yi, an expert of U.N. High-Level Advisory Board on Artificial Intelligence.

Achieving fairness and inclusivity amid AI's rapid evolution has become a paramount issue, and thus become the resolution's principal advocate. China's initiative aims to address global AI disparities, responding to urgent global demands, particularly in developing nations.

"China has proposed listening to the voices of developing countries and low- and middle-income countries, to hear their concerns. But merely listening is not enough. That's why in this resolution, it is proposed the Secretary-General of the United Nations submit a formal report in the next session of the General Assembly to summarize the challenges faced by developing and low- and middle-income countries in the development and application of artificial intelligence. More importantly, what can the United Nations do? How can our member states better support the United Nations in addressing these issues and bridging such divides?" Zeng said.

Last October, China proposed the "Global AI Governance Initiative" during the third Belt and Road Forum for International Cooperation, which systematically elaborated on its approach focusing on AI development, security, and governance.

Experts noted the latest UN resolution reflects the core principles of the Initiative, particularly the human-centric and benevolent principles of AI, as well as China's consistent advocacy for strengthening international cooperation and assistance to developing countries.

In a proactive step, China announced it will host the World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance in Shanghai from July 4 to July 6, aiming to bolster collaboration with developing nations.

UN expert sheds light on China's AI resolution for global cooperation

UN expert sheds light on China's AI resolution for global cooperation

Cultural exchanges between China and Iran are fostering closer bilateral ties, potentially serving as a model for cooperation within the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO), according to Iranian Minister of Cultural Heritage, Handicrafts, and Tourism Ezzatollah Zarghami.

In an interview with China Global Television Network (CGTN), Zarghami shared his insights on the extensive programs in cultural, artistic, and educational exchanges between the two countries.

"In the fields of art, film, book publishing, and cultural-related areas, cooperation has been well advanced. Another important aspect is the cooperation in cultural heritage and the field of civilizations between the two countries, which I believe has been well implemented so far. The work done during this period, particularly in the restoration of historical monuments and prevention of cultural artifact smuggling, has been of great significance. At the Baghdad Conference attended by ten ancient civilizations, Iran proposed unified actions among the participating countries to retrieve illegally taken cultural artifacts, especially those exhibited in Western museums. This is one of our common future plans. Additionally, it includes museum collaborations, tourism, handicraft exhibitions, and organizing educational seminars, among others," he said.

"Let me introduce to your audience that Chinese media personnel and internet influencers have visited Iran. They have a large number of followers, approximately 60 million. These followers have started to pay more attention to topics related to Iran, and a B2B dialogue has been established between us for organizing museum exhibitions. The Cultural Heritage Alliance initiated by China, as an alliance between Asian and Silk Road cities, has been recognized and has worked well in Iran. In terms of museum cooperation, the Chinese side has provided training courses for some of our colleagues, for which I express my gratitude. They have also collaborated in combating the illegal export of cultural artifacts. I believe that cooperation in cultural heritage, tourism, and even handicraft fields is a very positive way to strengthen bilateral relations and implement past agreements," Zarghami explained.

Beyond the artistic exchanges, Zarghami highlighted the significant role culture plays in deepening ties between the two countries, impacting various fields.

"China is seeking to make civilization and culture the basis for developing trade, economy, and other areas of relations, which is very good. In my opinion, the Shanghai Cooperation Organization and its member countries are valuable assets in the international cooperation system and can play an important role in international relations. It is gratifying that Iran and China have good mutual relations in various fields, which are built on the foundation of civilization and culture. This kind of relationship between the two countries can serve as a model for other countries," Zarghami added.

Iran hails cultural ties with China as model for SCO cooperation