One of the key focal points of the recent World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland, was artificial intelligence and how to regulate laws related to it. Contrary to the widespread hype, discussions on this topic and other emerging technologies indicate a notable convergence among the perspectives of world leaders.
For over 50 years, every January, leaders of various countries, along with CEOs of multinational corporations, gather in Davos to participate in the World Economic Forum. This forum serves as a platform for discussing global issues, and this year, amidst challenges such as the Zionist regime's attack on Gaza, the war in Ukraine, climate change, and food security, the significant topic of regulating artificial intelligence and dealing with emerging technologies stood out.
The central theme of discussions among world leaders and tech executives at Davos 2024 was the use of artificial intelligence, its regulation, and its connection with other emerging technologies.
The crucial consensus reached during Davos 2024 discussions was that there shouldn't be an overly extreme view regarding the future of this technology. Although the focus was on artificial intelligence, it was not the sole subject of all debates.
An important convergence in perspectives emerged from the discussions, indicating that government officials and business leaders have gained a more accurate understanding of the necessity of governance and regulation for novel technologies, especially artificial intelligence.
Here are five key points about the serious discussions held at Davos 2024 regarding understanding emerging technologies and their future stages:
1- A significant part of the world is still analog:
Recognizing that not everything can be immediately and uniformly replaced by its digital counterparts challenges oversimplified narratives. Among technologies, achieving fair access remains a challenge. The EDISON Alliance, a coalition of telecommunications and information industry players, aims to enhance digital participation through investments in digital inclusion in healthcare, financial services, education, and society. (What is the EDISON Alliance? In 2021, amid the widespread COVID-19 pandemic, it became evident that there is a significant global gap in technology access, with over 2.9 million people offline. The alliance was formed to eliminate this gap and facilitate access to vital economic sectors.) The EDISON Alliance announced at Davos 2024 that it has made significant progress in reducing the digital divide. By January 2024 (Bahman 1402), the alliance has improved the lives of 784 million people in 127 countries through 320 innovative initiatives. This figure is 75% higher than the alliance's target for 2025.
2- We must prepare for the future quantum economy:
While we often mention quantum computing as an emerging technology, many practical applications of quantum economics in measurement, navigation, and communications are already operational. The quantum economy is expected to impact the global economy maximally by 2030, akin to the ways artificial intelligence influences it. Businesses and governments can invest now to ensure a skilled and interdisciplinary workforce for this technology.
3- Space Technology is Vital for Earth's Well-being:
Four major global threats in the next 10 years are related to climate change. To address these dangers, the use of fourth industrial revolution technologies, especially those playing a crucial role in space technology, can be beneficial. William Marshall, one of the founders of Planet Labs PBC, explained how Earth imaging systems generate revolutionary data enabling us to achieve a sustainable economy. Applications of space navigation range from tracking deforestation to predicting and responding to natural disasters. Integrating artificial intelligence into this technology enhances these capabilities, allowing for the development of simulations for future scenarios. Joseph Ashbacher, the Director-General of the European Space Agency, stated, "We can combine artificial intelligence with Earth system models and high-performance computing to simulate specific situations and climate threats." Additionally, at Davos 2024, discussions about sustainability in space took place, as it is expected that by 2030, over 1.7 million satellites will be present in space. Fortunately, frameworks and agencies like the International Telecommunication Union (ITU) have been effective in managing space affairs.
4- Artificial Intelligence Helps Prioritize Humanity:
Artificial intelligence has paved new paths for education and public services. Sam Altman, the CEO of OpenAI, states, "Artificial intelligence allows humans to access better tools and capabilities than ever before." In response to the awareness that women's healthcare can contribute a trillion dollars to the global economy by 2050, a impactful initiative for women's health began at Davos 2024. The transformative use of artificial intelligence in various healthcare scenarios, where it enhances efficiency, will facilitate collaborative interactions between healthcare professionals and patients. There is also significant potential for more personalized solutions, especially when artificial intelligence is combined with other technologies such as quantum computing.
5- Continuous Dialogue Brings Benefits:
At Davos 2024, the need for nuanced discussions beyond polarizing narratives was pervasive. Leaders called for thoughtful and comprehensive dialogues that encompass the complex interaction between technology, governance, and social welfare. Only coordinated governance can ensure that artificial intelligence provides widespread and ethical benefits, especially during times of heightened geopolitical instability. The remarkable commitment among country leaders and major international companies at Davos 2024 was aimed at ensuring that emerging technologies enhance our capabilities to address some of the world's most pressing challenges, such as climate change and digital inequalities. The concept of "agile governance" and an ongoing, adaptable dialogue evolving with technology will be crucial in achieving this. In response to this challenge, the Fourth Industrial Revolution Center will continue its expansion efforts. In 2024, the center signed agreements to launch centers in Ukraine and established three centers in Germany, Qatar, and Vietnam. These joint agreements mark a significant step towards global collaboration.
نظرات:
