Conference examines AI impact on sustainable development

The growing role of artificial intelligence (AI) through emerging technologies such as machine learning, deep learning, robotics, and Internet of Things (IoT) in higher education is being discussed across the world, and more needs to be done to prepare students for the evolving workplace and sustainable development, experts have said.

A two-day conference hosted by the Department of Computer Science of St. Joseph’s College was inaugurated on Thursday to examine the impact of next-generation AI in various fields and the challenges in utilising technology for sustainable development.

The programme is organised in association with Crossian Centre for AI Excellence, Holy Cross College, Globethics, Geneva, Switzerland, and Department of Computer Science and Applications, Bhopal School of Social Sciences, Madhya Pradesh.

Keynote speaker Victor Sundararaj, associate vice-president, Education, Training and Assessment, Infosys Ltd., Bengaluru, said that teachers need to adapt pedagogy to suit today’s students.

“AI is taking over most tasks in the workplace. Approximately 70% of employees do not have the skills needed for the future. If we have to do any mass re-skilling, it cannot be done in one classroom, in the traditional method. It is time to democratise learning, enabling it anytime, anywhere,” he said.

In his inaugural address, Bendict Lawrance, professor, Department of AI-based Big Data Management, Gangseo University, South Korea, said: “AI technologies are not just futuristic ideas anymore. They are a part of our daily life. Sustainable development requires that technology should meet the needs of the present generation without affecting those of the next.”

Technical sessions were held on a wide range of AI-related topics at St. Joseph’s College on Thursday. Holy Cross College will be hosting the second day’s proceedings on Friday.