The podcast discusses the debate on whether technology is neutral or not. It explores the potential of technology in addressing global challenges, including sustainable development goals. The impact of AI on the labor market and the future of work is also discussed, highlighting concerns and the need for adaptation in education. Anticipating future skills and professions, the importance of human agency and governance in AI technology, and the role of leadership and collaboration for tech for good are explored.
Read more
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
auto_awesome
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
Technology, when used ethically and responsibly, can be a powerful tool in addressing global challenges and driving the transformation to a sustainable society.
Technology itself is neutral, and its impact depends on how it is applied. By using technology with an ethical intent and focusing on positive outcomes, businesses and individuals can harness its potential for the greater good.
Deep dives
The Power of Technology in Creating a Sustainable Society
Technology, when used ethically and responsibly, can be a powerful tool in addressing global challenges and driving the transformation to a sustainable society. It can help find innovative solutions, reach new places with lower costs, and scale up initiatives quickly. Embracing technology is essential in achieving sustainable goals and cannot be ignored.
The Need for Ethical and Responsible Use of Technology
While technology has its criticisms, it is crucial to recognize that technology itself is neutral. Its impact depends on how it is applied. By using technology with an ethical intent and focusing on positive outcomes, businesses and individuals can harness its potential for the greater good.
Unleashing the Power of Technology for Sustainable Development Goals
The book 'Tech for Good' highlights how technology can accelerate progress towards achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Technologies like AI, 3D printing, robotics, extended realities, and others can be combined to drive impactful solutions. Data and AI, when leveraged effectively, enable real-time analysis, forecasting, and monitoring. Technology becomes a foundational force in addressing climate change, education, healthcare, and other global challenges.
Building Trust, Overcoming Distrust, and Shaping the Future
Trust is pivotal for the success of technology in driving positive change. While distrust in technology exists due to negative incidents and lack of governance, it is crucial for all stakeholders, including governments, businesses, and individuals, to collaboratively build trust and apply technology ethically. Businesses should adopt purpose-driven approaches and challenge the status quo. Younger generations bring hope as they are purpose-driven and tech-savvy, creating opportunities for tech to be harnessed for good.
There's often a debate in technology ethics on whether technology is neutral or not. On one hand, critics have rightfully pointed out examples of technology exacerbating the climate crisis, amplifying bias as we've seen in our recent episode with Dr. Joy Buolamwini, or contributing to the spread of misinformation and disinformation. Conversely, we cannot deny the many wonderful things technology has given us, from better healthcare outcomes, to the ability to communicate wherever we are in the world, or to elevate the quality of life of everyone on the planet.
It is this duality, that today's guest, Marga Hoek, points to as to why technology is neutral, and why it is in our hands to use it for good.
Marga Hoek is a true visionary on sustainable business, capital, and technology and a successful business leader. As a three-time CEO, Board Member, Chair, and Founder of Business for Good, she applies her vision on how business can be a true force for good in practice. As a bestselling and multi-award-winning author, member of Thinkers50, and one of the most in-demand speakers on sustainable business and ESG investment, Marga Hoek has inspired many companies and leaders worldwide. She is also appreciated as a global voice for G20 and G7 Intergovernmental forums, international climate meetings and COPs, and many other prestigious global conferences.
In the episode, Adel and Marga explore the fourth industrial revolution and the eight technologies that combine to build it, the ethical application of technology and how it can be the biggest lever to combating climate change and building a sustainable society, how data and AI enable real-time information sharing leading to better early warning systems related to the environment, use cases of tech for good initiatives, how collaboration can bridge the gap in investment for sustainable business ventures and a lot more.