By He Yin, People’s Daily
On May 6 local time, China and Zambia co-hosted a side event of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building at the UN headquarters in New York.
Themed “From Divide to Synergy: Global Cooperation Frameworks for AI Capacity-Building,” the event brought together representatives from over 70 countries, including Russia, France, Brazil, Indonesia, Pakistan, and Ethiopia, as well as international organizations such as the International Telecommunication Union and the UN Office for Digital and Emerging Technologies.
Participants held in-depth discussions on ensuring the fair and inclusive development of AI, building consensus on improving AI governance and bridging the digital divide.
As a strategic technology driving a new round of scientific and industrial revolution, AI is profoundly reshaping human lifestyles and work paradigms, unlocking unprecedented developmental opportunities and vast future potential.
However, many developing countries have yet to realize these benefits. According to the International Telecommunication Union, 2.6 billion people, about 1/3 of the global population, remained offline in 2024. The world now faces the dual challenges of a widening intelligent divide and digital divide. Numerous developing countries are actively seeking to seize this historic window of opportunity to participate in and benefit from the dividends of intelligent development.
AI should serve as a global public good that benefits all humanity. In the face of both opportunities and challenges arising from AI, the international community must prioritize AI for the common good, promote fairness and inclusiveness, advocate multilateral approaches, and prioritize capacity-building efforts.
In response to the concerns and aspirations of developing nations, China and Zambia jointly established the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building. Since its inaugural meeting in December 2023, the Group has expanded steadily, emerging as a key player in global AI governance. It has injected new momentum into strengthening cooperation on AI capacity-building and narrowing the digital divide.
China is a strong advocate for the fair and inclusive development of AI. In October 2023, Chinese President Xi Jinping put forward the Global AI Governance Initiative, which proposed to increase the representation and voice of developing countries in global AI governance, and ensure equal rights, equal opportunities, and equal rules for all countries in AI development and governance. The initiative said that efforts should be made to conduct international cooperation with and provide assistance to developing countries, to bridge the gap in AI and its governance capacity.
In July 2024, China pushed for the adoption of a resolution on strengthening international cooperation in the capacity-building of AI at the 78th session of the UN General Assembly, contributing to the formation of a broad international political consensus.
At the 19th G20 Summit, Xi stressed the importance to step up international governance and cooperation on AI, to make sure that AI is for good and for all, not a game of the rich countries and the wealthy.
China is taking concrete actions to promote the fair and inclusive development of AI. In September 2024, China proposed the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All, laying out an international cooperation framework on key areas such as infrastructure, industrial empowerment, personnel training, digital development and security governance.
Institutions such as the China-BRICS AI Development and Cooperation Center and the China-ASEAN AI Innovation Cooperation Center have been established. China has engaged in joint technology R&D and innovation cooperation with countries such as Vietnam and Laos. Besides, Chinese enterprises are partnering with the Egyptian government on the Digital Egypt Builders Initiative, supporting the United Arab Emirates’ smart city construction, and helping Saudi Arabian enterprises improve operational efficiency.
China stands ready to engage broadly in international cooperation on AI and assist other Global South countries in strengthening their technological capabilities, thus narrowing the global intelligent divide.
China will remain steadfast in championing the fair and inclusive AI development of the world. It will continue to enhance the role of the Group of Friends for International Cooperation on AI Capacity-Building, improve cooperation mechanisms, expand cooperation areas, diversify cooperation models, and work with other developing countries to share the dividends of AI and jointly build a brighter intelligent future.
