Istanbul hosts the most comprehensive AI summit in Türkiye and the MENA region

On April 16, Istanbul opened its doors to the most extensive Artificial Intelligence Summit in Türkiye and the MENA region, hosted by Bahcesehir University (BAU) at its Kemerburgaz Future Campus.

The International Future AI Summit 24 brought together leading authorities and experts in artificial intelligence, demonstrating groundbreaking innovations and discussing the profound impact of AI across various sectors.

The two-day summit features 45 sessions with over 120 speakers, including academics, AI visionaries, and industry leaders. Notable attendees include BAU Global President Enver Yucel, IBM Master Inventor and UN AI Advisor Neil Sahota, and Microsoft Türkiye General Manager Levent Ozbilgin. The event also boasts participation from major brands like Intel, Microsoft, and Huawei, which are unveiling new products.

AI-powered Lucia made the opening speech without human intervention, which drew significant attention. Lucia expressed gratitude towards BAU for providing a platform for AI to engage in meaningful discussions about the future shaped by technology.

"As we gather here to not only discuss technological advancements but also envision a world enhanced by them, AI is pushing the boundaries of creativity and innovation," said Lucia.

The power of AI in education

One of the summit’s focal points is the transformative role of AI in education. BAU Global President Enver Yucel asserted AI's potential to revolutionize personalized learning experiences.

"AI systems can identify individual learning needs, allowing students to learn at their own pace, which is crucial for preparing them for future challenges," Yucel explained.

He also raised concerns about AI's potential impact on employment rates, suggesting that proactive measures are necessary to address future job market shifts.

The economic implications of AI

UN AI Advisor Neil Sahota provided insights into the economic aspects of AI, emphasizing that "data is the new oil." He discussed AI's dual nature in the job market, where it could displace certain jobs but also create new opportunities.

Sahota revealed that AI is expected to automate 85 million jobs by 2025 but could also generate 97 million new job roles. "This shift requires substantial retraining and reskilling of workers," he added.

The summit focuses on AI’s capabilities but also addresses ethical concerns. Discussions over the two days are steering towards sustainability and inclusivity, ensuring that AI development benefits all sectors of society equitably.

Dr. Esra Hatipoglu, Rector of BAU, noted, "It’s vital that we incorporate AI into our educational systems to prepare our students for the ethical use of technology."

Source: Newsroom