The rapid development of artificial intelligence (AI) is generating unprecedented changes in production processes, service innovation, education, and health research.
Developed countries are at the forefront of AI system development, while most of emerging economies are still observing the process from behind.
The multifaceted phenomenon of AI is advancing at a speed that makes it impossible to measure the impact of these new technologies on the various dimensions of human life, with challenges posed to governance, ethics, professional training, and digital inclusion.
States, companies, and society are still organizing to deal with the consequences of this new Pandora’s box.
Given the undeniable transformative power of artificial intelligence, we need to responsibly explore the transformative potential of AI, supporting its development and adoption, as well as formulating governance frameworks that allow knowledge sharing and establish common principles of ethics, sustainability, security and inclusion.
The use and development of AI systems depend on connectivity, which is directly related to the ability to access and use infrastructure, and to train in digital skills. Building a workforce with digital skills to leverage AI will be slow and will require public-private articulation.
Nations with a digitally skilled workforce and inclusive connectivity frameworks will have advantages, while contributing to the formation of new professions and opportunities for small and medium-sized enterprises.
A third of the world’s population (or 2.6 billion people), however, remains unconnected to mobile internet networks, according to the World Bank. In Latin America for example, on average, only 50% of the population has access to connectivity, while in Western Europe such percentage reaches 90%.
These differences are defining the world order in the face of the AI revolution. We are facing an increase in the differences between populations with digital skills and those excluded from the future.
It is difficult to think about sustainable development, the growth of the digital economy, digital inclusion or the benefits related to the development of AI systems and applications in the context of such a significant portion of the population remaining disconnected.
That is why I support a global pact for connectivity that helps developing nations to close the gap with the aim of achieving universal and meaningful connectivity and digital inclusion of the underserved.
A Global Pact of that sort should provide tools and policies to, among other things, a) accelerate the deployment and use of ICT infrastructure, b) promoting the modernization of regulations and public-private partnerships that incentivize investment, collaboration, and fair competition, and c) the use of universal service funds to support the demand side (such as government-funded connectivity for essential services).
We need to focus our efforts on generating inclusive access to fast, reliable, secure, and affordable internet services, as well as on promoting education, training, and information focused on the development of digital skills.
At different speeds, governments are considering regulatory modernizations to boost investment and connectivity and companies are promoting debate and analysis of the reality to contribute to adaptation to the new times.
At the same time, it is essential to address digital skills gaps at all levels and demographic groups to promote the development of a workforce (and a population at large) with digital literacy. An essential contribution would be needed from modern and dynamic entrepreneurs, prepared to participate in the digital transformation with confidence and able to adapt to disruptive technologies.
