On May 6, the Permanent Mission of China, the Permanent Mission of Zambia, and the China Association for Science and Technology (CAST) co-hosted a side event of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building at the UN Headquarters in New York. The event featured remarks by Permanent Representative of China to the UN Ambassador Fu Cong, a leading official of CAST Ms. Luo Hui, Permanent Representatives of Zambia, Costa Rica, and Spain, and the Deputy Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU). Over 100 representatives from more than 70 countries and international organizations attended the event. 

In his remarks, Ambassador Fu Cong said that China is both an advocate and practitioner of international cooperation on AI capacity-building. Since its establishment, the Group of Friends has actively facilitated policy exchanges, knowledge sharing, and practical collaboration. China remains committed to promoting AI for good and for all, ensuring equitable and inclusive benefits, and fostering global AI governance and cooperation. 

Ms. Luo Hui highlighted that CAST’s open-source AI initiatives have benefited many countries and regions. CAST will continue to encourage open dialogue, establish cooperative frameworks, and support AI empowerment in developing countries. 

Zambia’s Permanent Representative Dr. Chola Milambo emphasized that AI cannot be approached in isolation, and that it must be implemented through genuine partnerships. The Group of Friends brings together diverse perspectives and experiences, united by a common purpose: to foster an inclusive approach to AI development that leaves no one behind. 

Experts including Professor Gong Ke, former president of World Federation of Engineering Organizations, provided insights into the current state and future prospects of AI development. Representatives from various countries actively participated in discussions, calling for global efforts to establish a cooperative framework for AI capacity-building. They urged concrete actions to promote equitable and inclusive AI benefits for all.