On the occasion of the 6th ASEAN Digital Ministers Meeting (ADGMIN 6) held in Hanoi , a reporter from the Center for Science and Technology Communication conducted a sideline interview with Mr. Amandeep Singh Gill, Deputy Secretary-General and Special Envoy for Technology of the United Nations Secretary-General, on Vietnam's role and position in the digital transformation process, the direction of AI development, and the United Nations' commitment to cooperation with Vietnam.
UN Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill shared his perspective on Vietnam's role and position in the digital transformation process.
Reporter: Sir, could you please assess Vietnam's position in digital transformation within ASEAN and globally?
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill: Vietnam is one of the leading countries in digital transformation not only in the region but also globally. The share of the digital economy in Vietnam's overall economy is growing two to three times faster than the rest of the economy. This places Vietnam among the leading countries in this field.
Although the ASEAN region still faces many challenges such as uneven development among countries and incompatible digital infrastructure, it is encouraging to see these issues receiving the highest priority and being addressed by ASEAN Ministers through an inspiring digital master plan for the period from 2020 to 2026.
Reporter: AI is one of the 11 strategic technologies identified by the Vietnamese Party and State as a key development priority. How do you assess this strategic direction in the current digital age?
UN Deputy Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill: That is the right direction because today we cannot ignore AI in any national strategy for socio-economic transformation. According to Resolution 57-NQ/TW on breakthroughs in national science , technology, innovation and digital transformation, Vietnam is prioritizing artificial intelligence and digital transformation.
I was very impressed to hear the Minister of Science and Technology, Nguyen Manh Hung, compare Resolution 57 with the previous "Contract 10" Resolution. While Resolution 10 helped liberate labor by boosting agricultural productivity and enhancing food security for Vietnam, Resolution 57 emphasizes unleashing the immense creativity of the hardworking Vietnamese people.
That priority strategy is absolutely correct. I also mentioned at the Digital Ministerial Conference that wherever leaders care about digital transformation – in the case of Vietnam, General Secretary To Lam and Prime Minister Pham Minh Chinh – progress will be much faster. If it doesn't become a priority at the national leadership level, it will be difficult to succeed.
Reporter: In your opinion, how should AI be developed to ensure a responsible, human-centered approach that makes a practical contribution to sustainable development?
UN Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill: AI is a very powerful technology, with enormous potential to create good things, but it can also be abused or diminish human power. Therefore, a human-centered approach is crucial, where human rights and interests are prioritized. People's privacy and data security must be respected, and the development of AI must not lead to a new concentration of wealth and power, or leave certain individuals behind.
If we work together to develop reliable AI models that respect data security and human rights, the potential of AI to transform society and the economy is enormous. At the United Nations, our view is that AI must serve all of humanity, not just a select few. Everyone should be empowered to use AI to be more creative and productive, not marginalized in the economy of the future.
Reporter: What commitments does the United Nations have with Vietnam regarding the development of ethical AI, sir?
UN Under-Secretary-General Amandeep Singh Gill: The United Nations has established new global mechanisms for AI governance, and all member states, including Vietnam, have committed to participating in global AI governance under the Global Digital Compact.
Specific mechanisms and commitments include:
Firstly, we should organize the Global Dialogue on AI Governance: This event takes place annually (this year in Geneva, next year in New York). Vietnam's national experience and recent legal regulations on AI will be valuable lessons to share with other countries.
Secondly, establish an independent international scientific council on AI: Vietnamese scientists developing advanced AI can participate in a global dialogue about how this technology is developing and its impact.
Thirdly, building AI capacity: Vietnam has committed to contributing a center to the United Nations' global AI capacity building network. This center will work with other centers in Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe to share practical applications (use cases), train personnel, and develop talent so that AI can be used responsibly.
Fourth, regarding computing infrastructure: Infrastructure is where we all have to start. If AI researchers and directors don't have enough computing power to train models, and if there isn't enough data center capacity to run those models, then AI won't work. Therefore, prioritizing infrastructure, talent development, and datasets is the right approach.
Fifth, regarding energy infrastructure: Energy infrastructure is equally important because energy today is a major constraint on AI infrastructure needs. It's good to see all forms of energy being prioritized, including nuclear energy – which is a renewable energy source. From the United Nations' perspective, the use of renewable energy has always been prioritized over fossil fuels to drive the expansion of AI.
Thank you very much, sir!
Source: https://mst.gov.vn/viet-nam-diem-sang-chuyen-doi-so-va-ai-trong-tam-nhin-toan-cau-cua-lien-hop-quoc-197260117000850891.htm
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