On November 19, 2021, as part of the first World Innovative Cities Forum, the Roundtable on Artificial Intelligence and Global Governance was held by China Forum together with the Shenzhen Foundation for International Exchange and Cooperation, Tsinghua University’s Institute for AI International Governance (I-AIIG), and Shenzhen Artificial Intelligence Industry Association (SAIIA). The event convened an international panel for discussions on AI international cooperation and governance, with a view to facilitating deeper engagement of local industries in this cause.

The conference was moderated by Mr. Wang Xin, Head of Corporate Cooperation at China Forum. Professor Xue Lan, Dean of I-AIIG, Ms. Cao Saixian, Director of Shenzhen Foreign Affairs Office, Mr. Zhang Lirong, Secretary General of China Forum, and Dr. Fan Congming, Executive Chairman of SAIIA, delivered opening speeches.

(Left to right: Zhang Lirong, Xue Lan, Cao Saixian)

(Left to right: Fan Congming, Zhu Feng, Zhao Wei)

Following the opening remarks, four keynote speakers addressed the conference. Professor Zhu Feng, Executive Dean of the School of International Relations at Nanjing University, shared his views on recent developments in China-US relations and the international situation. Professor Wendell Wallach, Chair of the Technology and Ethics Research Group at Yale’s Interdisciplinary Center for Bioethics, presented his ideas on AI governance and ethics. Professor Gong Ke, President of the World Federation of Engineering Organizations, noted that AI governance should promote AI development, respect human rights and ensure sustainability, incorporate technology governance and social governance, and contribute to sustainable cooperation. Professor Zhao Wei, Chief Scientist of China’s 973, shared his insights into the scientific, industrial and commercial applications of big data.

(Top to bottom, left to right: Wendell Wallach, Gong Ke, Wang Xin, Zhu Feng, Li Shipeng, Fan Congming)

In the roundtable, discussants explored topics such as China-US technology competition and cooperation, the roles of government, NGOs and businesses in AI global governance, and China’s development opportunities.

The conference convened more than 80 representatives from local government and AI-related enterprises, academia and research institutions.