AI in 2030: Broad Impacts and Specific Solutions for a Better World
Exploring the “Good” from the 2024 AI for Good Global Summit
As the world witnesses the rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI), everyone is wondering: will this technology make the world better — or worse? This question took center stage at the 2024 AI for Good Global Summit, with experts and thought leaders discussing the transformative potential of AI.
In this article, we examine two complementary talks from the summit: First, Azeem Azhar, founder of Exponential View, exploring how AI can provide assistance to all and act as a skill equalizer, enhancing the abilities of individuals across the skill spectrum. Second, Juan Lavista Ferres, Chief Scientist at Microsoft AI for Good Research Lab, discussing tangible ways AI is already contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
By examining their perspectives, we can better understand AI’s capacity to drive meaningful and equitable progress towards a better world.
- Azeem Azhar: AI Can Provide Superpowers for All
- Juan Lavista Ferres: AI’s Tangible Contributions to the SDGs
- Conclusion / Learn More
AI Can Provide Superpowers for All
The first official talk of the 2024 Global Summit came from Azeem Azhar. His presentation, entitled “How I Envision AI Impacting the World by 2030,” offered potential pathways for where we will be in six years when the timeline of the SDGs comes to a close. Describing AI as an “exponential technology,” Azhar emphasized its rapidly advancing nature and profound potential. While AI is increasingly present in our lives, he pointed out that the significant productivity gains it promises are still on the horizon. “We can see AI everywhere, except in the productivity statistics,” Azhar remarked, suggesting that the true impact of AI will unfold in the coming years.
A central theme of Azhar’s talk was AI’s potential to enhance the abilities of individuals by acting as a “skill equalizer.” He cited a study from his colleagues at Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Harvard Business School in which knowledge workers using GPT-4 were able to complete tasks 25% faster and with 40% better quality compared to those without AI assistance. This improvement was particularly pronounced among those with lower skill levels, demonstrating AI’s potential to uplift and empower those at the lower end of the knowledge curve. “AI can give us superpowers, it offers us a chance to improve at things we’re not necessarily great at,” he explained, envisioning a future where AI levels the playing field by enhancing the capabilities of average and below-average individuals.
Despite the incredible potential for improving the quality of life for everyone, that outcome is not guaranteed for 2030. Azhar cautioned that realizing this potential requires a focus on using AI to augment and enhance human skills rather than simply replacing workers and increasing profits. By fostering economic conditions that encourage growth and entrepreneurship, and implementing policies that support upskilling, AI can become a powerful force for good. Ensuring that the benefits of AI are broadly and equitably distributed will be crucial in making this vision a reality. Put another way, the future of AI is still up to us.
AI’s Tangible Contributions to the SDGs
Later on Day 1, participants at the AI for Good Global Summit heard from Juan Lavista Ferres, Chief Scientist and Lab Director of the Microsoft AI for Good Research Lab. Like Azhar, Lavista Ferres views AI as transformative, describing it as one of the few “general-purpose technologies” with the potential to revolutionize many sectors. Building on the general benefits that Azhar highlighted, Lavista Ferres touched on some of the specific ways AI is furthering the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
One of the critical areas Lavista Ferres highlighted was AI’s role in mapping for resource allocation and disaster relief. He shared how AI, in collaboration with organizations like Planet and the University of Washington, has been instrumental in creating up-to-date population density maps in regions such as sub-Saharan Africa. “If we don’t know where people live, we cannot provide services to them,” he explained, underscoring the importance of accurate data for effective disaster preparedness and response. This technology proved invaluable during recent disasters in Libya, Brazil, and Kenya, where AI models detected changes in the environment and identified affected structures swiftly.
Lavista Ferres also discussed AI’s applications in environmental conservation, healthcare, and education.
- In the Amazon, AI is used to detect illegal deforestation by analyzing daily satellite data, enabling early intervention by authorities.
- AI-powered bioacoustic models are transforming wildlife tracking, reducing the workload for scientists and enhancing conservation efforts.
- In healthcare, AI aids in the early detection of pancreatic cancer, significantly improving survival rates by identifying tumors at a more treatable stage.
- AI improves education by providing AI tutors to support students in regions with high student-to-teacher ratios.
- AI can assist people with disabilities, exemplified by the “Be My Eyes” app, which helps visually impaired individuals navigate their surroundings.
Lavista Ferres’ insights provide a concrete look at how AI is already making a significant impact, demonstrating that the technology’s promise is not just theoretical but actively contributing to global development. “AI is a new general-purpose technology and provides amazing power to change the world,” he concluded, illustrating AI’s vast potential to drive progress toward the SDGs.
Conclusion
The AI for Good Global Summit showcased the profound potential of artificial intelligence not only to drive societal progress but also to bring about positive, meaningful change. Through the insights of Azeem Azhar and Juan Lavista Ferres, the summit highlighted both the broad, transformative possibilities of AI and its specific, tangible impacts.
Whether described as an “exponential technology” by Azhar or a “general-purpose technology” by Lavista Ferres, the message is clear: AI has the power to revolutionize many sectors and improve lives for the better. But, as Azeem Azhar aptly put it, “What will determine where we end up in 2030 and what the world looks like will be [our] response.” This sentiment underscores the importance of focusing on policies and practices that ensure AI’s benefits are broadly and equitably distributed.
By choosing the right path, we can harness AI’s transformative power to enhance human capabilities and address some of the world’s most pressing challenges, ensuring a brighter and more equitable future for all.
Learn More
Want to dig deeper into the transformational power of AI? Check out these additional resources:
Coverage from our partners at StartingUpGood of Juan Lavista Ferres’ talk exploring 8 insights about the future of AI.
For a comprehensive understanding of AI’s impact on knowledge worker productivity and quality, refer to the study conducted by Boston Consulting Group (BCG) and Harvard Business School:
To explore the diverse ways AI is contributing to the Sustainable Development Goals, the ITU Publications’ report on United Nations activities offers detailed insights:
For those who prefer visual content, the full video of the AI for Good Global Summit’s sessions is available on YouTube. Azhar’s talk begins at 1:13:45 and the Lavista Ferres segment can be found at the 9:39:30 mark.
You can also check out other AI for Good Sessions here:
And finally, read our previous coverage from AI Governance Day discussing the industries experts say we may be able to learn from:
SDGCounting is a program of StartingUpGood and tracks the progress of counting and measuring the success of the SDGs. Follow us on social media:
For the latest on innovative entrepreneurship and social enterprise, check out StartingUpGood on Twitter/X and LinkedIn.
Disclaimer: Generative AI tools such as OpenAI’s GPT and Google’s Gemini were used in the creation of this article to assist with summarization and proof reading.
