The UN Dialogue on AI and Human Development was held in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province on August 21. Photo by Li Yibo, Xinhua

Held on August 20–21 in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province, the third UN Global Dialogue on AI and Human Development gathered policymakers, tech experts, academics and cultural practitioners to explore AI's reshaping of human civilization and global development.

Convened under the leadership of United Nations Deputy Secretary-General Amina J. Mohammed, in collaboration with the Government of China and the United Nations Secretariat, the gathering builds on previous dialogues in Cairo and Mexico City. 

The UN Dialogue on AI and Human Development was held in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province on August 21. Photo by Li Yibo, Xinhua 

The Xi'an dialogue centered on cutting-edge embodied AI and robotics. Participants examined the impacts of increasingly pervasive intelligent systems on education, employment, culture and sustainable development, exploring how AI advances can foster inclusive human development while preserving individual autonomy, social trust and cohesion.

On August 21, Amina J. Mohammed, UN Deputy Secretary-General, interacted with a guide robot at the Emperor Qinshihuang's Mausoleum Site Museum in Xi'an, Shaanxi Province. Photo by Li Yibo, Xinhua

Sun Xiaobo, China's foreign ministry coordinator for artificial intelligence affairs, stated: "We look forward to this dialogue, held at the eastern starting point of the ancient Silk Road, where participants can share insights on global AI development and governance from historical, philosophical and practical perspectives. We hope to inspire and learn from one another so that AI truly benefits all humanity."

The UN Global Dialogue Series on AI and Human Development will conclude at UN Headquarters during the 81st session of the UN General Assembly. Each venue is chosen for its historical and cultural significance, offering a platform for diverse stakeholders to reflect on the links between technological transformation, social progress, institutional development, human values and human relations.