Google CEO Sundar Pichai delivered a keynote address at the United Nations' first-ever "Summit of the Future" today, outlining the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and announcing a significant investment in global AI education.
Pichai emphasised the role of AI in advancing the UN's Sustainable Development Goals and stressed the importance of preventing an "AI divide" between developed and developing nations. "We have a once-in-a-generation opportunity to unlock human potential, for everyone, everywhere," Pichai stated.
The Google CEO highlighted several key areas where AI is making significant impacts. He noted that Google Translate has added 110 new languages in the past year, now covering 246 languages total, greatly expanding language accessibility worldwide. In the realm of scientific discovery, Pichai pointed out that the AlphaFold AI system has been accessed by over two million researchers worldwide, aiding in crucial areas such as crop disease resistance and drug discovery.
Pichai also discussed how AI is contributing to disaster prevention. He explained that AI-powered systems like Flood Hub and FireSat are providing early warnings for natural disasters in numerous countries, potentially saving lives and property. Furthermore, he emphasised AI's role in driving economic progress, boosting productivity and enabling entrepreneurship in emerging markets.
He also announced the launch of the Global AI Opportunity Fund, a $120 million investment to provide AI education and training worldwide in partnership with nonprofits and NGOs.
Pichai called for collaboration between the private and public sectors to ensure AI benefits are distributed globally. He urged government leaders to create enabling policy environments that support AI innovation while addressing potential risks. "The opportunities are too great ... the challenges too urgent ... and this technology too transformational, to do anything less," Pichai concluded.