Central Asian experts gathered at the Central Asian Security and Cooperation Forum in Astana on July 14 to discuss the need for increased synergy in creating ethical and secure artificial intelligence (AI) systems. The panel session focused on various aspects of AI development, innovation cooperation, and the security of digital currencies.
The panel, moderated by Rustem Bigari, CEO of the Kazakh Digital Government Support Center, brought together experts from different fields. Shu Chen, a Yale World Fellow and former managing director of public policy at Meta Corporation, Azizjon Azimi, the founder and CEO of Zypl.AI from Tajikistan, Aziza Umarova, coordinator of the delivery unit at the Agency for Strategic Reforms of Uzbekistan, and Togzhan Kassenova, senior fellow with the Project on International Security, Commerce, and Economic Statecraft at the Center for Policy Research, University at Albany, participated in the discussion.
The participants highlighted the importance of investing in AI for the economic development of Central Asia. They emphasized the need to move beyond outsourcing software companies and focus on software exports. They believed that Central Asia has a unique opportunity to enhance economic growth and become a leading region in the global AI race.
However, the experts acknowledged that AI development in Central Asia faces challenges related to ethics and regulation. Ensuring security, reliability, safety, transparency, and accountability in AI systems were identified as crucial objectives. The participants proposed the introduction of an ethical standard for Central Asia, encompassing AI principles and an ethics code. Such a standard would provide clarity to investors and ensure consistent approaches to AI across the region.
“AI will keep getting smarter, as there are more things that spread into the modules, which are improving as well. The question is who will be regulating them,” the participant said.
The panel also emphasized the importance of policy, infrastructure, human capital, and upskilling for successful digital transformation. The experts stressed the need to be aware of vulnerabilities, risks, and threats while formulating policies. They specifically mentioned virtual assets and cryptocurrencies as areas that could be exploited for sanctions evasion. Cybersecurity was highlighted as a major concern, citing consistent cyber-attacks on cryptocurrency exchanges and the potential misuse of funds for illicit purposes such as terrorism.
The Astana Hub International Technopark of IT startups received a commendation from the speakers for its contribution to the development of Central Asia. The hub provides young developers from Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan, the Kyrgyz Republic, Mongolia, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan with opportunities to undergo training programs, including the Silkway Accelerator program with Google for Startups. This initiative aims to equip startups with the necessary skills and knowledge to thrive in the global IT market.
The experts concluded that collaboration and cooperation among Central Asian countries are crucial for sustained success in the AI field. By working together, the region can harness its collective potential and achieve greater accomplishments, rather than pursuing an autonomous approach. The panel emphasized the importance of unity and joint efforts to capitalize on the opportunities presented by AI technology.
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