GU-Q's Hiwaraat Explores AI Uprising, Opportunities And Challenges

(MENAFN- The Peninsula) Fazeena Saleem | The Peninsula

DOHA: The ninth edition of Georgetown University in Qatar's (GU-Q) Hiwaraat series held yesterday, explored how humans can guide Artificial Intelligence (AI) to sustainably transform industries and the workforce, enhance well-being, and safeguard the future of the planet.

The conference held under the title 'AI Uprising: Opportunities and Challenges for the future of work and its impact on the environment g' explored ways how to guide the most advanced technologies in a way that aligns with ethical principles, examining strategies for leveraging AI's potential while ensuring that humanity is not left behind in the process. The conference, held in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar, and brought together leading voices in academia, technology, policy as well as diplomats including the US Ambassador to Qatar
H E Timmy Davis.

GU-Q Dean Safwan Masri opened the event by quoting Nobel laureate Christian Lange, saying,“Technology is a useful servant, but a dangerous master.”

He explained that the situation has evolved significantly since the time the quote was originally said.

“Unlike the machines of the past, which simply extended human capabilities, AI now imitates, learns, and increasingly surpasses human abilities,” he said.

Dr. Moriba Jah, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, University of Texas at Austin delivering the keynote speech during the ninth edition of Georgetown University in Qatar's (GU-Q) Hiwaraat series held yesterday.

Dean Masri referred to how the introduction of ChatGPT impact on everything including healthcare, designing, solving problems and entertainment industry.

“Yet, amid this progress, a darker side emerges, he said emphasizing the need for thoughtful engagement and spaces where diverse perspectives can come together to chart a responsible path forward.

“This is the mission of GUQ's Hiwaraat series: to foster critical dialogue and shed light on the most pressing issues of our time. Launched last year, we have already hosted eight editions, covering topics ranging from reimagining Palestine and the legacy of the Iraq invasion to Afghanistan's crossroads and the future of energy and water. The success of these efforts reflects the vision of Qatar Foundation,” he added.

The opening session featured Dr. Moriba Jah, Associate Professor of Aerospace Engineering and Engineering Mechanics, University of Texas at Austin who delivered the keynote speech.

He called for sustainable space exploration said that of human-made objects in space right now around 90% are useless.

“There are about 50,000 objects in orbit, most of which are debris. We place these objects into these orbits, where they remain for extended periods-anywhere from 5 to 10 years, depending on the altitude, or even centuries, or forever. Saturn isn't the only planet with rings; Earth now has a permanent one too. It's called the geostationary belt, located at an altitude of 36,000km. Essentially, we have created a landfill in orbit. When satellites in the geostationary belt stop working, the plan is to push them into a slightly higher orbit, where they can remain as debris indefinitely,” he said. Through keynote addresses, high-level panels, and sessions, participants examineed how to direct the smartest tech in the room to act with conscience and explore ways of harnessing AI's potential without leaving humanity behind.

Assistant Professor of Economics at GU-Q, Santiago García-Couto who is also an organizer of the ninth edition of Hiwaraat series said speaking to journalists on the sidelines of the event said,“At Georgetown University in Qatar, we are exploring how we can contribute to shaping the future, particularly in relation to AI and its impact on our lives. We want to understand how AI will affect the labor market, ethics, regulations, and sustainable development. Our focus is on ensuring that no worker is left behind, promoting dignity, and fostering inclusion, especially for the Global South.”

“Qatar, and the wider region, has a unique opportunity to lead in using AI for good, improving well-being, and supporting sustainable development. This is where our diverse perspective at Georgetown University in Qatar can offer valuable insights,” he added. The conference held different panels including The Ethics of AI in Our Geopolitical Context; Promoting Sustainable Development; AI and Labour Market Transformation; and Innovation to Improve Humanity.

Chief Commercial Innovation, NTT Group, Rika Nakazawa a panelist at the conference, speaking to media, said that AI has been around for 80 years and now the Generic AI is making an impact in different aspects.

She emphasised that embracing AI is important, but it is equally vital to remain vigilant. This includes establishing AI governance and addressing issues such as tech diplomacy.

Nakazawa said,“With the rise of AI and automation, it's crucial for communities to come together and identify best practices for leveraging learning across various industries. There are opportunities for cross-pollination, where insights and strategies can be shared among different sectors. We will likely see automation increasingly integrated with AI, particularly in areas such as healthcare, as populations live longer and the need for automation grows.

Imagine scenarios resembling those from Star Wars, where it's common to see robots and automation seamlessly integrated into everyday life, whether in business corridors or restaurants.”

“Looking ahead, we'll see how communities can collaborate to address challenges related to AI. If countries pursue overly sovereign AI agendas, it could create fundamental issues. Data doesn't recognize borders, especially in today's hyper-connected, digital world,” she added.

The Hiwaraat, Arabic for dialogues, series of conferences was launched in the 2023-2024 academic year with timely and topical discussions, offering insights from top practitioners, scholars, and activists.

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