A reflection on technology’s role in diplomacy, connection, and progress. Just as science unites across borders, AI has the potential to serve as a global ambassador—championing innovation, equity, and collaboration for a better future
As a graduate student, I traveled to South America to present my research on Ebola. In Uruguay, I stood among young researchers at the intersection of biology and computer science.
In one session, the president of the International Society for Computational Biology (ISCB) said something that immediately resonated: “Science is an ambassador to the world." The idea struck me so deeply that I posted it to social media right away.
But as I reflected, I realized: Technology is the implementation of science. If science is an ambassador, then technology is an ambassador, too. And since AI is a form of technology, AI itself is an ambassador to the world.
Ambassadors champion the rights of people, protect, nurture, and elevate societies. This should be the purpose of AI—not to replace us, but to uplift us, to expand our reach, and to ensure no one is left behind.
As we develop AI, we must ask: Is it fulfilling its role as an ambassador? Is it elevating humanity, or reinforcing division? Is it advocating for equity, safety, and opportunity?
I’ve seen firsthand how science brings people together. AI must do the same. If AI is to serve the world, it must carry the same responsibility as any ambassador: to serve with integrity, responsibility, and vision.
Those who build AI need to ask themselves if they are ambassadors or exploiters of a technology that represents the collective consciousness of humanity’s mind.
AI is not a toy. Like science it can either empower or destroy us.
This post originally started as a LinkedIn discussion. Join the conversation here → https://www.linkedin.com/posts/sophiabanton_blackhistorymonth-artificialintelligence-activity-7296875982756429824-KWso?utm_source=share&utm_medium=member_desktop&rcm=ACoAABgnFAEBqPrsJQHrleFspXku59GJCly2ft8
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