President Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali has proposed a bold idea to utilise artificial intelligence (AI) as a resource to accelerate equitable economic growth, reduce disparities, and address key global challenges.
The Guyanese leader outlined this strategy while emphasising that the Fifth Industrial Revolution (5IR), which focuses on human-AI collaboration, may arrive sooner than expected.
President Ali made the statement while delivering the keynote address on Thursday during the Berkeley Innovation Forum at the Ames Research Centre in California, United States of America (USA).
The forum is themed “Making AI Sovereign: Bridging Geopolitical Divides for Open Solutions.”
The President noted that while previous industrial revolutions have brought minimal benefits to developing nations, they have also widened the gap between developed and developing countries.
To this end, he asserted that AI should not be dominated by a few nations or corporations, but should be accessible to all.
“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,” the Guyanese Head of State stated.
He explained that nations can leverage this critical tool to transform sectors such as healthcare, education, and climate mitigation. AI, he said, 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,” President Ali added.
The Head of State highlighted that AI can enhance agricultural output, reduce food storage and waste, and improve supply chain efficiency through predictive analytics.
AI can support smart agriculture by reducing water and fertiliser usage and help develop circular economy models that lower industrial emissions. This will allow nations to build a more resilient, productive, and sustainable global food supply chain.
The President also focused on the intricate link between energy security and innovation. According to him, a stable energy supply is essential to innovation in areas such as AI and automation, while innovation is key to making sustainable energy accessible.
As such, he stressed the importance of preventing barriers to non-military digital technologies, stating:
“Without energy security, technological progress stalls, and without innovation, sustainable energy solutions will be out of reach.”
AI, when deployed as a common good, will play a critical role in combatting climate change and its associated disasters. President Ali said the technology can help improve climate modelling, optimise energy use, and support sustainable practices.
For example, it will enable predictive analysis of extreme weather events and energy efficiency. It will also serve as a tool for monitoring, evaluation, risk identification, and accountability.
President Ali called for the establishment of a dedicated AI Investment Fund. He said this is critical to ensure developing countries can participate and bridge the technological divide. (DPI)
