Shanghai to host global conference on AI governance

Shanghai is set to host the 2024 World Artificial Intelligence Conference and High-Level Meeting on Global AI Governance from July 4 to July 7, according to a news conference by the event organizers in Shanghai on June 20.

Co-hosted by nine government ministries and agencies in collaboration with the Shanghai municipal government, the conference stands as a premier platform for deliberating on the latest breakthroughs, hurdles, and prospects in the realm of artificial intelligence, the organizers said. 

The theme of the conference, "Governing AI for Good and for All", reflects the dual intentions of the event: to establish an open, inclusive, and equitable international platform for exchange and cooperation, and to facilitate comprehensive discussions on AI development, security, and governance issues across various sectors and stakeholders, said Director Sun Xiaobo from the Ministry of Foreign Affairs at the news conference.

The conference promises a dynamic agenda spread across four days, encompassing forums, exhibitions, awards ceremonies, and interactive engagements. Attendees can expect interactions with leading scientists, entrepreneurs, and investors hailing from diverse corners of the globe, contributing to dialogues on cutting-edge AI technologies, industry trends, and the imperative of responsible governance.

Distinguished experts from a spectrum of disciplines, including ethics, large language models, robotics, and education, will headline the WAIC's forums. The event will be graced by the presence of nine Turing Award, Fields Medal, and Nobel Prize laureates, alongside 88 domestic and international academicians. A gathering of over 200 eminent guests is anticipated to share their invaluable insights.

The exhibition segment will spotlight advanced AI solutions spanning various sectors, drawing over 500 companies, among them industry giants such as Tesla, Microsoft, and Schneider Electric. Participants will have the opportunity to delve into pioneering innovations in domains such as large language models, computational prowess, robotics, and autonomous driving.

The High-level Meeting on Global AI Governance will feature a dedicated forum on global governance of artificial intelligence, chaired by a representative from the Chinese Ministry of Science and Technology, where government officials and leaders from international organizations will present their policy perspectives, according to Sun. 

"Regarding global governance of artificial intelligence, China advocates for principles of broad participation and consensus through negotiation," Sun said. "Emphasizing respect for policy differences among nations, China aims to engage all stakeholders actively to form a broad international consensus. The goal is to prevent potential risks associated with AI, explore its opportunities, and drive AI to empower global economic and social development for the benefit of all humanity."