Beijing has secured representation on the United Nations’ newly established Independent International Scientific Panel on AI, with two leading researchers chosen from thousands of applicants worldwide. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres revealed the 40-member panel, tasked with delivering unbiased evaluations of artificial intelligence’s global implications over the next three years.
Shanghai Jiao Tong University’s Shanghai AI Research Institute head Song HaiTAO and Chinese Academy of Engineering member Wang Qian, a specialist in cloud computing, earned their spots through a stringent vetting process managed by key UN agencies including ITU, the Digital Technologies Office, and UNESCO.
Guterres praised the panel’s makeup: “This team brings together top AI minds from every corner of the globe, ensuring both gender balance and regional representation. Their work will illuminate AI’s benefits and dangers, fostering vital conversations on international governance.”
The Chinese scientists’ selection highlights Beijing’s substantial investments in AI innovation, from advanced research labs to national strategies positioning China as a superpower in machine learning and data technologies.
As nations race to regulate AI amid concerns over bias, privacy, job displacement, and military applications, this panel emerges as a cornerstone for collaborative solutions. Observers expect Song and Wang to contribute unique perspectives on scalable AI systems and cloud infrastructure, areas where China leads globally.
With AI projected to add trillions to the world economy by 2030, the panel’s recommendations could influence everything from data privacy laws to ethical deployment guidelines, making these appointments a significant step toward equitable technological progress.