President Ali proposes AI as resource to drive equitable development

GEORGETOWN (CMC)

Guyanese President Irfaan Ali has proposed a bold idea to use artificial intelligence (AI) as a resource that can accelerate equitable economic growth, reduce disparities and address key global challenges.

Ali outlined this strategy even as he emphasised that the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), which focuses on human-AI collaboration, might arrive sooner than expected.

He made the statement at a keynote address during the Berkeley Innovation Forum at Ames Research Centre in California, United States.

He noted that while historical industrial revolutions have brought minimal benefits, it has further widened the gap between developed and developing nations.

To this end, he said AI should not be dominated by a few nations or corporations, but should be accessible to everyone.

“The guiding idea that is needed for AI is one that gives priority to equity and inclusion over profit and power. The central idea that should propel the development of AI must be one that ensures it is developed and deployed as a force for the common good,” President Ali said.

He stated that nations can leverage the critical tool to transform sectors such as healthcare, education and climate mitigation.

Artificial intelligence has the potential to address global challenges in a more coordinated and effective manner.

“This means that climate change, pandemics and global poverty require collaboration [and] data-driven solutions. AI’s capacity to analyse vast amounts of data can provide high-level insights,” he said, adding that AI can enhance agricultural output, reduce food storage and waste, and improve supply chain efficiency through predictive analytics.

According to Ali, a stable energy supply is essential to innovation in areas like AI and automation, while innovation is necessary to make sustainable energy accessible.

He stressed the need to prevent barriers to non-military digital technologies, stating that “without energy security, technological progress stalls and without innovation, sustainable energy solutions will be out of reach”.

President Ali said this tool can help improve climate modelling, optimise energy use, and support sustainable practices.

He called for the establishment of a dedicated AI Investment Fund. He said this is critical to ensure that developing countries participate and bridge the technology gap.