Putin spoke at the EEF plenary session. The main thing

Russian President Vladimir Putin took part in the plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum (EEF) in Kazakhstan. It is held under the motto: "The EAEU in the global digital race: betting on artificial intelligence." The main quotes from the Russian leader's speech are in the Izvestia article.

About the development of AI

Putin pointed out the importance of the EEF allowing representatives of government, business, and the public to work together to develop new major initiatives for the development and deepening of integration, which brings real benefits to each of the member states of the Eurasian Economic Union (EAEU).

"The association applies common standards for the exchange of trade data, unified rules for digital commerce, uses electronic navigation seals, and operates an integrated labor market information system," the head of state noted, adding that much in the field of AI and digitalization is already being done by the EAEU.

The President also drew attention to the fact that AI is a completely new but very promising area of integration cooperation. We are talking about strategic technologies that are becoming an important factor in ensuring global competitiveness, economic growth and progress.

He also noted that competition between states and multinational corporations is already unfolding for leadership in the field of AI.

About AI in Russia

"The Russian Federation is perhaps one of the few countries that is able to create and is creating its own sovereign platforms for the development of artificial intelligence," Putin said during a plenary session of the Eurasian Economic Forum.

During his speech, he also spoke about the Russian experience of using AI in ambulance work.

"In Moscow, for example, these (AI. — Izvestia) are being actively introduced tools in the field of healthcare — an ambulance arrives, the patient finds himself in an ambulance, and while on the way, his entire dossier is fully formed. Where he is, and when, what he was treated for, what tools were used in his treatment, which worked effectively, which did not," the president explained, adding that when a person arrives at the hospital, almost everything is already known about him, the decision is practically prepared for further actions by the relevant specialists.

In addition, the Russian president stressed, the development of artificial intelligence requires huge consumption and use of energy.

"Russia also has unconditional competitive advantages in this regard. I am referring to advanced technologies of nuclear energy and small power plants, nuclear generation and large units. This is very important for creating appropriate platforms," he said.

About the risks of AI development

Putin pointed out that the labor market is being rebuilt. The scenario is quite real when millions of people lose their jobs or will be forced to change their occupation. Entire professions may disappear due to the fact that a computer mind will replace a person. The president also added that in a number of areas related to process automation, documentation preparation and analysis, and software code development, AI is already replacing junior staff, and in the foreseeable future it may replace mid-level staff.

Putin pointed out that the technologies of political life and information transmission are changing, a fundamentally new way of industry is being formed, education and healthcare are being transformed, and the social sphere is changing in general.