From March 27 to 28, 2025, Xiao Qian, Deputy Director of the Center for International Security and Strategy (CISS) and Vice Dean of the Institute for AI International Governance at Tsinghua University, was invited to attend Global Conference on AI, Security and Ethics 2025 held at the Palais des Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The Conference was hosted by the United Nations Institute for Disarmament Research (UNIDIR) and aimed to bring together the diplomatic community – as well as experts from the military, industry, academia, civil society organizations and research labs – to jointly consider and address the complex implications of AI for national, regional and global security and resilience.  

During the Panel Discussion on Knowledge and Capacity Building, Xiao Qian, as a featured speaker, introduced the efforts made by China—particularly Tsinghua University—in capacity building on artificial intelligence. She emphasized that in today’s complex geopolitical landscape, it is essential to uphold dialogue and cooperation, build mutual trust, and promote the use of AI technologies in an inclusive, fair, and responsible manner for the benefit of all humanity.

Xiao highlighted the unique role of universities in fostering a global knowledge community on AI governance and in facilitating international exchanges between technology and governance. She noted that by offering AI training programs for developing countries, universities are playing an increasingly important role in advancing global AI capacity building.

The conference, open to all, is organized as part of the Roundtable for AI, Security and Ethics (RAISE) – an initiative led by UNIDIR in partnership with Microsoft. By convening experts from diverse backgrounds and across geopolitical divides, RAISE intends to foster inclusive and multisectoral engagement by promoting open dialogue and cooperation. As a member of the RAISE, Xiao Qian was invited to participate and deliver a presentation.

During her visit to Switzerland, Xiao also visited the Centre for Humanitarian Dialogue (HD), where she met with Executive Director David Harland and Head of China Program Linda van der Horst to exchange views on China-Europe cooperation.