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UAE: Governments must educate citizens about AI to remove public fear, says expert
He noted the exponential speed of change, which has left many feeling overwhelmed and apprehensive about the future
- PUBLISHED: Tue 11 Feb 2025, 9:51 PM
As the world witnesses unprecedented technological advancements, concerns over public fear and a lack of trust in government are coming to the forefront.
A prominent figure has emphasised the urgent need for governments to step up and educate citizens on the opportunities presented by emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence and quantum computing.
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During an address at the World Government Summit, Prof Klaus Schwab, Chairman of the Board of Trustees, World Economic Forum, reflected on the significant changes that the world has undergone in the past two centuries, marking the transition from the agricultural age to the industrial age and now to the intelligent age.
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He noted the exponential speed of change, which has left many feeling overwhelmed and apprehensive about the future.
"The future is not happening; it is shaped by us," he said, urging collaborative efforts among governments, businesses, and civil society to foster understanding and optimism regarding these innovations.
Schwab highlighted the foresight of the UAE, which appointed Omar Sultan Al Olama as Minister for Artificial Intelligence back in 2017, as a leading example of how nations can prepare for this new age.
He stressed that education will be the key to adapting to the forthcoming changes. According to research from his organisation, 50 per cent of jobs could be directly or indirectly affected by technological advancements within the next five to ten years.
Moreover, he warned that failing to communicate the benefits of these technologies could exacerbate public fear and distrust. "Governments have the task to explain to the people, to be educators, to show them that actually, those technologies entail more opportunities than threats," he said.
When asked whether AI should be treated like nuclear technology, requiring strict global governance, Schwab said: "No, AI is an enabling, systemic technology. So it penetrates everything we are doing."
Schwab outlined the critical responsibilities of governments in this new intelligent age, emphasising their role as enablers of change.
The future includes redefining the role of government officials from bureaucrats to "governance architects," who must adopt a systems-thinking approach to address the complexities of modern society, he added.
He stressed the importance of curiosity as a defining quality for leaders in this age, stating that a willingness to learn is essential for survival and prosperity.
Without such efforts, the apprehension regarding these advancements may continue to overshadow their potential, hindering progress and collaboration in the years to come, Dr Schwab said.
Ruqayya Alqaydi is a Special Correspondent with an endless curiosity to learn. Like a journalist on a caffeine overdrive, she is fuelled by passion and on a mission to uncover every gem in the UAE.