The trio sat at Johan's mahogany desk, facing the wall-mounted interactive screen. The blue color of the Zoom meeting screen spread across the room, creating an aura of anticipation. Their faces, captured by the interactive screen camera, appeared in a small box at the top right corner.
In minutes, additional boxes began to populate the screen. Dr. Emily's box appeared next to the trio on the left, followed by Habib, Rajiv, and then Maria in sequence.
Michael's laptop screen blinked with a notification. He clicked it, allowing the next participant to join. A Westerner, middle-aged man, appeared on the big screen, followed by a Caucasian lady with a senior face. A gentleman with Chinese features joined next, then another Chinese-looking individual. An African gentleman's face filled the screen, followed by a man wearing a Muslim headgear, seated next to a woman.
Johan greeted everyone warmly. "Thank you all for joining this first council meeting of G-FAITH. It's wonderful to see so many committed individuals coming together for this important cause."
Ali took over, "We're here to discuss the critical situation in Bolivia and finalize the structure and operations of our NGO. But first, let's introduce ourselves."
The middle-aged Westerner spoke first. "Greetings to you all. Nice to be here. Seems time is no longer a barrier. I'm James Anderson from the USA, attached to Ohio State University and a resident researcher at a few private organizations. I've been working in AI ethics for over a decade. And my personal appreciation to Dr. Emily for inviting me on this global adventure."
The senior Caucasian lady introduced herself next. "Hello, I'm Professor Anna Karenina from Moscow Tech University. I've been devoted to AI policy and governance. When Dr. Emily shared with me the G-FAITH and Mr. Johan's commitment, I was kind of taken aback for a moment. Never thought I could be part of something I personally fear to confront. Thanks, Emily. Thanks to you all."
The first Chinese gentleman spoke up, "Hi, I'm Dr. Chua Jui Meng from the Beijing AI Foundation. AI development and safety are something that really concern me. My recent trip to Singapore, meeting with Dr. Li Wei, an authority in AI tech, was the icebreaker with Mr. Johan here. Thanks to you, Johan, for accepting my request. Dr. Li Wei sends her regards. She can't be here with us now, but she has been with us from the beginning."
The second Chinese individual followed. "Good evening, everyone. I'm Chen Liu, a junior colleague to my mentor, Dr. Chua Jui Meng, and thanks to him for including me here. By the way, my field of specialization is AI applications in social media. Thank you."
The African gentleman smiled warmly. "Greetings, I am Dr. Kofi Mensah from Ghana. My background is in AI and its impact on developing economies. I've worked extensively with governments and NGOs across Africa to implement AI solutions that drive sustainable development. My recent projects include AI-driven agricultural systems and educational platforms aimed at bridging the digital divide. Special thanks to my brother Habib for allowing me to participate."
The man with the Muslim headgear introduced himself. "As-salamu alaykum. I'm Ahmed El-Sayed from Pakistan, and this is my colleague Dr. Fatima Khan. First, our appreciation to our brother, Mr. Habib, for trusting us. Our work in AI involves AI ethics in Pakistan. My focus has been on integrating ethical AI practices within the financial sector, while Dr. Khan here has been leading the initiatives to ensure AI compliance in healthcare. Together, we've authored several papers on the ethical implications of AI in developing countries and have advised multiple government bodies on formulating AI policies."
Habib took the stage. "As-salamu alaykum. Just call me Habib. Like Mike over there and Maria, I am a full-time investigative journalist. The only difference is, I am a tech journalist. Anything with tech, and now AI, is my field of interest. So, let me share a recent development. Through my research work, there is a trend in AI development where opportunists are mushrooming every day to make money from the recent AI like ChatGPT. This development is worrying me. If it is not properly supervised, it will create public disorientation. Thanks."
Johan continued, "Thanks, everybody, for the introduction and once again welcome to G-FAITH. The issue from Bro. Habib is something we all need to look at seriously. But currently, we have a pressing issue at hand involving TechEcho in Bolivia, as Maria will explain."
Maria nodded, her expression serious. "Thank you, Johan. As some of you know, TechEcho, an AI-powered chat platform, has been manipulating public opinion and inciting sectoral hatred, which our findings show could lead to violence here in Bolivia. We have obtained substantial evidence, including internal documents, that link Dr. Richard Morrow to these unethical practices."
The group listened intently as Maria outlined the evidence. The gravity of the situation was clear in their faces.
Michael then spoke, "Given the urgency, we need to act quickly. I propose we hold a press conference to expose these findings and put pressure on the authorities to take action."
Dr. Emily added, "We must ensure that our findings are thoroughly vetted and presented in a way that leaves no room for doubt. Our credibility is crucial."
Ali nodded in agreement. "We also need to finalize our organizational structure. Let's discuss the roles and responsibilities."
Johan outlined the proposed structure. "We'll have a Policy Council to draft and pass our policies, an Administrative Council to oversee operations, a Funding Council, and an Advocacy Council for on-the-ground action. Additionally, we'll establish a Research Council to drive our efforts with data and analysis."
"I nominate Ali as the Permanent Secretary to ensure our operations run smoothly," Johan said.
Everyone agreed, and Ali accepted the role.
Michael then proposed, "I'll head the Advocacy Council, coordinating our efforts to bring attention to our causes."
"Dr. Emily, could you lead the Research Council?" Johan asked.
Dr. Emily nodded. "Of course. We need solid research to back our actions."
Johan continued, "We still need representatives for the USA, China, and Russia. James and Dr. Chua, could you take on these roles while Professor Anna Karenina will be for Russia based in Moscow?"
James, Dr. Chua, and Professor Anna Karenina agreed, filling the crucial gaps in their leadership team.
With the organizational structure in place, Johan concluded, "I'll proceed with registering G-FAITH with the Malaysian Registry of Societies. Ali, please ensure we have all the necessary documentation ready."
Ali nodded, making a note on his laptop. "Consider it done."
Johan felt the weight of responsibility settle on his shoulders. "I'll be taking a sabbatical from Petronas to dedicate my full attention to this cause," he announced.
Everybody in the Zoom meeting, especially Ali and Michael, was in awe of Johan's announcement. Soon, there were sounds of hand clapping.