Engagement Discussion: Why Development should care about AI

The rapid rise and prevalence of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) is raising fundamental questions about the role and impact of these technologies on society and how best to navigate the opportunities and challenges they pose. The answers to these questions are complex, multidisciplinary and vary wildly from the overly optimistic to the deeply pessimistic. The debate becomes even more complicated when tackling issues of AI in relation to global equity, fairness and sustainable development.

Because actors in the international development field are perpetually grappling with the meaning of their work and the effectiveness of their tools, layering another dimension might feel overwhelming—particularly for those who do not come from the tech world, when the issue at hand is a new digital technology. However, the challenge of forming a foundational understanding of how AI/ML might impact communities lacking basic resources such as electricity does not in fact need to be a daunting endeavor.

AI is here and already transforming our societies. For those who care about and work in international development, we need to be better informed and engaged with AI and its potential impact on development.

Join the conversation by participating in our live online series of Engagement Discussions where we will explore step by step, why Development must become aware of these technologies and how they can be leveraged.