UN Resident Coordinator Siddharth Chatterjee delivered opening remarks at the T-EDGE Conference on Friday.

BEIJING, December 1 (TMTPOST) -- Siddharth Chatterjee, the UN Resident Coordinator in China, has stressed that the case for cooperation is perhaps "most apparent”, with artificial intelligence (AI) as a common global interest.

“As the new wave of technological change and industrial transformation progresses, innovation and resources move faster than ever as economic ties between countries become ever closer,” Chatterjee told hundreds of innovators, entrepreneurs, investors and officials at the three-day T-EDGE Conference that started on Friday.  

While the digital economy and innovation create new opportunities, such progress also presents new challenges for the world to consider, noted Chatterjee, adding that whether in areas such as AI or big data, people need more in-depth, extensive discussions to explore the potential for technological, economic and industrial transformations, along with continued dialogue on the associated risks these changes might bring, he said.

The T-EDGE Conference brings together representatives from governments, international organizations, academia and the business sector, to discuss issues related to the digital economy, technology and innovation, all of which are critical to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), he said.

AI, as an emerging technology, is rapidly advancing and shifting production and consumption processes, impacting society more broadly, said the UN’s top development official in China. “The rise of the newest form of AI, generative AI, has seen unprecedented attention, speed and reach. AI, if harnessed responsibly, has the potential to be a pivotal tool to accelerate progress on the Sustainable Develpment Goals.”

"We must ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI to safeguard peace and security, human rights and development," said Chatterjee.

“Fears are rising, particularly with generative AI, that AI tools and increased automation will put more people out of decent work, posing social and economic challenges. Similarly, inaction on gender biases in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields threatens to perpetuate inequalities within the algorithms that will shape our future,” he noted.

“This is why the Bletchley Declaration, agreed upon by 28 countries, including the US, China, UK and EU, is an important achievement. This agreement established a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by AI and the need for governments to work together to meet the most significant challenges,” Chatterjee said.

“Further progress will hopefully be achieved through the development and agreement of a Global Digital Compact, which was called for by the UN Secretary-General and will be agreed to by Member States at the Summit of the Future in September 2024,” said the senior official, adding that this compact will outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all and will cover issues related to AI, internet fragmentation and digital connectivity.

UN Secretary-General António Guterres has called for the establishment of a High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence to undertake analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of AI. He asked the attendees to follow the developments in this regard.

“I also note the continued trend of many Chinese companies to expand their operations internationally. Such companies require opportunities such as those presented by this conference to facilitate more learning and the sharing of best practices,” he commented.

“Enhancing international cooperation and global partnerships is also essential for achieving the SDGs,” said the senior U.N. official.

The three-day T-EDGE Conference that opened on Friday features focuses on innovation, artificial intelligence and globalization.

For the full text of UN Resident Coorindator in China Siddharth Chatterjee's speech delivered at the 2023 T-EDGE Conference organized by TMTPost Group, please check out this link.