Women’s role crucial to the growth of AI, says Bodour

With Artificial Intelligence (AI) – the sophisticated product of the “Garbage In-Garbage Out Principle” – ever riding high, men and women from various nationalities have repeatedly said that a healthier and better quality life rest entirely on one’s self-awareness, willingness, and determination.

This was from the sixth cycle of the “Women in Technology” forum by the Sharjah Research Technology and Innovation Park (SPARK) on Monday wherein three panel discussions spun around the theme of “Longevity and Next Generation Living.”

These were considered in relation to the “UAE Vision 2031” that operates on the four pillars namely “Forward Society, Forward Economy, Forward Diplomacy and Forward Ecosystem,” leading to, among others, the country being the world’s safest, among the Top 10 in global food security, and among the Top 3 in global cyber-security index; Emirati cities among the Top 10 in terms of global quality life; and the increase of the country’s gross domestic product to Dhs3 trillion from Dhs1.49 trillion.

According to SPARK Chairperson Sheikha Bodour Bint Sultan Al Qasimi, UAE Minister of State for Government Development and Future in the United Arab Emirates/Higher Committee for Government Digital Transformation Chairperson Ohood Khalfan Al Roumi, and SPARK Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Hussain Al Mahmoudi, women in the technology spectrum, must be continually supported and encouraged to better themselves in an originally male-dominated field.

Sheikha Bodour pointed out the importance and relevance of women being at the centre of AI. They, whom she described as in-born “social sculptors” through all the ripples and waves of life: “We must do everything to ensure women are equally central to creating our technological future. In the midst of unprecedented Age of Transformation, global challenges such as climate change and food security demand innovative solutions. Economic systems need fresh thinking. On top of that, AI provides huge opportunities even as some countries grapple with rough changes in traditional jobs.”

“In these shifts, two competencies stand out as the central for navigating the future. Long-term thinking and strategic risk management and women have excelled in both. The rise of AI reinforces the need for a pro-active approach like every great technological shift,” Sheikha Bodour added.

In her address, Al Roumi cited the significance of linking technological progress with sustainable development and quality of life. She noted that the heightening research and development on “smart systems” must be for everyone’s good particularly towards healthier and higher quality lives.

In the “Mental Longevity for Women and Supporting Technologies,” Emirates Genetic Diseases Association founder/president Dr. Maryam Matar and Holistic Medicine researcher Dr. Fatima Saleh underscored the expansion of scientifically proven therapies and treatments for anti-aging and over-all health. Broadcast media practitioner Lojain Omran cited that while mental health lies on the environment one grows in, spouses must know, realise and accept the truth about the complementary roles of the husband-and-wife for life.

Omran said that everyone must be responsibly aware of what shall lead them to a judicious way of life. It is only prudent to go for reliable and dependable sources for advice.

She cited the people-in-the-park in Zimbabwe – available for anyone who needs somebody to talk with – for the necessary release of whatever pent-up feelings and concerns.

For “The Rise of the Conscious Consumer: Where Ethics, Innovation & Influence Meet,” Izil Beauty CEO Mouna Abbassy, healthnag founder Natasha Rudastenko and Rite-Strategy head Jessica Hamati stated that businesses, to become and remain sustainably supportive of everyone, should value transparency and connectivity through personal communication with customers.

The key message in the “Living Longer, Living Smarter: Tech for Everyday Wellness,” was from BrainGym & Zufa.al founder Andrea Prazakova. She emphasised brain calisthenics which is basically working on one’s brain cells that is in simple terms, the openness to learn novelty and improve on what is already understood because through all, the brain sets the orientations and pace for life.

Commenting on the event, SPARK CEO Al Mahmoudi said that as “innovation thrives when diverse voices come together, women’s participation in technology is vital to building sustainable knowledge-based economies.”