At the recent Web Summit Qatar, ‘The AI Moment’ session offered attendees a comprehensive look at the ongoing evolution of AI and its widespread effects. Julia Sieger of FRANCE 24 moderated the insightful discussion, which included Mohamed Al-Hardan from the Qatar Investment Authority and Builder.ai’s Sachin Dev Duggal.
Sachin Dev Duggal, drawing on his profound experience with Builder.ai, recounted AI’s historical milestones, such as the introduction of Google’s BERT model a decade ago. He emphasised that the transformative phase witnessed in 2022 was attributed not only to technological advancements but also to significant design innovations that made AI more intuitive and accessible to a broader audience.
In the context of the Qatar Investment Authority leading Builder.ai’s Series D funding round, Mohamed Al-Hardan discussed the strategic considerations for their investment. He commended Builder.ai for its efficient approach to the development process and its early adaptation to AI, while also underlining the necessity of comprehensive due diligence to ensure AI’s success. Al-Hardan also highlighted the forward-thinking approach of AI startups in addressing AI’s potential challenges and their determination to remain at the forefront of technological advancements.
The dialogue on the implications of AI for employment saw Duggal and Al-Hardan offering perspectives that extended beyond the conventional narrative of technological unemployment. Sachin Duggal proposed a future where individuals are recognised for their creative contributions, thus redefining the traditional employment framework. Al-Hardan echoed this sentiment, stressing the importance of adaptability in the face of an AI-integrated future.
Regarding AI governance, the conversation touched on the complex ethical and regulatory landscape that accompanies AI’s expansion. Al-Hardan expressed concerns about the risk of excessive regulation impeding innovation, advocating for a partnership between regulators and technologists to bridge their understanding gap.
The session ended with an agreement on the critical need for educational reforms to prepare today’s youth for the AI-dominated world of tomorrow. Sachin Dev Duggal highlighted the necessity of focusing on human-centric skills such as creativity and adaptability in educational programs to ensure their relevance in diverse scenarios.
The session, enriched by the contributions of Sachin and Al-Hardan, delved into the human, ethical, and duty-related aspects in the AI era, emphasising the crucial need for a human-centric approach in the field of AI innovation.