Technology and AI Building a Sustainable, Secure, Superior Future

Global strategists discuss the unique impact technology and AI have in addressing our biggest challenges and enabling a superior future. Presented by the Human Security For All (HS4A) campaign at CES 2024, Las Vegas, January 2024.

Panelists included Glenn Gaffney, Former Under Secretary General and Director of Science and Technology for the Central Intelligence Agency; Walt Stinson, Director of the HS4A campaign; and moderated by Ketan Patel, Chair of Force for Good and CEO of Investment firm Greater Pacific Capital.

The speakers discussed the transformative impact of technology on human security, with a focus on addressing global challenges such as financial inclusion and affordable education. The United Nations recognized technology as a pillar of human security in September 2023.

Ketan Patel introduced his yearly report titled “Technology as a Force for Good” that explores how technology can help create a more sustainable, secure, and superior future.

The challenges ahead include ensuring human security for all and delivering the UN’s sustainable development goals, which requires international cooperation. The speakers also discuss the rising importance of AI and virtual technologies for building a civilization that can sustainably house 10 billion people by 2050. The consequences of failing to adapt include climate catastrophe, water and food scarcity, and geopolitical conflicts. Tech industries, such as those in AI and digital technologies, are already investing in new solutions to address these challenges, leading to innovation and industry revolutionization.

The geopolitics of this change are significant, with countries like the US, China, EU, and India vying for position as great powers in the next 30 to 50 years, as they have access to most of the world’s resources needed to build the next civilization. AI and 19 other technologies are likely the basis on which the next great powers will rise. Despite this competition, the speakers believe that technology industries, backed by the right policies, are well-positioned to lead the way in solving global issues and creating multiple times the current GDP within the next few decades, while ensuring universal human security.

Europe is expected to take a leading role in AI regulations, focusing on privacy and individual rights. The speakers also emphasize the importance of affordable, reliable, and cost-effective energy sources for driving technological advancements. The future of AI technology holds the potential for major disruptions, particularly in terms of job displacement, and requires political and community leadership and a focus on educating the next generation workforce to sustain technological advancements.

The panel concluded with the speakers stressing the importance of humans and machines learning together, rather than just focusing on data accumulation and the replacement of jobs. They emphasized that critical thinking and expertise from human beings will be essential as AI progresses. Despite the perceived job losses, the speakers expressed optimism about the future, seeing it as an evolution of civilization. They encouraged attendees at CES to look for investable opportunities where AI can be added for greater impact.