Four crucial ways AI could promote development and prosperity – Google CEO outlines

At the recent Summit of the Future convened by the United Nations in New York, the Chief Executive Officer of Google, Sundar Pichai, emphasised the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) in advancing human progress and addressing significant global challenges. He articulated that AI could enhance sustainable development, foster scientific innovation, and support climate action, thereby contributing to a more equitable future for all.

Pichai referenced substantial studies indicating that AI could augment global labour productivity by 1.4 percentage points and elevate global Gross Domestic Product (GDP) by approximately 7 points within the next decade. This prediction underscores the economic promise AI holds for nations worldwide.

Within the context of the United Nations’ sustainable development goals—seventeen objectives aimed at creating a shared vision for peace and prosperity—Pichai delineated four critical avenues through which AI could facilitate these aims:

1. Enhancing Access to Knowledge: Over the previous year, Google has expanded its language offerings by adding 110 new languages to Google Translate, with a goal to incorporate the 1,000 most widely spoken languages globally. This initiative aims to empower individuals by allowing them to access information in their native languages, thereby enhancing education and connectivity.

2. Accelerating Scientific Discovery: The introduction of Alphafold 3 by Google DeepMind marks a significant advancement in the realm of drug discovery and genetics. This model, which predicts protein structures, has been made freely accessible, reaching over 2 million researchers in more than 190 countries, including 30% from developing regions. Pichai noted the profound implications for agricultural resilience and medical advancements, including disease-resistant crops and malaria vaccine research.

3. Mitigating Climate Change: Implementing technologies such as Google’s Flood Hub, which provides advanced warning of climate-related disasters, Pichai stated that the system currently safeguards in excess of 460 million individuals across 80 countries. Additionally, Google’s wildfire tracking systems and the newly launched FireSat satellite constellation demonstrate how AI-driven tools can enhance disaster preparedness and response through improved speed, accuracy, and scalability.

4. Contributing to Economic Growth: In terms of economic advancement, Pichai reiterated that AI’s capabilities could result in notable productivity gains. This potential increase could significantly aid economies, particularly in the face of future uncertainties.

Sundar Pichai’s vision at the UN Summit presented AI not merely as a technological advancement but as a crucial ally in achieving humanitarian goals and fostering global prosperity. As large corporations continue to invest heavily in AI, the question remains whether this innovation will indeed benefit all of humanity or lead to further inequity. Pichai advocates for the former, expressing optimism that AI can create pathways to a more equitable and thriving global society for everyone.