STATEMENT BY
NORDIANA ZIN ZAWAWI, COUNSELLOR
PERMANENT MISSION OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON BEHALF OF THE ASSOCIATION OF SOUTHEAST ASIAN NATIONS (ASEAN)
AT THE 79TH SESSION OF THE UNITED NATIONS GENERAL ASSEMBLY
AT THE INTERGOVERNMENTAL PROCESS AND CONSULTATIONS
TO IDENTIFY THE TERMS OF REFERENCE AND MODALITIES FOR THE ESTABLISHMENT AND FUNCTIONING OF THE INDEPENDENT INTERNATIONAL SCIENTIFIC PANEL ON ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE (AI) AND THE GLOBAL DIALOGUE ON AI GOVERNANCE
17 JANUARY 2025, TRUSTEESHIP COUNCIL CHAMBER
Distinguished Co-Facilitators,
- I am honoured to speak on behalf of the members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). ASEAN aligns itself with the statement delivered by Iraq on behalf of the G77 and China.
- ASEAN welcomes the adoption of the Pact for the Future and its annexes, and looks forward to its implementation, including to close the digital divides between developing and developed countries, and achieve an inclusive, open, sustainable, fair, safe and secure digital future for all.
- We also acknowledge the commitment in the Global Digital Compact, to establish a multidisciplinary Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, and a Global Dialogue on AI Governance. The panel should be established on the basis of equitable geographic representation and empowering developing countries to fully harness the benefits and partake in the development and application of AI, and contribute to the promotion of inclusive AI governance.
Distinguished Co-Facilitators,
- ASEAN recognises the significant transformative potential of Artificial Intelligence (AI) as a key driver of technological advancement and innovation and ascertain the need for concerted action and collaboration to harness the benefits of AI while proactively addressing its multifaceted social, economic, and ethical implications.
- We recognise the potential of leveraging AI technologies to foster inclusive and equitable economic growth, improve access to education, healthcare, and essential services, and mitigate socio-economic disparities within our societies, with a commitment to ensuring the equitable distribution of AI benefits across all segments of society.
- ASEAN in February 2024 launched the ASEAN Guide on AI Governance and Ethics which sets out ASEAN’s approach towards governing and leveraging the power of AI, as a practical and implementable tool to support the trusted deployment of AI solutions in the region. ASEAN also formed a Working Group on AI Governance to provide guidance on implementing interoperable AI governance frameworks and fostering safe, responsible and ethical use of AI.
- To this end, allow me to highlight three key points:
- First, ASEAN emphasizes the importance of investing in education, training, continuous public engagement, and capacity-building initiatives to equip our workforce with the necessary skills and knowledge to harness the potential of AI technologies.
- ASEAN also highlights the importance of investing in AI infrastructure, encompassing data centres, computing resources and connectivity, to bolster the advancement and deployment of responsible AI applications and services.
- Second, ASEAN believes in upholding ethical principles and values in the development of AI systems, to ensure transparency, fairness, inclusivity, accountability and respect for human dignity and rights.
- As a region, we are committed to working together to create an AI- enabled future that would also reflect our shared values, including equality and respect for every individual. We are confident that by upholding these ethical principles, we can unlock the full potential of AI for the benefit of all peoples in ASEAN and the global community.
- We also commit to fostering collaboration and partnerships with Dialogue Partners, Development Partners, regional and international organisations, academia, industry and community to share knowledge, expertise, and resources and to promote collaborative research and innovation in AI and related fields, with a view to advance our economies and societies in an inclusive, responsible and sustainable way.
- Finally, ASEAN emphasizes the critical need of robust data governance frameworks and mechanisms to safeguard data privacy, security, and integrity, while also fostering data sharing, interoperability, and innovation in AI applications.
Distinguished Co-Facilitators,
- ASEAN, under Malaysia’s chairmanship with the theme “Inclusivity and Sustainability”, reiterates our support to your leadership, and stands ready to contribute constructively to this process.
I thank you.
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