At Davos 2024, the Ahura AI House became the hub for deep discussions on the future of AI and its impact on humanity. One highlight was a fireside chat featuring award-winning musician and tech entrepreneur Will.i.am, Ahura AI CEO Bryan Talebi, and British journalist Gillian Tett, who moderated the session. The focus of the conversation centered around the democratization of AI and ensuring that its benefits reach everyone globally.
Will.i.am, known for his passion for advanced technology, emphasized the role AI could play in improving the world. He expressed his belief that fear surrounding AI may be misplaced, advocating instead for the technology to solve problems that have long been ignored, particularly in marginalized communities. “My hope is that the tech is used to solve the problems that have been ignored by people,” he said, recognizing the immense potential of AI to foster change in ways previously unimaginable.
The discussion also touched on the global imbalance in AI access. As noted by the panel, there is a significant risk that the Global South will be left behind in the AI revolution unless accessible paths for AI tools and GPU machines are created. Using an analogy of a math exam, the disparity in access to technology was likened to giving advanced calculators to some students while forcing others to do their work by hand. The consensus was clear: without leveling the playing field, countries in Africa and Latin America may struggle to compete in the AI-driven future.
Talebi highlighted the urgency of retraining workers displaced by AI. Unlike previous economic revolutions that allowed decades for adaptation, today’s workers must be retrained in just a few years. The current educational systems, he argues, are ill-equipped to meet this challenge, leaving workers vulnerable in the rapidly shifting economy. Ahura AI is tackling this challenge head-on, with the ambitious goal of impacting a billion workers globally.
Will.i.am also reflected on the emotional and human aspects of AI, arguing that while AI may out-produce humans, it will never “out-love” or “out-empathy” them. He suggested that the age of AI could usher in a new era of enlightenment, grounded in love and empathy, rather than fear and competition.
The discussions at Ahura AI House were crucial for shaping the future trajectory of AI. As the panelists noted, the stakes are high, and the time to act is now. AI has the potential to transform industries, uplift disadvantaged communities, and reshape society, but only if the benefits are distributed equitably.