A historic gathering took place at the Peace Park in Hiroshima, Japan, where leaders from diverse Asian religions came together to sign the “Rome Call for AI Ethics.” This groundbreaking initiative, led by the Vatican, aims to ensure that artificial intelligence is developed with ethical principles that prioritize the well-being of humanity.
The signing ceremony included representatives from Buddhist, Sikh, and Shinto communities, as well as major tech companies like IBM, Microsoft, and Cisco. The pledge emphasizes the importance of creating AI systems that do not discriminate and are accountable for their actions.
The event, which marked a significant step towards global ethical standards for AI, was attended by prominent figures such as the president of the World Fellowship of Buddhists and the secretary general of the Baha’i International Community. Bhai Sahib Bhai Mohinder Singh, representing the Sikh organization Guru Nanak Nishkam Sewak Jatha, highlighted the moral imperative of ensuring that AI technology is used for the betterment of society.
Against the backdrop of the Hiroshima Peace Memorial, where thousands lost their lives during World War II, the participants reflected on the potential impact of AI on various aspects of society, from warfare to employment. Pope Francis’s recent address on AI at the G7 summit underscored the urgency of addressing ethical challenges posed by artificial intelligence.
As the world grapples with the implications of AI technology, the call for ethical standards in its development has never been more pressing. The Rome Call for AI Ethics serves as a beacon of hope for a future where technology is harnessed for the greater good of humanity.