“We’re at a crossroads in the development of AI”

At the IT Summit 2024, the U.S. Ambassador to Mauritius and Seychelles, Henry V. Jardine, delivered a compelling speech that resonated with the business community, emphasizing the critical role of AI and the U.S. government’s approach to managing its transformative potential. Held in a venue that Ambassador Jardine likened to “a little bit of Las Vegas,” the event provided a fitting backdrop for his insightful remarks on the future of technology.

“Firstly, I have to commend Kabir (Kabir Gobin) and Mantra (Mantra Connexions) for this wonderful venue, this wonderful setting. It feels like a little bit of Las Vegas here in Mauritius, so I’m feeling very much at home here,” Ambassador Henry Jardine began, expressing his appreciation for the hosts.

The Ambassador underscored the pivotal moment the world is facing with the rapid advancement of AI technology. “As others have said, and Craig (Craig Brundsen, the CEO of Axiz Group of Companies) has said earlier, we’re really at a crossroads, an important phase in the development of the technology of AI,” he noted.

He acknowledged the significance of the summit, saying that “it is a pleasure for me to be here today, and I think it’s a great opportunity for me as the U.S. government representative to talk to you, members of the business community working in the area of IT, about the issues from our perspective, from the U.S. government’s perspective.”

Reflecting on his experiences and discussions at the highest levels of the U.S. government, he shared that “this time last year, I had gone back to Washington for a conference of all the ambassadors around the world. One of the key issues of discussion was AI. The implications of AI were compared to the discovery of the nuclear bomb. It may seem like an exaggeration, but given the potential that experts have seen in AI, the possibilities that it can do good, but that it can also do bad, it presents policymakers with a significant challenge.”

The U.S. business community brings a lot to the table with their technologies and governance approaches”

Ambassador Henry Jardine further emphasized the dual nature of AI’s potential, stating that “AI’s possibilities can be extremely impressive, like finding cures for diseases, but it could also cause harm. The computational power is staggering, and from the U.S. government’s perspective, we recognize the inherent risks in any new technology. What we don’t want to do is stifle that technology. Instead, we aim to develop a global framework that allows it to grow and ultimately do good.”

Highlighting the ongoing global debate on AI regulation, he explained that “there are governments that advocate for intense regulation, but the concern is that overregulation can stifle development and opportunity. The United States favors a dynamic approach, working with industry to develop codes of conduct and best practices rather than a heavy-handed regulatory approach.”

Ambassador Henry Jardine called on the business leaders present to engage in this critical conversation. “As leaders, business leaders and IT leaders, it’s important to discuss the framework that you think your country should have, and what the global framework should be. This is a key fundamental existential debate that will shape the future of your industry, your companies, and your livelihoods,” he explained.

He shared insights into the U.S. government’s practical approach to digital policy, mentioning the recently released U.S. International Digital Policy Strategy. “This strategy is anchored in the U.S. commitment to building a broad digital solidarity partnership, working with the private sector and various global organizations to achieve common consensus and capacity building.”

Ambassador Jardine also highlighted the collaborative efforts with organizations like the African Center for Strategic Studies and the OECD AI Policy Observatory. “We are working on enhancing cybersecurity and developing policies through platforms like the OECD AI Policy Observatory, which facilitates dialogue and provides evidence-based policy analysis. We’ve initiated various AI programs addressing COVID-19 response, workforce training, and safety guidance.”

There are governments that advocate for intense regulation, but the concern is that overregulation can stifle development and opportunity. The United States favors a dynamic approach, working with industry to develop codes of conduct and best practices rather than a heavy-handed regulatory approach.

The Ambassador expressed his pride in the presence of numerous U.S. companies at the summit. “It’s great to see so many U.S. businesses represented here, like Microsoft, Accenture, IBM, Adobe, and many others. The U.S. business community brings a lot to the table with their technologies and governance approaches.”

He reiterated the inclusive, bottom-up approach of the U.S. in managing AI, encouraging support for this philosophy. “The U.S. approach is one that’s inclusive, bottom-up, getting the industry’s input. I encourage you to support that approach. We are part of a fundamental debate that will shape the future of our global society, and your engagement is crucial,” he concluded.