By: Dr. Bedour Alrayes, Deputy CEO, HCDP
The global discourse around artificial intelligence (AI) gravitates towards dystopian predictions. However, we tend to lose sight of the single most crucial element- the human factor.
Above all, advancements like ChatGPT provoke discussions about the merits and risks of AI. Also it encompass ethical dilemmas like data privacy, decision-making autonomy and even cases of AI-generated content masquerading as human written work.
Particularly, let’s pause and consider that this very article could have been written by one of many available AI generators – it isn’t. Even though it was written by AI, it is vital to remember that its always humans behind the AI.
The corporate world sees AI as an integral tool in increasing productivity especially around repetitive tasks so that we can focus on more high-value tasks. Just one year after the launch of ChatGPT, PwC found that over half the companies they surveyed had already integrated generative AI.
According to the World Economic Forum’s 2023 Future of Jobs report, the AI and Machine Learning (ML) are poised to grow by 29%. However, globally there is a significant skills gap that will leave us at risk of falling behind. Similarly, according to a 2023 McKinsey report, a survey of 3.5 million job postings found that these postings in certain tech jobs had less than half as many qualified practitioners per posting.
In addition, experts anticipate AI to generate more job opportunities than it displaces, without upskilling, re-skilling, specializing and strengthening the human skills. However, we may never realize the full spectrum of its benefits. Moreover, embracing an AI-enabled future is the only way forward. Nevertheless, such a paradigm shift necessitates a strategic approach placing people at the heart of this transformation. Besides, human capability development should form the foundation of all conversations about future-forward initiatives.
Chielfy, the Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) is just one example of the Kingdom’s many programs to prepare today’s generation of students for an AI-enabled future. These students are the cadres who should commit to building the human skills required to deploy AI in an ethical, safe and responsible manner.
Furthermore, the pervasive impacts of AI are opportunities to increase our productivity, create avenues for excellence, uplift humanity, and build global #FutureReadiness. We can only do this by learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and focusing on human capabilities development. Also, it is crucial that human ingenuity which remains unparalleled in tasks requiring imagination, intricate analysis, and adaptive problem-solving abilities – gets the needed support.
Additionally, the Human Capabilities Development Program (HCDP) recognizes that AI is just one of many factors that reshape our future. That #FutureReadiness comes from unleashing our full human potential. As a result, we are launching the Human Capabilities Initiative (HCI). It is a global forum that brings together the world’s experts for impact-oriented discussion on human capabilities development. Together, we can re-shape and re-envision a better future for all. HCI will take place on 28-29 February in Riyadh.
Join the Conversation:
https://humancapabilityinitiative.org
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