Phnom Penh, November 25, 2024 - H.E. Professor Dr. Chhem Kieth Rethy, Senior Minister for Special Missions, called Monday for harmonized technological advances with human values to foster global peace and sustainability.

Speaking at the 11th Session of the International Parliament for Tolerance and Peace (IPTP), he highlighted the dual-edged nature of technology in historical milestones such as the Manhattan Project, the Fukushima nuclear disaster, and the rapid evolution of artificial intelligence (Al). 

He said AI was a double-edged sword in that the transformative potential of solutions to challenges such as climate change, healthcare, and education are offset by risks such as bias, privacy concerns, and misuse in autonomous weaponry.

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

For ethical alignment of AI, machines must be designed to reflect human values, such as empathy, equity, and justice, he said, calling for stronger international coalitions for Al governance that minimize harm and maximize benefits.

In transforming machines from tools to collaborative partners, Professor Rethy called for shifts in perception and practice that balance efficiency with preserving autonomy and human agency.

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