The rise of new technology has spurred questions regarding the regulation and governance of AI in a manner that respects and upholds human rights. The visiting experts from CASS presented on their current research in this area, and the seminar created a valuable platform for experts from both China and Norway to exchange ideas and viewpoints.
Facilitating Knowledge Exchange
The primary aim of the visit was to facilitate the exchange of information on ongoing research between China and Europe. CASS has been a long-time partner of the NCHR, with several of the Institute’s researchers having previously served as visiting scholars at the Centre in Oslo.
The Chinese delegation also met with Professor Alla Pozdnakova, Vice-Dean of International Relations at the University of Oslo's Faculty of Law, who provided an overview of the faculty's research and educational priorities.
Programme Highlights
The morning programme started with welcoming remarks from Cecilie Figenschou Bakke and delegation leader, Professor Liu Renwen, focusing on the long-term cooperation between the NCHR and CASS. This was followed by a broad round of introductions, setting the stage for a full day of presentations and discussions on “Business and Human Rights” and "Technology, AI and Human Rights". Professors Huang and Deng presented on Chinese policies related to the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI) and Chinese efforts to promote inclusive business. Professor Bård Anders Andreassen discussed recent developments in Europe, particularly new legal regulations such as the Corporate Responsibility to Respect Human Rights in Supply Chains (CRSDDD) and the Norwegian Transparency Act, which are expected to have a profound global impact on business conduct in the coming years.
The afternoon session featured discussions on technology, AI and human rights. Presentations on Competition Policy in China and AI (by Professors Hao and Lu) was followed by a talk on criminal regulations in China (Professor Liu). Professor Gentian Zyberi delivered a talk on ‘New Technologies for Human Rights Law in Practice,’ followed by a presentation from Professor Malcolm Langford on ‘Governing AI in Courts.’ Sunniva Eik Fredstad also summed up the key debates taking place in Vilnius during the ESIL Conference ‘Technological Change and International Law’. Throughout the day, participants engaged in open and candid discussions on complex and challenging topics.
Commitment to Dialogue in a Responsible Manner
International cooperation is vital to NCHR's mission of promoting human rights. “The NCHR is committed to fostering exchange and dialogue on human rights topics where possible, but this must of course be done in a conscious and responsible manner” says Cecilie Figenschou Bakke, Programme Director at the NCHR. “The NCHR is still actively engaged in collaboration with Chinese academics and partners, and we see this research-based exchange as valuable, even if the geopolitical environment is getting more difficult," adds Bakke.
