Shaping Inclusive AI Futures: Insights from the A.I. for Good Summit
By Dr. Stéphanie Camaréna, Founder, Source Transitions
In the current environment, AI advocates might paint a predetermined future for AI, suggesting its design and development are on a fixed path. However, it would be misleading to suggest the future trajectory of AI is already set in stone. As powerful as AI may become, its long-term impacts will be shaped by the choices societies make in how to develop and deploy these technologies responsibly.
The disruptive potential of AI in its current forms creates an urgent need for frameworks and models that can support the development and use of AI-powered technology for the public good.
The urgency of our sustainability challenges no longer allows us the luxury of leisurely assessing AI's future impact. Instead, we must deliberately shape AI and similar technologies to advance rapid sustainability transitions. This demands collaborative approaches that blend expert knowledge and bottom-up wisdom.
The approach:
A mindset shift is needed from technology-driven to human-driven AI development that is collaborative, context-aware, and impact-conscious from the onset. This can foster more sustainable, equitable, and value-aligned AI integration.
The approach in action in Geneva:
On May 30-31, 2024, Source Transitions ran a workshop on "AI Futures" at the AI for Good Summit in Geneva with the support of the TASC Platform and Our Future Life. This dynamic event brought together over 70 diverse participants, united in their commitment to crafting AI futures centred on inclusivity, fairness, and community empowerment. The workshop was designed around elements of the Source Transitions Bottom-Up Engagement (BUE) framework:
Sustainability and ethics at the core: Ensuring these are fundamental drivers of AI development, not afterthoughts.
Multi-disciplinary and participatory design: Including people affected by and influencing AI projects to prevent biased or incomplete solutions.
Expert-guided balance: Helping teams navigate between big-picture thinking with practical implementation shifting mindsets and addressing specific challenges as they arise.
Iterative literacy building: gradually developing AI and sustainability through iterative work sessions, enabling participants to shape meaningful visions, create actionable results and make better decisions.
The workshop's success sparked the launch of an ambitious 100-day challenge, aimed at transforming the visionary concepts the different teams developed into tangible actions.
Source Transitions:
Source Transitions is a for-profit for-purpose consulting company assisting organisations to navigate and design responsible innovation pathways, leveraging AI and other emerging technologies to drive sustainable transitions. We bridge the gap between visionary thinking and practical action, helping our clients create positive impact in a rapidly changing world.
Are you a policymaker, business leader, or NGO representative interested in experiencing a similar workshop or process to shape inclusive AI futures? We invite you to get in touch with Source Transitions to explore how we can collaborate in creating responsible and sustainable AI pathways tailored to your organisation's needs and goals.
Source Transitions Global – info@sourcetransitions.org
Source Transitions Europe – info@responseabilityconsulting.ie