Religious leaders from Asia to sign Rome Call for AI ethics in Hiroshima meeting

Leaders representing various Asian religions are set to gather in Hiroshima in July to sign the Rome Call for AI ethics, a significant document promoting moral guidelines for developing advanced data science applications. 

The announcement was made by Archbishop Vincenzo Paglia, president of the Pontifical Academy for Life, during the Plenary Assembly of the Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) in Bengaluru. This gathering in Hiroshima, a symbol of the wounds of war, highlights the global responsibility of religions to serve humanity in the age of artificial intelligence (AI).

The Rome Call for AI ethics, jointly issued by the Pontifical Academy for Life, the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), and several IT giants in 2020, emphasizes the importance of ‘algorethics’ in ensuring that the development of data science applications benefits humanity. 

Archbishop Paglia hoped that the leaders of Asian religions would follow in the footsteps of Jews and Muslims who signed the Rome Appeal in January 2022. The upcoming event in Hiroshima symbolizes the collective responsibility of religions to work together in a changing world.

AI’s positive impact on humanity

Archbishop Paglia stressed the positive impact of AI on various aspects of human life, including medicine, agriculture, communications, and even within the Church itself. He urged Indian bishops not to succumb to pessimism and alarmist narratives that focus solely on the potential dangers of AI, which can sometimes overlook the immense benefits it brings. 

While acknowledging the ethical responsibilities posed by AI, Archbishop Paglia emphasized the need for nuanced and complex answers, recognizing the global nature of artificial intelligence development, which involves contributions from different cultures and traditions.

Meanwhile, Tsai Ing-wen, the outgoing president of Taiwan, a leading semiconductor manufacturer, responded to Pope Francis’s message for World Day of Peace 2024. In her letter to the Pope, she expressed her government’s commitment to an ethical approach to AI development. 

Taiwan has been dedicated to bolstering resources and talent in the technology industry, aiming to stimulate technological development, upgrade industries, and facilitate digital transformation. President Tsai acknowledged that Taiwan plays a vital role in global supply chains and commits to contributing to global prosperity.

Ethical AI development amid challenges

President Tsai acknowledged the challenges faced by Taiwan and other democracies, including disinformation campaigns. She shared the Pope’s concern that algorithms should not dictate how we understand human rights. 

In response, Taiwan pledges to develop AI technology while keeping humanity at the forefront of its efforts. President Tsai also highlighted the importance of working alongside like-minded partners to use technology to increase public trust, defend democracy and freedom, and mitigate any negative impacts AI may bring.

In her closing remarks, President Tsai expressed Taiwan’s commitment to deepening cooperation with the Holy See in various areas. The goal is to exercise good technological governance, maintain social harmony and stability, and jointly create a peaceful future for humanity. 

This commitment underscores the importance of international collaboration in ensuring that AI development remains rooted in ethical principles and serves the well-being of humanity.