OT-2140
September 10, 2021
Remarks by AIT Director Sandra Oudkirk at Closing of a Virtual Global Cooperation and Training Framework (vGCTF) Workshop
on The Future of Work in a Post-Covid-19 Economic Recovery
Deputy Undersecretary Lee, Minister Wu, Minister Hsu, Chief Representative Izumi, panelists, virtual guests, good morning!
It is my pleasure to offer remarks at the conclusion of the first-ever Global Cooperation and Training Framework webinar focused on the intersection of artificial intelligence and labor. We are grateful for the contributions of experts from the United States, Taiwan, and Japan and for the participation of distinguished guests from around the world.
The GCTF is a great way to strengthen connections between experts in different countries as they tackle 21st century problems that do not respect borders.
As we heard from our distinguished expert panelists, the COVID-19 pandemic has fundamentally changed the way the world does business. While technology has enabled remote work and digital platforms have helped facilitate a COVID-19 friendly, “touchless” economy, emerging technologies also pose challenges to labor rights.
As a core node of high-tech global supply chains, Taiwan is at the leading edge of developing labor regulations to meet the reality of workers today. We hope that this webinar has reinforced Taiwan’s value as a partner on this key issue.
As we consider the future of work and the challenges and opportunities posed by emerging technologies, I would like to reiterate that it is the policy of the United States to promote the responsible design, development, and deployment of artificial intelligence in line with democratic values and with respect for human rights.
As regulators and governments consider policies to address new challenges, we believe in a transparent, consensus-based, and private sector-led approach to developing standards for emerging technologies. That’s how we will arrive at standards that are technologically sound, engender the public’s trust, and reflect our values.
We will continue to work with partners like Taiwan and Japan to develop norms and standards to ensure that technologies are deployed in an ethical way that respects human rights.
Once again, on behalf of the American Institute in Taiwan, thank you all for your participation.
