–International experts: AI is an opportunity for progress, but it faces challenges

–The Conference comes up with several recommendations including a roadmap for a secure and prosperous future through AI

After two days of dialogue and discussions, experts, researchers and academics from around 10 countries affirmed that artificial intelligence (AI) offers a tremendous opportunity for significant advancement across various fields. However, it also poses considerable challenges that require global cooperation and innovative solutions. They recommended the development of a clear framework to regulate AI technology and ensure it is used for the benefit of all humanity.

During the TRENDS Research and Advisory Fourth Annual International Conference, which took place over two days in Tokyo, Japan, in partnership with the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) at the University of Tokyo and Aletihad News Center, as media partner, under the title “Sustainable Security in 2024 and Beyond – The Role of AI”, and which was attended by around 34 experts, researchers and academics as well as a large interested audience and numerous university students, participants emphasized the need for continuous research and study in the AI field and enhancing cooperation between various sectors to develop innovative solutions for the challenges posed by AI. They recommended the development of a unified global framework for AI governance.

In the conference’s recommendations, delivered by Prof. Satoshi IKEUCHI, Professor of Religion and Global Security of Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) and Founding Chair of RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies (ROLES), University of Tokyo, and Ms. Sumaya Al Hadhrami, Researcher and Deputy Head of TRENDS Global Sector at TRENDS Research and Advisory, participants stressed the importance of ethical considerations in developing and using AI technology. They emphasized the need to ensure its responsible and safe use, cautioning against the growing risks of cyberattacks targeting AI systems and calling for stronger cybersecurity to protect those systems.

On the subject of AI and global security, nearly 34 experts, academics and researchers highlighted the immense potential of this technology in enhancing security, while also warning of the potential risks if AI is used irresponsibly.

The conference’s recommendations also included the need to develop training and rehabilitation programs to help the workforce adapt to the changes imposed by AI, as well as safeguarding personal data privacy when using this technology.

The recommendations suggested using the European Union’s AI Act as a model for global regulation and emphasized the role of the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) in providing expert guidance on AI policies.

Experts stressed the importance of transparency and accountability in AI usage through advanced screening processes and open scientific practices. They also emphasized the need to protect personal data and prevent discrimination in AI applications.

The recommendations further addressed the development of AI technologies related to the human body, including those that enhance physical capabilities and improve quality of life. The experts called for regulation of AI usage in business, intellectual property protection, and raising public awareness about the risks and benefits of this technology.

Experts underscored the importance of leveraging AI to boost energy efficiency and develop innovative solutions to address climate change challenges.

They emphasized the need to invest in research and development in this field, and to build strong partnerships between governments, companies, academics and civil society to ensure the responsible and ethical development and use of AI for the benefit of humanity as a whole.

Geopolitical and Research Implications

The second and final day of the TRENDS and University of Tokyo conference featured three sessions. The first session, moderated by Prof. Heigo SATO, Professor at Faculty of International Studies, Takushoku University, addressed the theme “Geopolitical and Research Implications of AI in Warfare”. Participants included Prof. Hidenori WATANABE, Professor at the University of Tokyo Interfaculty Initiative in Information Studies; Mr. Yu KOIZUMI, Associate Professor at Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, University of Tokyo; Prof. Moses Khanyile, Director of the Defense Artificial Intelligence Unit at the Faculty of Military Science, Stellenbosch University; Dr. Patrick Bell, Assistant Professor, National Defense University in the United States; and Mr. Manoj Harjani, Research Fellow and Coordinator in the Military Transformations Programme (MTP), Institute of Defence and Strategic Studies at the S. Rajaratnam School of International Studies (RSIS), Nanyang Technological University, Singapore.

The session explored the geopolitical and ethical challenges of using AI in warfare and conflict analysis. It delved into the dual-use nature of AI technologies, which can be applied both for civilian and military purposes, and examined the international regulations and frameworks governing AI usage in armed conflicts. Additionally, the session focused on the digital analysis of visual data related to wars and the impact of these new methods on warfare and warfare research.

Body-Machine-Society Relationship

The second session, which was moderated by Ms. Sumaya Al Hadhrami, Deputy Head of TRENDS Global Sector at TRENDS Research and Advisory, addressed the theme “AI and the Reorganization of the Body-Machine-Society Relationship”. The session featured Prof. Masahiko INAMI, Professor at Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo; Dr. Yasuaki MONNAI, Associate Professor at Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology, the University of Tokyo; Dr. Ernesto Damiani, Professor of Practice in the Electrical and Computer Engineering department and the Senior Director of the Khalifa University Center for Cyber Physical Systems (C2PS), Chair of the Information Security Program and a Research Professor at EBTIC; Professor Abdulmotaleb El Saddik, Adjunct Professor of Human Computer Interaction, MBZUAI; and Ms. Amina Al Marri, Researcher, Autonomous Robotics Research Center (ARRC), Technology Innovation Institute.

The speakers discussed how AI is reshaping the relationship between the human body and society, highlighting the opportunities it presents. They explained that “human augmentation” is developing technologies to enhance human capabilities and improve the quality of life through virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR). Experts and academics in the session explored the potential of these advancements to address social issues, such as extreme aging, and presented various examples and case studies. They emphasized the significant role AI plays across different aspects of life, particularly in healthcare and climate solutions.

Artificial Intelligence and Governance

The third and final session of the second day of the conference focused on “AI Development and Political Governance: Analyzing and Responding to Arising Problems”. The speakers examined the relationship between AI development and political governance. They explained that this relationship includes issues that are an extension of an age-old theme from political science, specifically technocrats and democratic governance, and people’s trust in functionalist governance.

The session was moderated by Professor Satoshi IKEUCHI, Professor of Religion and Global Security of the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology (RCAST) and Founding Chair of RCAST Open Laboratory for Emergence Strategies (ROLES) at the University of Tokyo. It featured contributions from Ms. Jimena Viveros, Chief of Staff and Head Legal Advisor to Justice Dr. Loretta Ortiz Ahlf at the Mexican Supreme Court of Justice and Member of the UN High Level Advisory Board on AI; professor Mazen Hassan, professor in the faculty of Economics and Political Science, Cairo University, department of Political Science; professor Ryo NAKAI, professor at the Research Center for Advanced Science and Technology at the University of Tokyo; Mrs. Noor Al-Mazrouei, Researcher & Head of the AI Program, TRENDS Research & Advisory; professor Preslav Nakov, Department Chair and professor of Natural Language Processing at Mohamed bin Zayed University of Artificial Intelligence; and Dr. Mohammed Soliman, Director of Strategic Technologies and Cyber Security Program at the Middle East Institute (MEI), Washington D.C.

Following the session, Ms. Fatmah Al-Yammahi, Researcher and Strategic Partnerships Specialist at TRENDS Research and Advisory, delivered the closing remarks of the conference.  Dr. Mohammed Abdullah Al-Ali, CEO of TRENDS Research and Advisory, honored the speakers and participants by presenting them with commemorative shields and certificates of appreciation.