While the global discourse around artificial intelligence (AI) gravitates toward dystopian predictions, we tend to lose sight of the single most crucial element – the human factor. Sure, advancements like ChatGPT provoke discussions about the merits and risks of AI, encompassing ethical dilemmas like data privacy, decision-making autonomy and even cases of AI-generated content masquerading as human written work. Let's pause on that and consider that this very article could have been written by one of many available AI generators – it isn't. But even if it was written by AI, it is vital to remember that it's always humans behind the AI. The corporate world sees AI as an integral tool in increasing productivity, especially around repetitive tasks so that we can focus on more high-value tasks. Just one year after the launch of ChatGPT, PwC found that over half the companies they surveyed had already integrated generative AI. According to the World Economic Forum's 2023 Future of Jobs report, AI and Machine Learning (ML) are expected to grow by 29%. Yet globally there is a significant skills gap that will leave us at risk of falling behind. According to a 2023 McKinsey report, a survey of 3.5 million job postings found that job postings in certain tech jobs had less than half as many qualified practitioners per posting. While AI is anticipated to generate more job opportunities than it displaces, without upskilling, re-skilling, specializing and strengthening the human skills behind AI, we may never realize the full spectrum of its benefits. Accepting and embracing an AI-enabled future is the only way forward. However, such a paradigm shift necessitates a strategic approach that places people at the heart of this transformation. Human capability development should form the foundation of all conversations about future-forward initiatives. The Saudi Data and AI Authority (SDAIA) which established many initiatives in AI, is just one example of the Kingdom's many programs to prepare today's generation of students for an AI-enabled future, steadfastly committed to building the human skills required to deploy AI in an ethical, safe and responsible manner. The pervasive impacts of AI should be seen as an opportunity to increase our productivity, create enabling avenues for excellence, uplift humanity, and build global #FutureReadiness. We can only do this by learning from each other, sharing knowledge, and cohesively focusing on human capabilities development through honest dialogue. It is crucial that human ingenuity – which remains unparalleled in tasks requiring imagination, intricate analysis, and adaptive problem-solving abilities – is supported, strengthened, and enhanced. The Human Capabilities Development Program (HCDP) recognizes that AI is just one of many factors re-shaping our future and that #FutureReadiness comes from unleashing our full human potential. It is exactly why we are launching the Human Capabilities Initiative (HCI), a global-first forum that brings together the world's foremost experts for an impact-oriented discussion on human capabilities development so that we, together, can re-shape and re-envision a better future for all. HCI takes place 28-29 February in Riyadh. Join the Conversation: https://humancapabilityinitiative.org
