AI and Artificial Intelligence Empower Sustainable Development: Unleashing Greater Potential Momentum
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Artificial intelligence, as one of the most pivotal technologies in the advanced digital manufacturing sector of the new industrial revolution, has emerged as a global investment hotspot and a robust tool for achieving sustainable development goals. The challenge now lies in harnessing AI and other advanced digital technologies to foster sustainable investment while ensuring the sustainable development of AI itself.
On September 3, at the Global Forum on Artificial Intelligence and Sustainable Investment, co-hosted by the United Nations Industrial Development Organization (UNIDO) Global Investment and Technology Promotion Network and the China International Council for the Promotion of Multinational Corporations, participants engaged in in-depth discussions on innovation, industrial development, artificial intelligence, and sustainable investment, aiming to build a platform for win-win cooperation.
Zou Ciyong, Deputy Director-General and Executive Director of UNIDO, stated that the Fourth Industrial Revolution is transforming the way people live, with artificial intelligence at the heart of this transformation. AI has the capability and potential to revolutionize numerous industries and create new opportunities for sustainable investment. In the development of AI, the industry must not only guide the formulation of comprehensive policies and frameworks but also align closely with the principles set forth in the Paris Agreement. Investment strategies should shift toward technologies and initiatives that promote renewable energy and energy efficiency. Additionally, attention must be paid to addressing potential risks posed by AI, such as privacy violations and worker displacement, while proactively considering business strategies.
From the perspective of Shang Fulin, Director of the Economic Affairs Committee of the 13th National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference and former Chairman of the China Banking Regulatory Commission, China places great emphasis on the development and application of AI and related technologies. An increasing number of enterprises are adopting AI as a proactive choice to achieve high-quality development goals. As the main force driving sustainable development, enterprises must particularly acknowledge the potential challenges and risks of AI development and adopt a more proactive and responsible approach to strengthen cooperation and governance. During the development of AI, issues such as data privacy, algorithmic fairness, and employment transformation require focused attention to ensure alignment with ethical and societal values. Continuous efforts should be made to enhance oversight of AI development, encourage enterprises to popularize AI knowledge, manage big data responsibly, and improve industry governance. At the same time, international cooperation and cross-border governance should be further strengthened to collectively address global challenges and promote the sustainable development of AI.
During the forum, the organizers launched cutting-edge platforms and initiatives in the AI field, including the UNIDO Investment Promotion Platform and the White Paper on AI Empowering Sustainable Development and Investment.
The UNIDO Investment Promotion Platform was jointly established by the UNIDO Investment and Technology Promotion Office (China·Beijing, UNIDO ITPO Beijing) and Zhejiang Guokeyunzhao Digital Technology Co., Ltd. It provides information on global investment and technology promotion activities, analysis of local industrial resources and policies in China, showcases of global advanced technologies and projects, and updates on various partnerships.
The White Paper on AI Empowering Sustainable Development and Investment, released by UNIDO ITPO Beijing in collaboration with MSC Consulting, explores the impact of rapidly developing AI on the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and sustainable investment. It identifies opportunities and challenges and offers recommendations and insights for various stakeholders to collectively advance global sustainable development.