The opening ceremony of the Second AI Capacity Building Workshop, hosted by the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, organized by Tsinghua University, and co-organized by Beijing Municipality, was held at Tsinghua University recently. Ma Zhaoxu, Vice Foreign Minister; Chola Mwalebo, Co-chair of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building and Zambia's Permanent Representative to the United Nations; Qiu Yong, Secretary of the CPC Tsinghua University Committee; and Ma Jun, Vice Mayor of Beijing, attended the opening ceremony and delivered remarks. Amandeep Singh Gill, United Nations Under-Secretary-General, delivered a video address. Yang Bin, Vice Chairperson of Tsinghua University Council, presided over the ceremony. Representatives from nearly 40 countries and regional organizations gathered at Tsinghua University to embark on a six-day program of exchanges and learning.

Ma Zhaoxu said President Xi Jinping proposed the Global AI Governance Initiative, contributing China's solution and wisdom for the question of the times and charting the course for global AI governance, which carries great historical and practical relevance. All countries should uphold the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, adhere to innovation and openness, fairness and inclusiveness, and collaborative governance, deliver on the Global AI Governance Initiative, and make AI an international public good for all.

Ma Zhaoxu pointed out that China is an active advocate, promoter, and pioneer of AI capacity building. It has prioritized the follow-up implementation of the United Nations (UN) General Assembly resolution on enhancing international cooperation on AI capacity building, announced the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All, and set up the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building. Ma Zhaoxu expressed his anticipation that all parties will further build consensus, promote cooperation, and achieve common development.

Chola Milambo said, China has played a leading role in helping the Global South enhance its AI capacity-building, and the workshop is extremely significant for following through on the Global Digital Compact and the UN General Assembly resolution.

Qiu Yong first introduced Tsinghua University's achievements in the field of artificial intelligence. He stated that with the rapid evolution of AI technology, developing countries are presented with opportunities as well as challenges. Promoting the fair and inclusive development of AI is a shared responsibility of the international community. Tsinghua will insist on open cooperation, uphold the philosophy of humanistic care, and work with global partners to advance AI talent development, accelerate AI technological innovation, and empower practical applications, ensuring that AI truly benefits all humanity.

Amandeep Singh Gill delivered a video speech, emphasizing that the AI resolution adopted by the UN General Assembly with China's promotion is of milestone significance. He expressed the hope that the workshop will contribute to advancing global AI governance and international cooperation on AI.

Ma Jun stated that Beijing will serve as a vital link, working together to build a comprehensive and multi-layered artificial intelligence cooperation network. This initiative aims to accelerate the transformation of locally developed, secure, reliable, convenient, and efficient AI technologies, products, and services from Global South countries into the AI development capabilities of various nations. This collaboration will ultimately contribute to writing a new chapter in global inclusive development.

The opening ceremony of the workshop

Li Chijiang, Deputy Director-General of the Department of Arms Control of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs; Liu Weihua, Deputy Director-General of Beijing Municipal Science and Technology Commission , Administrative Commission of Zhongguancun Science Park; and relevant officials from Tsinghua's School of Public Policy and Man,gement and International Office attended the opening ceremony.

Following the ceremony, Xue Lan, a Distinguished Professor of Arts. Humanities and Social Sciences at Tsinghua University and Director of the Institute for AI International Governance, delivered a keynote lecture.

From School of Public Policy & Management

Editor: Li Han