“Fundamentally, technology is transforming our planet. How it does so will depend on the values that we have, the choices that we make,” said USAID Administrator Samantha Power. She noted that in the early Internet era there was a great deal of optimism that “extending technologies around the world would inevitably, invariably, expand knowledge and empathy and economic opportunity” around the world.
But “The reality has proven different,” she said.
“Technology can deepen inequality just as it can reduce inequality. It can divide communities … just as it can connect us. It can spread hate, it can spread lies just as easily, it seems as it can spread compassion, connection and truth.”
“We need to learn from the challenges of the past to carve a different course. We need to embrace the fact that today, development is digital – economic development, human development is digital,” said Administrator Power.
“First, together, we must extend the reach of technology across the planet so that no person or company is left behind as the world digitizes,” she said.
“No people or nation should be left behind in the digital revolution. Right now, two parallel worlds have emerged – online and offline. And as more services, interactions, and business models go digital, those who don't have access will be at a severe disadvantage.”
“Second, we must build coalitions that set the rules of the road and establish protections so the technologies are developed and deployed in ways that guard against harms and respect human rights,” said Administrator Power.
“Third, we must accelerate the application of technology on behalf of humanity's greatest challenges.” Whether it’s the use of artificial intelligence to fight Tuberculosis, or using listening devices, satellite data and geospatial technology to stop illegal logging, “emerging technologies like AI aren't just changing what we can do. They are transforming how we do it.”
“Right now, with the challenges that we face globally vastly outpacing the resources that we have to take them on, AI is offering tools that can help us … be more efficient, more effective, and more inclusive throughout our work,” she said.
“Technology is, alongside climate change, one of the two most decisive forces shaping development today,” said Administrator Power. “And whether it is a force for harm or good will depend … on people, on us, and the choices that we make now and going forward.”
