AI, global challenges can only be resolved by collective effort

Modern-day challenges to humanity, such as artificial intelligence and climate change, have created a vacuum in governance issues around the world, that can only be resolved by collective effort, an academic and former government official has said.

Speaking at a seminar in Nicosia to discuss China’s Global Governance Initiative, Anna Koukkides-Prokopiou, former Justice Minister and head of the ‘Politeia’ think tank, said that the wider scope of global governance dates back, “from the shaping of the post-war order and the institutional safeguarding of multilateralism, to current calls for United Nations reform to reflect shifts in the international system.”

She said that there are governance gaps “arising from new areas that were not previously on the international agenda,” such as artificial intelligence, deep-sea exploration, Arctic routes, and, above all, climate change, noting that “collective problems can only be addressed through collective efforts.”

Prokopiou also highlighted the consistency of Chinese policy regarding support for international law and UN Security Council resolutions, such as on the Cyprus issue, as well as China’s contribution to the UN peace-keeping force in Cyprus, UNFICYP.

The GGI is China’s international diplomatic initiative announced by President Xi Jinping in September last year during the Tianjin Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit to commemorate the 80th anniversary of the United Nations.

The GGI is viewed as increasing the representation, cooperation and voice of developing countries and to help reform international institutions, while western nations consider it a security threat in areas where China has vested geopolitical or commercial interests.

The initiative also complements three earlier strategies launched by China during the past decade: the Global Development Initiative, focusing on sustainable development, poverty alleviation, and South-South cooperation; the Global Security Initiative, that offers an alternative security narrative to western alliances, focusing on dialogue and non-interference; and, the Global Civilisation Initiative that emphasises cultural exchange and rejects the notion of a single, universal model of civilization by opposing the imposition of “universal values” like western-style democracy and human rights.

Addressing the seminar, recently appointed Ambassador Yang Yundong elaborated on the GGI and said the initiative is structured around five principles: adherence to sovereign equality, compliance with international law, application of multilateralism, a people-centered approach, and a focus on taking concrete action.

“Within a year, nearly 160 countries and international organisations have expressed their support, while more than 60 countries have joined the initiative’s ‘Group of Friends’,” the ambassador stated.

Effectiveness of institutions

He explained that the GGI does not aim to overturn the existing international order or to create a parallel system, but rather to enhance the representativeness and effectiveness of existing international institutions, based on the UN Charter. He referred to China’s contribution through the “Belt and Road” initiative, as well as the establishment of the International Mediation Organisation and the Global AI Cooperation Organisation.

As regards bilateral relations, Ambassador Yang noted that China and the Republic of Cyprus hold similar positions on international issues and both support genuine multilateralism.

He added that this year marks the 55th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations and the fifth anniversary of the establishment of the Strategic Partnership, a fact that opens up new prospects for further strengthening communication and coordination between the two sides at the multilateral level.

Regarding the Cyprus issue, the ambassador stated that China is willing to continue playing a constructive role and supports a comprehensive, just and sustainable solution based on UN resolutions and within the framework of a bizonal, bicommunal federation.

Finally, Ambassador Yang announced China will host the Forum on Global Governance in the Xiong’an New Area, Hebei Province in the autumn.

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