Emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI) are already changing the world we live in. Australia and the United States of America are working together to facilitate stronger collaboration in the ethical use of AI across the Indo-Pacific region.
On 20-21 October 2021, our department, the US State Department, and the US Embassy in Canberra jointly delivered a regional online workshop focused on the responsible use of AI.
The event brought together a diverse group of academic experts, government leaders, and businesses from over 20 countries across the Indo-Pacific Region. It offered a uniqueopportunity for collaboration between developed and developing countries to discuss how responsible AI AI can contribute to pandemic recovery, job creation, environmental protection, and public health as part of an industry that could contribute more than $20 trillion to the global economy by 2030.
Dr Tobias Feakin, the inaugural Australian Government-appointed Ambassador for Cyber Affairs and Critical Technology, underscored the importance of effective AI governance strategies in the region. "Australia is committed to working closely with partners to ensure the design, development and use of AI promotes, protects and upholds human rights and fundamental freedoms", he said.
Dr Lynne Parker, the Director of the US National Artificial Intelligence Initiative Office added that "The Biden-Harris Administration is committed to working with our international partners to advance democratic values and ensure that AI is used to lift all people up, solve problems, and foster a more equitable society."
This event is one of a number of outcomes that resulted from the 2020 biannual US-Australia Joint Commission Meeting on Science and Technology (JCM). It identified several key priorities, including:
- cultivating trust and confidence in AI through ethical development
- adopting new standards and regulatory frameworks
- maintaining both countries' status as global AI hubs.
The event highlighted the Australian Government's AI Action Plan and AI Ethics Framework, and the U.S. National Artificial Intelligence Initiative, which are intended to ensure continued leadership in AI research and development and responsible use.
