GCA Fellows Participate in a Discussion on the Impact of AI on Work, Life, and Global Governance in University of Oxford (August 19, 2024)

Host: Oxford Prospects and Global Development Institute

Co-organizers：

• Institute for Global Industry, Tsinghua University
• Global China Academy (UK)

Time:               15:00-17:30 August 19, 2024

Venue:              Lecture Hall, Merton College, University of Oxford

Format：        Offline、ZOOM Live Stream

15:00-15:10       Opening session

Chair: Dr Shidong Wang, Director, Oxford Outlook and Global Development Research Institute 

Opening address

• Professor  WANG  Tianfu,  Dean  of  School  of  Social  Sciences,  Tsinghua University, China
• Professor Xiangqun Chang, President of Global China Academy, UK

15:10-17:00       Panel discussion

• Professor  ZHAO  Kejin,  Deputy  Director  of  Institute  for  Global  Industry, Tsinghua University
• Professor   DAI   Changzheng,  Dean   of   the   School   of   International
• Relations, UIBE
• Professor ZHU Jiejin, School of International Relations and Public Affairs, Fudan University
• Dr LIU Lina, Assistant Professor, School of International Relations, Renmin
• University of China
• Professor David Parkin FBA FGCA, former head of ISCA and the School of
• Anthropology and Museum Ethnography, University of Oxford
• Professor Robin Cohen FGCA, Former Director of the International Migration Institute, University of Oxford

17:00-17:20       Concluding Remarks

• ZHAO Kejin, Tsinghua University
• Shidong Wang, Oxford University

17:20                Group Photo

18:00                COSMO World Buffet Restaurant，8 Magdalen St, Oxford OX1 3AD

In his introduction, Dr. Shidong Wang, Director of Oxford Outlook and Global Development Research Institute, provided an overview of the development history and academic programs of Merton College, University of Oxford, as well as its connections with Tsinghua University. He also elaborated on the background and significance of hosting this high-level dialogue.

Representing the co-organizers, Professor Wang Tianfu and Professor Xiangqun Chang delivered opening addresses. Professor Wang emphasized that AI is profoundly influencing people’s work and daily lives, making discussions on its impact both timely and essential. He expressed hope that this dialogue would foster greater consensus among scholars from China and the UK on AI-related issues.

Professor Chang highlighted the interdisciplinary nature of the discussion, emphasizing that while not all panelists are AI specialists, they are leading figures in their respective fields. She noted that the Global China Academy contributed two Life Fellows to this event:

• Professor Robin Cohen, Emeritus Professor at the University of Oxford and former Director of the International Migration Institute
• Professor David Parkin, Emeritus Professor at the University of Oxford and former Head of the School of Anthropology and Museum Ethnography

She emphasized that the discussion would explore AI’s far-reaching implications across disciplines, including international relations, public policy, sociology, and anthropology, examining how AI is shaping the future of work, governance, and society as a whole.

Professor David Parkin (left) discussed the significance of AI from the perspective of language and politics. He emphasized that language is primarily a tool for communication, and in formal settings such as political negotiations, AI’s role becomes particularly prominent, as it can be utilized for persuasion and advocacy.

Professor Robin Cohen (right) highlighted AI’s profound impact on migration. While AI offers convenience, it also presents challenges, including energy consumption and ethical concerns related to privacy. In this context, the question of how humanity can effectively and responsibly harness AI remains critical.

This discussion on The Impact of AI on Work, Life, and Global Governance provided a valuable opportunity for UK-China academic exchange, fostering interdisciplinary dialogue and a deeper understanding of AI’s broader effects.

By bringing together scholars from China and the UK, the event contributed to ongoing discussions about AI’s global impact, touching on governance, policy, and ethical considerations. It also supported Professor Li Qiang’s vision of strengthening collaboration between Tsinghua University and the Global China Academy, promoting continued engagement on key global challenges.

The diverse perspectives and active participation highlighted the increasing significance of AI in shaping our future, emphasizing the need for cooperation and responsible governance. The event was well received and set the stage for our 9th global China Dialogue – Global Governance for AI.