Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
The challenges and opportunities that come with AI took centre stage at a panel discussion organised by TRENDS Research and Advisory during the Abu Dhabi International Book Fair 2024.
In order to harness this technology for the benefit of humanity, the international community should join hands to develop a global governance framework that ensures the responsible and ethical use of AI for the benefit of all peoples, the session heard.
Titled “Global Trends in Artificial Intelligence”, the panel addressed the impact of AI on global value chains and economic growth. The discussion emphasised the significance of international cooperation to develop a global governance framework that ensures the responsible and ethical use of AI technology.
Opening the session, Sultan Al Rubaei, Researcher and Deputy Head of Research Sector at TRENDS Research and Advisory, introduced the main topics of the discussion, including AI and the fifth industrial revolution, AI and its implications on the geopolitical conditions in the Middle East, AI and global governance, and AI in the social sciences.
Reshaping the Present and Future
Dr. Serhat Cubukcuoglu, Senior Fellow in Strategic Studies at TRENDS Research and Advisory, explained the possible ways of how AI can be integrated into various sectors, with a focus on productivity and efficiency. Dr. Serhat said that AI is making a real revolution in various fields, transforming industries and societies and developing transportation and financial services.
AI is a Double-Edged Weapon
Mr. Nicholas Lyall, political affairs specialist and TRENDS researcher, discussed the potential risks of AI, such as job loss, inequality, and algorithmic bias. He warned that AI could be used for military and security purposes, potentially escalating conflicts and disrupting regional stability.
Huge Opportunities
Professor Asma Salman, Vice President for Research at the American University in the Emirates, stressed the need for international cooperation to develop a global governance framework for AI that ensures responsible and ethical use.
She indicated that AI has the potential to boost economic growth and improve global value chains. “However, this requires modalities to address the ethical and social challenges that come with it,” she said.
A New Field of Conflict
Dr. Luigi Martino, Director of the Cybersecurity Academy at Khalifa University, explained that the extensive penetration of AI in international politics presents both opportunities and challenges. He said that while artificial intelligence promotes innovation, growth and cooperation between countries, its weaponisation and misuse pose great threats to global stability and security.
He indicated that addressing these challenges requires joint efforts to develop ethical frameworks, warning that it can be used in cyberwarfare and the promotion of misinformation.
A Complex Tool with Vast Potential
Dr. Patrick Bell, Assistant Professor at the National Defense College, stressed that AI is not a magical solution to all the world’s problems, but rather a complex tool that requires wise and responsible use.
He spoke about the importance of two fundamental principles in any international consensus on AI governance, namely the central focus on serving humanity and awareness of the complexity of this novel tool.
