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The panel explored how artificial intelligence is reshaping the future of work, emphasizing the need for human-centered approaches and inclusive dialogue.
Gilbert Houngbo, Director-General of the International Labor Organization, set an optimistic but cautious tone, noting that while AI will eliminate some jobs, it will create others. However, he warned about potential gender impacts, stating that "most of the jobs that will be automated are predominantly occupied by women," potentially widening existing inequalities.
Guillaume Faury, CEO of Airbus, shared insights from his company's 30-year journey with AI, emphasizing their ethical framework prioritizing "safety first, sustainability second, and human in the loop third." He acknowledged the challenge of managing AI's rapid deployment while maintaining control, noting that "speed is of the essence."
Christy Hoffman, General Secretary of UNI Global Union, highlighted workers' concerns, stating "Workers broadly share in the wonder of AI and its potential for good, but everywhere they worry about their futures." She emphasized that "there is no public interest AI without a voice for workers."
Denis Machuel, CEO of The Adecco Group, presented sobering statistics from their research: "41% of workers feel their skills are less relevant because of generative AI" and "only 46% of companies plan to redeploy workers impacted by AI." He highlighted a concerning disparity in upskilling access between white-collar (58%) and blue-collar workers (less than 40%).
Archbishop Paul Richard Gallagher brought a moral perspective, emphasizing that "human worth and value and dignity is not tied simply to their economic performance." He stressed the importance of maintaining solidarity in a world increasingly driven by competition and meritocracy.
Key takeaways from the discussion included:
- The need for inclusive dialogue between workers, employers, and governments
- The importance of significant investment in reskilling and upskilling programs
- The challenge of managing AI deployment while maintaining human dignity
- The critical role of education in preparing future generations
The panel highlighted that while AI presents significant opportunities for innovation and productivity, its implementation must be guided by human values and inclusive dialogue. As Houngbo noted, "It's not the AI that is going to take our jobs, it's the lack of preparedness for us to take up new jobs in an AI context that is more at risk."
The discussion concluded with a call for balanced action: embracing AI's potential while ensuring worker protection, maintaining human dignity, and investing in education and training. As Faury said, "We live in a world that is volatile, unpredictable, complex, and ambiguous, and AI deployment is of that nature. We have to accept that we don't have all the answers, but still we have to find a way forward."
