WEF: AI poses biggest global risk in 2024

The World Economic Forum (WEF) has recently released a report highlighting the top global risks for the coming years, with artificial intelligence (AI) posing a significant challenge. In a televised interview with CNBC Africa, Saadia Zahidi, Managing Director of the World Economic Forum, discussed the key findings of the report and shed light on the potential impacts on the global economy and the continent of Africa. The report emphasizes the growing concerns around AI-generated misinformation, extreme weather events, economic risks, and the evolving geopolitical landscape. While AI-related risks are currently ranked low in the near term, they are expected to become more prominent in the next decade, especially in terms of employment disruption. Zahidi highlighted the importance of understanding and appropriately responding to the impacts of AI, as the technology continues to evolve rapidly. She also addressed the growing trend towards a multi-polar world and the challenges it presents for global cooperation and collaboration. Despite these risks, Zahidi emphasized that there are opportunities for cross-border cooperation, particularly in areas such as climate action and AI governance. The upcoming 54th Annual Meetings of the World Economic Forum in Davos will provide a platform for global leaders, heads of state, public figures, and businesses to come together and discuss solutions to these pressing challenges. The forum aims to foster trust-building, bridge-building, and collective action to address the complex issues facing the world today. By bringing together diverse perspectives and encouraging collaboration, the WEF meetings seek to create alliances that deliver tangible solutions in areas such as AI regulation, skills development, education, and climate action. The overarching message is one of unity and shared responsibility, emphasizing the need for coordinated efforts to tackle global risks and build a sustainable future for all.