Artificial Intelligence on the Table: A Dinner Discussion on the Ethics and Regulations of AI*

Artificial intelligence is one of the most impactful and wide-ranging technologies of our time, with applications in every industry and implications that will ripple across society. On March 21, Meridian brought together U.S. government officials, foreign diplomats and private sector representatives to share their perspectives on how best to develop future-focused regulations and recommendations in this increasingly critical and evolving sphere.

The salon-style dinner was the first event in Meridian’s Tech Envoy series, which is supported by Intuit and AWS. Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian, welcomed guests of honor The Honorable Don Graves, Deputy Secretary of Commerce and Dr. Ashok Srivastava, Senior Vice President and Chief Data Officer of Intuit. Dr. Vlad Eidelman, Chief Technology Officer & Chief Scientist of FiscalNote moderated the conversation.

Participants explored the various uses of AI, what considerations countries are making when proposing regulations or frameworks for responsible use, and how different stakeholders can help work with policymakers to understand the benefits, risks, and types of responsible AI in a rapidly evolving area of technology. Attendees across sectors called for closer cooperation and information-sharing across industries, governments, and borders.

The Tech Envoy Series enables discussion of the ways the public and private sectors can join forces with civil society around the world to tackle today’s greatest challenges through technology. It engages U.S. government officials and foreign diplomats alike about the role emerging technologies are playing in transitioning governments, businesses, and citizens to a digitalized society and how to mitigate the risks and unintended consequences that come with necessary innovation and growth—a crucial, but often missing area of knowledge for many.

*This title was generated by ChatGPT

Dr. Ashok Srivastava, Senior Vice President and Chief Data Officer, Intuit, makes opening remarks at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Cameron Kerry, Distinguished Visiting Fellow, Brookings Institution, speaks with attendees at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Erica Lee, Chief of Staff, FiscalNote, at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

T.H. Don Graves, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce, at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

T.H. Don Graves, Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce, and T.H. Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian, at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Women in tech policy, including Michelle Lease, Technology Public Policy and Regulatory Affairs, Intuit, gather at Meridian House at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Attendees gather in the Meridian House Loggia for opening remarks at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Luz Pereyra, Counselor, Head of Trade Policy, Embassy of Argentina, at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Ambassador Stuart Holliday, CEO of Meridian, speaks with Patrick Hallinan, Minister Counsellor, Embassy of Australia, Ursula Wojciechowski, Senior Manager of Political Affairs, Intuit, and Lauren Kerner, Special Advisor to the Deputy Secretary, U.S. Department of Commerce, at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

Ursula Wojciechowski, Senior Manager of Political Affairs, Intuit, at AI policy dinner at Meridian House on March 21, 2023. Photo by Jess Latos.

This program series was made possible through the support of:

Project summary

Artificial Intelligence on the Table: A Dinner Discussion on the Ethics and Regulations of AI* | March 2023
Impact Areas:	Science and Technology, Governance and Transparency, Artificial Intelligence and Cybersecurity
Program Areas:	Global Leadership
Partners:	Diplomatic Corps, Private Sector, Public Sector