We're all confronted with it every day. When you're cycling or running...
and you're wearing your sports watch.
Your whole smartphone is full of artificial intelligence.
We all use it on a daily basis.
Ed Kronenburg. Up to three years ago, I worked for the Ministry of Foreign Affairs.
My last posting was as ambassador in Beijing.
Back in the Netherlands, I was pleasantly surprised to be asked...
as Special Envoy to the REAIM conference...
due to take place next year.
I was pleased to be able to work for the Ministry again.
The subject is fascinating and of the utmost importance.
I also worked for NATO in the past.
So I'm aware of the importance of the use of technology...
in a military environment.
A Special Envoy's task is to involve other countries.
Together with colleagues at the Ministry.
Not only to convince governments, but businesses...
NGOs, civil society, as well as the academic world...
of the importance of this conference. And that we would like to use their input.
And we hope the users...
the military, will be able to explain how all this can be applied...
to demystify the whole notion of artificial intelligence.
To explain its exact applications and its possibilities.
Because if you don't, it's hard to raise understanding.
A lot of countries...
already have or are developing their own policies where AI is concerned.
And we believe it might be interesting for those who aren't that far...
to see the set-up in other countries. So sharing knowledge is very important.
But also that on an international level the same standards apply.
I'd be happy if, looking back, this conference had allowed us...
to assemble the biggest players in this particular field...
and that they're convinced of both the need and the benefits of such a conference.