President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali has called for artificial intelligence (AI) to be harnessed as a transformative tool to drive equitable development and address global challenges. Delivering the keynote address at the Berkeley Innovation Forum held at Ames Research Centre in California, President Ali outlined his vision for AI’s role in reducing disparities and fostering inclusive growth.

The forum, themed “Making AI Sovereign: Bridging Geopolitical Divides for Open Solutions,” provided a platform for the Guyanese leader to emphasize the importance of ensuring AI benefits all nations rather than being monopolized by a select few. He stressed that equity and inclusion must take precedence over profit and power in the development and deployment of AI technologies.

President Ali highlighted AI’s potential to revolutionize critical sectors such as healthcare, education, climate mitigation, and food security. He noted that AI’s ability to analyze vast amounts of data can provide actionable insights to combat climate change, pandemics, and global poverty. Predictive analytics, he said, could enhance agricultural output, reduce food waste, and optimize supply chains, ultimately creating a more sustainable global food system.

On energy security, President Ali underscored the intricate link between stable energy supplies and technological innovation. He argued that without energy security, advancements in AI and automation would stall, making sustainable energy solutions unattainable. He called for collaborative efforts to remove barriers to non-military digital technologies.

In addressing climate change, President Ali advocated for deploying AI as a common good to improve climate modeling, predict extreme weather events, and support sustainable practices. He emphasized that AI could serve as a vital tool for monitoring risks, evaluating outcomes, and ensuring accountability in global climate initiatives.

To ensure developing nations are not left behind in the AI revolution, President Ali proposed the establishment of an AI Investment Fund. This fund would bridge the technology gap and empower developing countries to participate meaningfully in the global economy. He described this investment as a strategic imperative for creating a balanced and technologically empowered world.

President Ali’s address marked a bold call for international collaboration in leveraging AI as a force for equitable development while addressing some of humanity’s most pressing challenges. His vision reflects Guyana’s growing commitment to integrating innovative technologies into its development agenda while advocating for global inclusivity in technological progress.