Technology just cannot be wished away. Artificial intelligence, machine-learning and the Internet of Things have brought about a seismic shift in the lives of people across the globe, a UAE newspaper has commented editorially
ABU DHABI, (Pakistan Point News - 13th Feb, 2019) Technology just cannot be wished away. Artificial intelligence, machine-learning and the internet of Things have brought about a seismic shift in the lives of people across the globe, a UAE newspaper has commented editorially.
"The only best way forward is to embrace and utilise technology in a way people are benefited most, as the UAE has done and continues to do," said The Gulf Today in an editorial on Wednesday, noting that interesting observations on the subject by experts have emerged at the seventh World Government Summit, WGS 2019, held in Dubai.
As per the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), 133 million new jobs may emerge in the shake-up between humans and machines by 2022. However, at the same time, 75 million jobs may be displaced.
World leaders should take a serious view of the OECD’s projections, which suggest that one billion people worldwide lack the necessary digital literacy and skills to participate in the digital economy.
Jose Angel Gurria, Secretary-General of OECD, has aptly pointed out that uneven broadband access means less than half the world’s population uses the Internet.
While the digital transformation can change the world, what is needed is creation of a level playing field. In OECD countries alone, it is estimated that half of all people would be displaced or affected by technology.
Gurria has raised pertinent questions that deserve deep deliberations. How do you empower the half of the workforce that will be affected? How do you provide the skills that will allow them to profit? What do you do with the hundreds of millions of youth who have not yet been incorporated into this new order?"
Foresight is a crucial word in a fast changing world. Whether it’s individuals or nations, those who procrastinate or fail to anticipate are bound to lose. The fact that countries across the world are at different stages of the digital revolution and some people may be left behind cannot be taken lightly.
"Fortunately for the UAE, the visionary approach of the leadership has helped pump optimism and determination among people to stay ahead on all fronts," the Sharjah-based daily concluded.
