Web Summit Qatar’s ‘The AI Moment’ session provided an insightful exploration of AI’s expansive role, led by moderator Julia Sieger from FRANCE 24. Panelists included Mohamed Al-Hardan of the Qatar Investment Authority and Builder.ai’s Sachin Dev Duggal, who shared their in-depth perspectives.
Sachin Dev Duggal, reflecting on his extensive journey with Builder.ai, traced the milestones in AI’s development, including the significant launch of Google’s BERT model a decade ago. He highlighted that 2022 marked a turning point, characterised by both technological leaps and design innovations that significantly improved how users interact with AI.
Mohamed Al-Hardan, discussing the Qatar Investment Authority’s recent lead in Builder.ai’s Series D funding, shed light on the strategic thinking behind their backing. He lauded Builder.ai for its innovative approach to reducing the development timeline and its proactive stance on AI, while emphasising the crucial role of in-depth due diligence for AI’s successful application. Al-Hardan also commended AI startups for their proactive approach to AI’s challenges and their dedication to staying ahead in the technological race.
The panel then addressed the impact of AI on the workforce, with Duggal and Al-Hardan offering insights that went beyond the typical concerns of job displacement. Sachin Duggal painted a future where people are valued for their creativity over routine tasks, proposing a new outlook on employment. Al-Hardan supported this view, highlighting the need for ongoing adaptability in an AI-driven world.
The conversation on AI governance touched on the ethical and regulatory challenges posed by AI’s rapid advancement. Al-Hardan voiced concerns over the potential for over-regulation to stifle innovation, calling for a partnership between regulators and technologists to close the knowledge gap between these crucial groups.
The session concluded with an emphasis on the necessity of educational reforms to equip the next generation for a future shaped by AI. Sachin Dev Duggal highlighted the importance of fostering human-centric skills like creativity and adaptability within educational programs, ensuring their effectiveness in diverse situations.
The contributions of Sachin and Al-Hardan provided a comprehensive look at the human, ethical, and responsibility dimensions in the AI era, emphasising the importance of prioritising human-centric approaches in AI innovation.
