China proposes group to promote cooperation on artificial intelligence

A new international group proposed by China was launched at the United Nations on Tuesday during a meeting co-chaired by China and Zambia to promote global cooperation in building artificial intelligence capacity.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, emphasized the need to harness AI to promote fairness and inclusivity, uphold multilateralism, and focus on capacity-building.

Highlighting that the "Group of Friends" aims to foster broad partnerships and support sustainable development worldwide through AI, Fu said that this group can play a role in helping the international community seize the immense opportunities presented by digital development, build partnerships and undertake actions for a brighter and smarter future.

AI can play a crucial role in implementing the UN's 2030 Agenda, enhancing people's well-being and addressing global challenges, he said, adding that "the development of AI also could bring conflicting rules, social risks and ethical challenges."

"We must always keep in mind that high-quality AI development can only be possible when robust security guardrails are in place. AI must always be under human control," he said.

Representatives from more than 80 other countries, including Egypt, Pakistan, Brazil, Ethiopia, Indonesia, Russia, the United States, France and the United Kingdom, also attended the meeting of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity Building.

(Cover photo: the headquarters of the UN. /CFP)