#Taiwan #Taipei #Sustainable Development #AI Summit

Inaugural "AI with Purpose Global Summit" Launches in Taiwan

The first-ever AI with Purpose Global Summit took place from May 28 to 29, 2025, in Taipei, Taiwan. This significant event marks a crucial starting point for global discussions on how artificial intelligence (AI) can contribute to sustainable development. In an era where technological advancement is vital to addressing environmental issues, this summit focuses on fostering synergy between AI applications and sustainable initiatives.

Gathering of Global Experts

Co-hosted by prominent organizations such as the Global Enabling Sustainability Initiative (GeSI) and Taiwan Mobile, the summit attracted over 400 participants, including government officials, industry leaders, and academic experts from ten countries, including the United States, France, Germany, and Japan. The event serves not only to highlight Taiwan as a key player in AI development but also to establish a platform for sharing knowledge and collaboration among participants.

Core Topics of Discussion

The summit concentrated on three essential themes: AI's enabling role in sustainability, digital infrastructure, and global collaboration. The opening day featured discussions on how AI can contribute to employment and skill development in a world undergoing rapid change due to technology. Notably, Taiwan Mobile's Chief Information Officer, Rock Tsai, emphasized the transformation of workplace dynamics through AI, shifting roles from mere task execution to innovative value creation.

Government Support and Industry Commitment

Support from the Taiwanese Ministry of Environment and the Bureau of Foreign Trade emphasized the government's commitment to integrating AI into sustainability efforts. Minister Dr. Chi-Ming Peng attended the summit, noting Taiwan's proactive approach to tackling climate challenges through digital innovation and net-zero initiatives. The summit signals Taiwan's intention to lead efforts in using AI for sustainable growth and global contributions.

Taiwan Mobile's Vision

Iris Liu, Vice President of Sustainability at Taiwan Mobile, mentioned that the summit aims to bridge Taiwan's technological capabilities with global sustainability efforts. By deploying AI in various fields including energy efficiency and marine conservation, Taiwan Mobile demonstrates its commitment to addressing social and environmental needs. Liu stressed the importance of collaboration among technology, policy, and industry to ensure AI serves the greater good.

Global Leaders Call for Responsible AI

Luis Neves, CEO of GeSI, remarked on AI's potential to reshape sectors like healthcare and energy. He urged for inclusive AI, ensuring that technologies benefit all. This summit, coinciding with GeSI's 25th anniversary, marks a pivotal moment to unite efforts in AI-powered sustainability.

Chuan-Neng Lin, President of TEEMA, highlighted Taiwan's robust research and development capabilities, asserting the island's role as a facilitator of international collaborations in sustainable technology and smart manufacturing. Lin reiterated TEEMA's focus on practical AI applications that contribute to achieving the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

AI's Role in Workforce Transformation

The discussions also highlighted the innovative concept of Reversing Specialization, introduced by Rock Tsai. His view suggests that generative AI encourages a trend towards versatile workers rather than those confined to traditional specialties. This can lead to a more dynamic and innovative workforce, benefiting both employees and organizations alike. As companies adapt to this shift, they will need to create resilient support systems to maintain employee engagement and wellbeing.

In conclusion, the AI with Purpose Global Summit not only symbolizes Taiwan's commitment to AI and sustainability but also sets a precedent for future dialogues aimed at harnessing technology to tackle pressing global challenges. The intersection of AI and sustainability discussed at this summit reflects the urgent need to innovate responsibly in our rapidly evolving world.