Excellencies,

Colleagues,

As Co-Chair of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building, I would like to thank the Joint Secretariat and the Co-Chairs of the Global Dialogue for organizing this dedicated briefing for the Group of Friends.

This meeting provides a valuable opportunity for us to share our views, concerns, and priorities regarding international AI governance. And I’m sure it will contribute to an open, transparent, and inclusive Global Dialogue.

At present, artificial intelligence is advancing at an unprecedented pace, and is profoundly reshaping the way we live and work. As AI continues to evolve, there are several foundation questions that we must answer.

Should we work to ensure that AI benefit all humanity, or should we allow it to become a game only for the rich countries and the wealthy?

Should we work to ensure that the Global South participates in global AI governance on an equal footing, or should we allow new development gaps to emerge?

Should we advance development and security together, or just move forward without putting proper safeguards in place?

These questions deserve our collective attention. And they should be central to the discussions of the Global Dialogue on AI Governance, which will serve as an important platform for countries to enhance coordination, build consensus, and expand cooperation.

This Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building was established to advance the implementation of the Global Digital Compact and the General Assembly Resolution on Enhancing International Cooperation on Capacity-Building of Artificial Intelligence (A/RES/78/311). It is closely aligned with the United Nations AI governance agenda, and reflects the shared aspiration of the broad membership to bridge the AI divide, strengthen capacity-building, and promote international cooperation.

The Group of Friends will continue to uphold the central coordinating role of the United Nations in international development cooperation, and remain committed to true multilateralism. We call for greater investment in AI capacity-building and for stronger efforts to implement the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.

The Group has actively and constructively participated in the preparations for the first Global Dialogue. We are considering delivering a joint statement at the Dialogue to put forward our shared vision of AI governance that is fair and inclusive, open and cooperative, safe and trustworthy, and development-oriented. 

Through such a vision, we hope to reflect the shared interests of Group members, especially the voices and concerns of developing countries, and help build the broadest possible consensus in areas such as AI capacity-building and digital and intelligent empowerment.

Excellencies,

Colleagues,

Guided by the Global Governance Initiative and the Global AI Governance Initiative proposed by President Xi Jinping, China will continue to support the UN as the main channel for global AI governance. China attaches great importance to the Global Dialogue and will send a ministerial level delegation. We will continue to work closely with members of the Group of Friends to build consensus and take joint actions, so as to make greater contributions to the Global Dialogue and to building a more fair and equitable global AI governance system.

Thank you.