The Great Inclusion Paradox

As the World Economic Forum’s Young Global Leaders gather to shape the future, a paradox has emerged from their collective vision for 2025. On one hand, they extol technology as a force for accessibility and empowerment. On the other, many developing countries and emerging markets remain excluded from its benefits.

The idea of harnessing AI to create adaptive technologies that amplify abilities is admirable, but it’s difficult not to wonder what about the 2.2 billion people lacking internet access, let alone AI tools? The vision for inclusive technology seems stuck in a privileged bubble, where advanced devices and networks are assumed within reach.

Bhumi Pednekar’s enthusiasm for AI-powered filmmaking is tempered by the reality of unequal access to education and media. As she notes, storytelling can have a profound impact on marginalized communities – but only if they have the means to engage with it in the first place. The democratization of film won’t be achieved without addressing fundamental barriers to participation.

Ronit Avni’s call to invest in African talent highlights another issue: technological expertise is concentrated in established hubs like India and Israel. This creates a Catch-22 situation where potential employers are reluctant to seek out African candidates due to lack of experience, even as millions of roles emerge with green skills in demand.

The paradox at play here isn’t just about unequal access or underutilized talent; it’s also about how we define “inclusion” itself. When the World Economic Forum and its Young Global Leaders talk about harnessing technology for good, they often mean creating tools that augment human capabilities in developed countries. But what about those who don’t have the luxury of such capabilities to begin with?

The Unspoken Assumptions

The notion that AI can be a tool for inclusion assumes a level of technological sophistication and digital literacy that many people around the world do not possess. It also assumes that these individuals will somehow acquire the necessary skills or that governments and tech companies will provide them. But what about those who are left behind?

Bolor-Erdene Battsengel’s vision for universal AI inclusion is admirable, but it relies on an optimistic view of human cooperation and technological diffusion. In reality, developing countries often struggle to access even basic digital services, let alone cutting-edge tools that come with AI.

A More Nuanced Approach

It’s time to rethink our approach to technology and accessibility. Rather than assuming everyone will somehow acquire the necessary skills or devices, we should focus on building inclusive systems from the ground up. This means creating infrastructure accessible to marginalized communities, not just those who have the resources to invest in it.

We also need to acknowledge the historical context of technological development, where innovators and policymakers often prioritize the interests of dominant groups over those of the most vulnerable. This has led to a situation where AI and other technologies are designed with the needs of a privileged few in mind, rather than a broader, more inclusive set of users.

The Future We Want

As we look ahead to 2025, it’s time for a more nuanced understanding of what “inclusion” really means. Rather than focusing solely on harnessing technology for good, let’s prioritize building systems that are designed from the start with marginalized communities in mind. This will require a fundamental shift in how we approach technological development and deployment – but it’s a challenge worth taking on.

Battsengel notes, “this is not about technical skills or preparing the labor force in the tech industry.” It’s about creating tools that align with the unique needs of diverse communities around the world. By doing so, we can create a future where technology truly empowers everyone – not just those who are already privileged to begin with.

The great inclusion paradox is a stark reminder that our vision for 2025 is still woefully incomplete. It’s time to take on this challenge head-on and build a future that works for all of us, not just the few.