Experts Call for Joint AI Governance as Gap Widens
As artificial intelligence advances at breakneck speed, the digital divide between developed and developing nations continues to widen. Experts emphasize the urgent need for countries to enhance cooperation in AI capacity building and advocate for the United Nations to serve as the central platform for dialogue. The goal is to collaboratively establish a governance framework grounded in equality, mutual benefit, and shared development.
The Mingde Strategic Dialogue 2025
These remarks were made during the Mingde Strategic Dialogue 2025, hosted by Renmin University of China in Beijing, under the theme “Chinese Modernization: A New Driver of Globalization“. The dialogue highlighted how the rise of artificial intelligence, alongside an information-driven economy and a digital society, has ushered in a new wave of modernization that propels industrial progress.
However, this transformation brings new tensions, particularly concerning productivity, which affect human well-being, regulatory systems, and cultural norms. The potential disruptions to societal fabric were a key focus of the discussions.
Global AI Governance
Sergey Bodrunov, president of the Free Economic Society of Russia, underscored the importance of strengthening preparations in AI governance to tackle emerging challenges. He stated, “At the global level, nations must unite to establish new guiding principles for the age of intelligence. The core principle should be benevolence — whether in the realm of the internet or AI.” Bodrunov cautioned that misusing technological power could become a threat to humanity itself.
Tong Xiaoling, ambassador of the China Public Diplomacy Association, highlighted the emergence of digital hegemony and an intelligence divide as significant challenges for global AI cooperation. She pointed out that unilateralism, technological monopolies, and fragmented governance frameworks are major obstacles to building a fair and inclusive AI order. “We should firmly support the UN in playing a central role in AI governance,” she stated. “At the same time, we must help developing countries enhance their voice to ensure that global AI development does not evolve into a club for wealthy nations.”
Tong further emphasized the need for a people-centered, ethics-first approach to technological innovation while addressing challenges such as data security, algorithmic bias, and technology misuse. She advocated for establishing risk assessment and early warning mechanisms within the UN framework and opposed the creation of technological barriers under the guise of security.
Advancing Cooperation
Francesca Bria, adviser of the European Commission President, stressed that the development and governance of AI should be democratic and encourage broad public participation. “Technology must serve humanity and our shared planet, not be trapped within the confines of isolated market interests,” she stated. Bria called for cooperation in fields such as AI, data governance, and government transparency, urging both China and Europe to embrace sustainable approaches for building resilient AI infrastructures.
Romano Prodi, former prime minister of Italy, echoed these sentiments, urging that future plans should focus on technological advancement and strengthening multilateral mechanisms. He emphasized the importance of creating transnational cooperation to bridge global development gaps and foster shared prosperity, preventing deeper divides within the international community.
The call for joint AI governance is a pivotal step toward ensuring that technological advancements benefit all nations equitably, promoting a future where technology acts as a bridge rather than a barrier.
