President of Kazakhstan Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Artificial Intelligence in Shanghai and delivered a speech on issues of international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence (AI). The head of state stated the need for joint governance of AI development, supported the creation of global cooperation mechanisms, and presented Kazakhstan's approaches to developing the digital economy.
WHAT THE PRESIDENT STATED
According to the press service of Akorda, President Kassym-Jomart Tokayev took part in the opening ceremony of the World Conference on Artificial Intelligence, held in Shanghai under the theme "AI Partnership for a Bright Future".
At the beginning of his speech, the President noted the achievements of China in the development of artificial intelligence. According to him, more than half of the world's AI researchers are from China, and Chinese developers hold the largest number of patents in this field.
The Head of State also supported the concept of "AI for Good, AI for All", emphasising that technological development should contribute to the common good. In his speech, he noted the importance of international cooperation and stated that Kazakhstan highly values the initiative of Chairman Xi Jinping to build a community with a shared future for mankind.
WHAT ISSUES OF AI REGULATION WERE ADDRESSED
The President stated that artificial intelligence is becoming an industry with its own infrastructure and has a significant impact on the development of the global economy, trade, and international interconnectedness.
According to him, citing data from the UN, investments in artificial intelligence infrastructure and related technologies have increased annually by an average of 47%, and by 2033, the global AI market could reach nearly $5 trillion.
In this regard, the Head of State emphasised the need for a comprehensive approach to AI governance, which should cover issues of semiconductor development, data centres, education, ethics, and the protection of human dignity. He also noted the potential of artificial intelligence technologies for developing early warning systems, humanitarian response, and peacekeeping activities.
WHAT INITIATIVES DID KAZAKHSTAN PRESENT
The President stated that Kazakhstan has the conditions for developing the digital economy due to its energy resources, reserves of critical mineral raw materials, transport infrastructure, and digital technologies.
During his speech, he reported that the country has approved the strategy Digital Kazakhstan – 2029, adopted the Law "On Artificial Intelligence" and the Digital Code, and the technological platform Smart City is already operational in Astana. According to the Head of State, a similar practice will be implemented in other major cities of the country.
Furthermore, the President announced that an Asia-Pacific Centre for Digital Solutions for Sustainable Development under the United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Asia and the Pacific (UN ESCAP) will open in Almaty.
WHAT PROPOSALS DID THE PRESIDENT VOICE
In his speech, Kassym-Jomart Tokayev stated that Kazakhstan is one of the founders of the World Organisation for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence and supports its establishment.
The President proposed holding the inaugural meeting of the new organisation in Astana, as well as hosting its regional representative office for Central Asia in Kazakhstan.
In addition, the Head of State put forward an initiative to create an international network of schools, centres of excellence, and academic partnerships under the auspices of the World Organisation for Cooperation in Artificial Intelligence to train specialists and develop international cooperation.
HOW THE SPEECH CONCLUDED
In conclusion, the President emphasised that the development of artificial intelligence must align with the principles of peace and sustainable development, rather than confrontation or military competition. He also stated Kazakhstan's readiness to cooperate with international partners to harness the potential of artificial intelligence in the interests of sustainable development, security, and universal prosperity.
