2023 T-EDGE Conference

Ms Hejuan Zhao, the CEO of TMT post and I wish to commend you for undertaking this important initiative,

Ambassador Signe Brudeset, a great believer in multilateralism and a strong ally of the UN family,

Ladies and gentlemen,

Greetings and Good morning.

I am delighted to be here to address the 2023 T-EDGE Conference.

The T-EDGE conference brings together representatives from governments, international organizations, academia and the business sector, to discuss issues related to the digital economy, technology and innovation, all of which are critical to accelerating the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

Enhancing international cooperation and global partnerships is also essential for achieving the SDGs.

Today, as the new wave of technological change and industrial transformation progresses, innovation and resources move faster than ever as economic ties between countries become ever closer.

Just as the Secretary-General of the United Nations, António Guterres, has emphasized, it is only through strengthened international cooperation that we can effectively address our common challenges and achieve sustainable development.

At the same time, we have observed China continue to increase its capacities in technology and innovation while actively engaging in economic activity and cooperation with other countries in these areas.

However, while the digital economy and innovation create new opportunities, such progress also presents new challenges for the world to consider. Whether in areas such as artificial intelligence (AI) or big data, we need more in-depth, extensive discussions to explore the potential for technological, economic and industrial transformations, along with continued dialogue on the associated risks these changes might bring.

For example, AI, as an emerging technology, is rapidly advancing and shifting production and consumption processes, impacting society more broadly. The rise of the newest form of AI, generative AI, has seen unprecedented attention, speed and reach. AI, if harnessed responsibly, has the potential to be a pivotal tool to accelerate progress on the SDGs,

However, we must ensure the ethical and responsible development and deployment of AI to safeguard peace and security, human rights and development.

Fears are rising, particularly with generative AI, that AI tools and increased automation will put more people out of decent work, posing social and economic challenges. Similarly, inaction on gender biases in science, technology, engineering and mathematics fields threatens to perpetuate inequalities within the algorithms that will shape our future. 

Here, with AI as a common global interest, the case for cooperation is perhaps most apparent.

This is why the Bletchley Declaration, agreed upon by 28 countries, including the US, China, UK and EU, is an important achievement. This agreement established a shared understanding of the opportunities and risks posed by AI and the need for governments to work together to meet the most significant challenges.

Further progress will hopefully be achieved through the development and agreement of a Global Digital Compact, which was called for by the UN Secretary-General and will be agreed to by Member States at the Summit of the Future in September 2024. This compact will outline shared principles for an open, free and secure digital future for all and will cover issues related to AI, internet fragmentation and digital connectivity. In addition, the Secretary-General has called for the establishment of a High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence to undertake analysis and advance recommendations for the international governance of AI. 

We encourage all attendees at this Conference to follow these developments closely.

I also note the continued trend of many Chinese companies to expand their operations internationally. Such companies require opportunities such as those presented by this conference to facilitate more learning and the sharing of best practices.

Ladies and gentlemen,

The SDGs require an all-of-society approach that breaks down the barriers between nations and people.

That is why I would encourage all attendees at this conference to explore how they can best support the achievement of the SDGs.

Whether it is through creating breakthroughs for human well-being achieved through technology and innovation, more efforts to raise awareness and inspire global dialogue on the challenges we face or aligning your business operations more closely with the SDGs, all of us can work to achieve a better and more sustainable future, as well as peace and prosperity for everyone, everywhere.

Here, the UN in China stands ready to work with you all as we mobilize further efforts for a new phase of accelerated progress on the SDGs.

Again, I thank the TMTPost Media Group for hosting this Conference and wish it every success.

Thank you.