The inaugural meeting of the Group of Friends was co-chaired by China and Zambia and attracted representatives from over 80 countries, including major nations like the United States, Russia, and France.

Emmanuel Pamu from Zambia emphasized the importance of bridging the AI divide and enhancing the UN's role in global AI governance during the meeting.

Fu Cong, China's permanent representative to the UN, highlighted the potential of AI to foster fairness, inclusivity, and multilateralism while focusing on capacity-building.

Fu also stressed that while AI can enhance well-being and address global challenges, its development must be accompanied by robust security measures and human oversight.

He called for equal opportunities for all nations in AI development, advocating for an open and nondiscriminatory environment to ensure collective benefits.

The resolution encourages international cooperation to help countries, particularly developing nations, strengthen their AI capacity and representation in global governance.

Fu reiterated that AI could significantly contribute to achieving the UN's 2030 Agenda, enhancing well-being and addressing pressing global issues.

The recent meeting in September 2024 established a framework for the Group of Friends, introducing the AI Capacity-Building Action Plan for Good and for All.

Known as the Group of Friends, this initiative aims to foster partnerships, implement practical actions, and support sustainable development through AI.

The group's formation follows China's leadership in July 2024, when it spearheaded a UN General Assembly resolution on AI capacity-building, co-sponsored by 143 countries, including the United States.

China's commitment to AI development is further underscored by President Xi Jinping's Global AI Governance Initiative, introduced in 2023, which seeks to address governance challenges and promote international collaboration.

On December 3, 2024, a new international group proposed by China was launched at the United Nations to enhance global cooperation in artificial intelligence (AI) capacity building.