Hanane Djoua
Doha
In an era defined by rapid technological advancement, artificial intelligence (AI) is at the forefront of discussions about the future of work, environmental sustainability, and the evolving nature of human interaction with technology.
The 9th edition of Georgetown University in Qatar’s Hiwaraat series, “The AI Revolution: Opportunities, Challenges, and Its Impact on the Future of Work and Sustainability,” gathered global experts to explore AI’s transformative role.
Organised in collaboration with Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMUQ), the conference provided a unique platform to discuss how AI is reshaping economies, workplaces, and social systems, while also offering solutions to some of the world’s most pressing challenges.
At the heart of these discussions was AI’s potential to contribute to sustainability efforts and address the pressing environmental concerns facing the world today.
Equally important were deliberations on the way AI is transforming labour markets, reshaping job roles, and influencing educational paradigms. The event proved to be a significant gathering for industry experts, academics, and policymakers to deliberate on the intersection of AI, sustainability, and the future of work, all under the lens of Qatari and regional perspectives on innovation.
AI in Sustainability:
A Pivotal Solution to Environmental Challenges
One of the key discussions during the conference was AI’s potential to mitigate environmental degradation and enhance sustainability efforts.
Reka Nakazawa, Chief of Commercial Innovation at NTT Group, spoke to Qatar Tribune about the growing concern over the energy consumption of AI systems. “There’s a lot of anxiety about how much energy AI consumes, particularly when training models and maintaining the overall infrastructure,” Nakazawa said, acknowledging the increasing focus on the environmental footprint of technology.
Nakazawa outlined the efforts at NTT Group to address these concerns through groundbreaking advancements in networking technology. “What we’re working on at NTT is moving from electronic to photonic networks,” she explained. “Photonic networking uses photons—light particles — to transmit electricity. This innovation promises to drastically reduce the energy consumption of AI systems.” Nakazawa’s optimism for this shift stems from the belief that photonics-based networks can drive a major paradigm shift in AI infrastructure. “Photonics isn’t a new concept. Fiber optics have been around for a while, but the real innovation is being able to transition the entire computing infrastructure to photonics, which could significantly reduce the environmental impact.”
Nakazawa’s insights highlight a broader shift towards more energy-efficient and sustainable AI technologies. She also pointed to the ability of AI to drive sustainability beyond energy consumption. “AI isn’t just about reducing carbon emissions. It’s about optimizing systems, improving efficiency, and creating opportunities for new business models that center around sustainability,” Nakazawa said. She emphasized that AI can enable the optimization of operational systems, driving improvements in circular economy principles and enhancing sustainability practices in fields like healthcare and disease management. “AI also offers breakthroughs in healthcare by improving access to health services, which is equally vital for achieving sustainability,” she added.
AI and the Future of Work: Opportunities and Challenges
Another key focus of the Hiwaraat conference was the impact of AI on the labour market. As automation becomes more prevalent, many fear the displacement of workers, while others see it as an opportunity for greater efficiency and productivity. Salim Al-Barami, Strategic Planning and Digital Transformation Advisor, addressed these concerns in his remarks. In an interview with Qatar Tribune, Al-Barami acknowledged the dual nature of AI’s influence on the workforce. “AI significantly boosts productivity by matching the right skills to the right jobs, enhancing precision and efficiency,” he explained. However, he also warned that these technological advancements could lead to job displacement if not managed carefully.
Al-Barami urged companies and policymakers to focus on reskilling and upskilling workers to align with the demands of a changing labor market. “It’s crucial that we equip workers with the skills needed to thrive in an AI-driven world,” he emphasized. “Reskilling programs should be a priority to ensure that workers are prepared for the new types of jobs that AI will create.” He also touched on the ethical implications of AI in the workplace, particularly regarding bias in AI algorithms. “Raising awareness about the ethical use of AI is essential,” Al-Barami said. “AI systems must be designed and monitored to reduce bias and ensure fairness in decision-making processes.”
Al-Barami further elaborated on the potential for AI to transform workplace culture. “The rise of AI will push companies to adopt data-driven decision-making practices,” he noted. “This will not only improve efficiency but will also challenge companies to adapt to new models of governance and operations.”
Regulating AI:
A Global Perspective
on Ethics and Governance
Santiago Garcia Couto, Professor of Economics at Georgetown University and one of the event organizers, provided a broad perspective on the societal impact of AI. In an interview with Qatar Tribune, Couto reflected on the role of regulation in shaping the future of AI. “There’s no doubt that AI is creating both excitement and anxiety,” he acknowledged. “As an economist, I’ve been particularly focused on how AI will affect labor markets, but also on how we can regulate it to ensure it benefits everyone.”
Couto emphasized the importance of ethical AI deployment. “AI has the potential to significantly improve quality of life, but it must be used responsibly,” he argued. “That’s why it’s so important that countries like Qatar take a leading role in ensuring that AI technologies are used to promote sustainable development and social inclusion.” He also highlighted the opportunity for Qatar and the broader region to serve as a global leader in responsible AI governance. “Qatar has a unique position in the global conversation about AI,” Couto explained. “The region’s investments in AI and its efforts to create institutions dedicated to developing and regulating these technologies place it in a pivotal role. Qatar can set an example for other countries by prioritizing inclusivity and ethical considerations in its AI development.”
Couto also addressed the importance of involving the Global South in AI discussions. “For AI to be truly beneficial, it must be inclusive,” he said. “This means ensuring that people from diverse backgrounds and regions, including the Global South, are included in the conversation and have a say in how AI is developed and deployed.”
Environmental Sustainability and AI: A Space to Innovate
Dr Moriba Jah, an award-winning scientist recognized for his work in space environmentalism, provided a thought-provoking perspective on the intersection of AI and sustainability. “The integration of environmental sustainability into AI involves incorporating diverse sources of data to prevent biases that could hinder efforts toward sustainability,” Dr. Jah shared with Qatar Tribune. His remarks underscore the importance of incorporating a wide range of data to ensure that AI systems do not perpetuate harmful practices that could undermine sustainability goals.
Dr Jah also highlighted the growing importance of space in environmental sustainability. “AI is already being used to manage the space ecosystem, from preventing collisions in space to tracking debris,” he explained. “This has significant implications for maintaining the sustainability of outer space, an area that’s becoming increasingly important as we depend more on satellite technology for communication and environmental monitoring.” Dr. Jah’s comments highlighted the need for a holistic approach to sustainability that considers not only Earth’s environment but also the space environment.
The Human Element: Education and Ethics in AI Development
As AI continues to evolve, the role of education in shaping its future is becoming more critical. Professor Safwan Masri, Dean of Georgetown University in Qatar, discussed the importance of embedding ethical principles in AI education. “At Georgetown, we focus on educating students who are not only technically proficient but also mindful of the ethical and societal implications of the technologies they develop,” he said.
Masri’s comments reflect a growing recognition of the need for AI professionals who are equipped to address the complex ethical questions posed by these technologies. “AI must serve humanity’s best interests, and that requires education that goes beyond just technical skills,” he explained. “AI practitioners need to be aware of the ethical challenges and potential societal impacts of their work.”
Towards a Sustainable Future: The Road Ahead for AI
The discussions at the Hiwaraat conference emphasized the transformative potential of AI while also underscoring the need for careful management. AI offers unprecedented opportunities to improve efficiency, reduce environmental impact, and enhance sustainability practices. However, as the experts at the conference pointed out, AI also poses significant challenges, particularly in terms of its ethical use, its effect on the job market, and its potential for environmental harm if not carefully regulated.
The future of AI, particularly in the Middle East, looks promising, with Qatar at the centre of this transformation. By focusing on sustainability, inclusivity, and ethical principles, Qatar is poised to lead the way in shaping AI for the greater good. The Hiwaraat series has provided valuable insights into the path forward, with experts emphasizing the need for collaboration, education, and a commitment to ensuring that AI benefits all of humanity.
The conference served as a timely reminder that while AI is a powerful tool, its success depends on how it is harnessed and regulated. The conversations that took place at Hiwaraat will undoubtedly influence future efforts to ensure that AI is developed responsibly, sustainably, and inclusively.
