UN and China encourages AI for our future

Sri Lankans may study why Chinese youth are attracted to CPC, why CPC membership increased by more than one million during 2023

In July 1921 the Communist Party of China (CPC) took the 1st centenary goal to eradicate poverty in China by2021. It reached the goal in 2020 and on the eve of its 103rd anniversary members celebrated with a symphony concert at the CPC Museum in Beijing. CPC statistics indicate that the Museum opened in 2021 has so far received more than 3.5 million visitors (including 550,000 youth). In Sri Lanka while the public are struggling to make ends meet, the Election Commission reaffirmed the validity of the election law. Accordingly, it may discourage those who use nonsense to win voters. Sri Lankans may study why Chinese youth are attracted to CPC and why CPC membership increased by more than one million during 2023. They should know that it’s tough to mislead youth by counting full moons as they are equipped with technology especially AI (Artificial Intelligence).   

UN stands with China

In 2024 China is celebrating the 70th anniversary of the announcing five principals of ‘Peaceful Coexistence’ stated below;

1.Mutual respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
2.Mutual non-aggression.
3.Non-interference in each other’s internal affairs.
4.Equality and mutual benefit.
5.Peaceful coexistence.

Moving on a path based on the above, on Monday while CPC was celebrating its 103rd, at the 78th session, the UN General Assembly unanimously adopted its first resolution on international cooperation in AI capacity building. The resolution proposed by China (co-sponsored by 140+ countries) is on ‘Enhancing International cooperation on capacity – building of Artificial Intelligence’. It emphasize on the need for AI to adhere to “Principles of being Human-Centered” to promote intelligence to benefit humanity. Before this, at the 53rd session of the UN Human Rights Council, China proposed on promoting the rights of people with disabilities in relation to AI, and at the 55th session proposed on enhancing ‘Child Rights’ in relation to AI.

What’s in it for Developing Countries?

With the intention of accelerating implementation of the 2030 agenda for ‘Sustainable Development’, the UN encourages international cooperation and actions especially for developing countries to: strengthen AI capacity building, enhance representation, have a voice in global AI governance, and advocate for an open, fair and non-discriminatory business environment. China’s recent pledge to support to digitize SL customs during the visit of Wang Lingjun, Vice Minister of the General Administration of Customs (GAC) is one example where China helps SL to restructure its economy to come out of the economic crisis. 

Women’s Rights with AI 

On Monday, at the 56th session of the UN Human Rights Council in Switzerland, China and many of the above states advocated for strengthening international cooperation to use AI to promote Women’s Rights. It coincides with the 30th anniversary of the Beijing Declaration and Platform for Action (adopted by the 4th World Conference on Women in Beijing - 1995) which will be celebrated in 2025. China and other states that support the cause were of the view that AI is an opportunity to promote gender equality and ensure women’s participation for human development.

2024 being an election year, Sri Lankans often see faces and hear voices of the elected, leaving party offices. They rarely see youth or public walking into party offices as in the case of CPC. A comparative analysis may change ground reality. As the Chinese believe, the moon is not in the water. Sri Lankans should work to reach it. It won’t be hard with tools such as AI. If not they may spend this century also counting full moons.

-The writer is a Professor of Management focusing on ‘Conflict Prevention using the Belt and Road’. He was principal resource person of BRI Radio Programme on China Radio International SL and has researched on topic at KSG Harvard and QEH Oxford.