Wachemo University, Ethiopia : Renowned computer scientist and international digital diplomat, Dr. DP Sharma, delivered a keynote address at a conference held at Wachemo University in Central Ethiopia, emphasizing the critical need for governments to establish transparent and human-centered frameworks to mitigate the risks of “knowledge-based colonization” in the era of Artificial Intelligence.
Dr. Sharma’s arrival was marked by a traditional Ethiopian welcome, with the presence of the Indian tricolor hoisted at the reception, symbolizing the strong ties between India and Ethiopia.
Wachemo University’s President and Vice Chancellor, Dr. Dawit Hayiso, opened the conference by highlighting the rapid pace of technological change and the imperative to ensure equitable access to and utilization of Artificial Intelligence for societal progress. He expressed the university’s keen interest in Dr. Sharma’s insights on digital diplomacy and AI.
Dr. Sharma was honored with traditional Ethiopian attire (a Khadi coat and shawl) by Dr. Hayiso. In his keynote address, Dr. Sharma addressed the dual nature of AI, acknowledging its immense potential while cautioning against the “dark zone” of Technological Singularity. He warned of the potential for knowledge-based colonization, where entities with advanced AI capabilities could exert undue influence over those with less technological expertise. “The biggest challenge is to balance the two poles of the world where people with less knowledge will try to control the Artificial Intelligence based machines with more knowledge, but whether they will be able to do it or not, the future will tell. One of the biggest threats is the systems of knowledge based colonization by companies and countries equipped with Artificial Intelligence, from which the world will have to be cautious,” Dr. Sharma stated.
The event was attended by former Vice Chancellor and Union Minister of State, Dr. Mandefrot, and Professor Yisak, who discussed the transformative impact of AI on precision agriculture.
As a second keynote speaker Professor Yisak elaborated on the revolutionary potential of AI in agriculture, highlighting its capacity to usher in a new era of efficiency and productivity.
Dr. Sharma’s address underscored the urgency for global collaboration in developing ethical guidelines and regulatory frameworks to ensure that AI benefits all of humanity, preventing the emergence of new forms of digital inequality.
The scientific director of the University Dr Adane said the university has highly equipped 16 presentation and demonstration centers for the conference where scholars can access the Smart interactive boards and all other techno enabled facilities to showcase their research, present and discuss.
