Phnom Penh, November 26, 2024 - H.E. Professor Dr. Chhem Kieth Rethy delivered a visionary address titled “For a Man-Machine Peaceful Coexistence in the Digital Era” at the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), calling on global leaders to harmonize technological advancement with human values to foster global peace and sustainability.

Highlighting the dual-edged nature of technology, Professor Rethy reflected on historical milestones such as the Manhattan Project, the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (Al). He stressed that Al exemplifies the double-edged sword of dual-use technologies: while its transformative potential enables solutions to climate change, healthcare, and education, it also poses risks such as bias, privacy concerns, and misuse in autonomous weaponry.

“Technology is neither a threat nor an infallible solution,” stated Professor Rethy. "When guided by ethical frameworks and inclusive policies, it can amplify human ingenuity to address global challenges and unlock unprecedented opportunities."

The speech outlined three critical themes:
Ethical Alignment of Al and Emerging Technologies: Machines must be designed to reflect human values, such as empathy, equity, and justice. Professor Rethy called for stronger international coalitions to establish Al governance that minimizes harm while maximizing benefits.

From Tools to Partners: The transformation of machines from mere tools to collaborative partners requires a shift in perception and practice. Human-Al collaboration must balance efficiency with preserving autonomy and human agency.

Adaptive and Inclusive Governance: To address the dynamic nature of Al and other technologies, policymakers must adopt proactive measures to ensure transparency, fairness, and accountability. Professor Rethy underscored the urgency of creating governance systems that are agile, inclusive, and responsive to diverse societal needs.

As humanity stands at a crossroads, Professor Rethy's vision inspires hope for a future where human and machine capabilities co-evolve to advance peace, dignity, and prosperity. By addressing both the promises and perils of dual-use technologies like Al, his speech calls for a global commitment to transformative collaboration and shared responsibility.