The topic of artificial intelligence (AI), highlighted by the powerful domestic large language model DeepSeek, gained prominence at the annual "two sessions" in early March. It remained a key focus at this year's China Development Forum (CDF), held from March 23 to 24 in Beijing. 

Scholars, industry experts and government representatives from home and abroad took part in a panel discussion on March 24 at the Symposium on the Inclusive Development of AI at the CDF 2025, exploring AI definitions, breakthroughs, challenges and collaboration for an inclusive AI future. 

The Symposium on the Inclusive Development of AI at the CDF 2025 is held in Beijing, March 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Development Forum 2025]

A panel discussion themed "Inclusive Development of AI" is held at the CDF 2025, Beijing, March 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Development Forum 2025]

In his speech at the event, Yuval Noah Harari, distinguished research fellow of the University of Cambridge and author of the groundbreaking "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind," explained: "AI does not mean automation. AI means agency. AI isn't a tool in our heads; AI is an agent." He further elaborated on AI's capacity to learn, change, make decisions and invent new things by itself, while warning of the "paradox of trust" that exists in the technology. 

"We should build more trust between humans before we develop truly super-intelligent AI agency," Harari noted, when discussing how people can flourish in the era of AI. 

Yuval Noah Harari, distinguished research fellow at the University of Cambridge, and author of "Sapiens: A Brief History of Humankind," delivers a speech at the Symposium on the Inclusive Development of AI at the CDF 2025 held in Beijing, March 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Development Forum 2025]

The importance of trust was reinforced by Bill Thomas, global chairman and CEO of KPMG, who stated that widespread AI application requires full and deep trust in this emerging technology.

Regarding how to promote the inclusive development of AI, several speakers at the symposium emphasized a people-centered approach.

"The application of AI must reflect humanistic care instead of losing its warmth," said Gu Shu, chairman of the Agricultural Bank of China when speaking about the integration of AI technologies into the financial sector.

Holger Klein, CEO and chairman of the board of management of ZF Group, also highlighted the company's people-centered approach toward an AI future, asserting that while AI has great potential, it must be directed toward good. 

"We will adopt a people-centered approach to ensure that the benefits of AI are accessible to everyone," noted Zhang Jinliang, chairman of the China Construction Bank.

The healthy development of AI also requires oversight, according to the attending experts, such as Liu Liehong, director of the National Data Administration, who said, "We will actively participate in and continuously promote the security governance of artificial intelligence."

Christophe De Vusser, worldwide managing partner, CEO and chairman of the board of directors of Bain & Company, stressed the goal of "responsible AI," emphasizing the importance of human oversight and accountability in preventing harmful outcomes and ensuring legal compliance.

Looking ahead, the guest speakers all emphasized the importance of cooperation in the emerging AI landscape. 

"The precondition of international governance of AI is for the global community to be open to each other, to embrace each other's AI efforts," said Duane Kuang, founding managing partner of Qiming Venture Partners.

Klein also committed to collaborating with government, research institutions and other partners to harness the potential of AI for good.

"We are eager to work together with friends from all sectors to advance AI technology, making it more inclusive and beneficial for all," Zhang concluded in his speech.

Participants attend the Symposium on the Inclusive Development of AI at the CDF 2025 held in Beijing, March 24, 2025. [Photo courtesy of China Development Forum 2025]