As artificial intelligence (AI) continues to evolve rapidly, the Sharjah Entrepreneurship Festival (SEF) 2025 highlighted its impact on humanity. The session ‘Shaping the Future of Humanity & AI’ featured insights from Egyptian entrepreneur Mo Gawdat. He is also an author and former Google X chief business officer.
Ethical AI: A Responsibility, Not an Option
“The future of AI isn’t just about technology—it’s about responsibility,” said Gawdat. “We must establish an ethical framework to ensure AI serves humanity.”
He stressed the importance of guiding AI with the right values. Comparing AI to Superman, Gawdat explained how its potential depends on ethical guidance.
“The alien has arrived, and its superpower is intelligence,” he said. “If guided correctly, it can become a force for good. But if taught greed, bias, and destruction, it risks becoming a villain. The values we instill today will shape its future impact.”
AI in 2029: A Billion Times Smarter
Gawdat predicted that by 2029, AI will be a billion times smarter than the human brain. He warned that decisions made today will determine AI’s role as either humanity’s greatest ally or its most formidable challenge.
Moderated by Abdullah Al Shimmari, the session emphasized a shared responsibility. Innovators, policymakers, and everyday users must guide AI’s trajectory. Gawdat highlighted that AI reflects the data and values it is fed.
“We need to teach AI empathy, ethics, and purpose, much like raising a child,” he urged.
Generation Z: The $3 Trillion Powerhouse
Earlier, the session ‘Generation Next: Why Young People Are Natural Social Innovators’ showcased the transformative impact of young entrepreneurs. Dr. Eric Dawson, CEO of Rivet, highlighted that youth are solving global challenges through technology and innovation.
SEF 2025: Challenges in Youth Investment
“Research shows that youth have been leading social innovation for over 120 years,” Dr. Dawson said. “Yet, 85% of the 2 billion young people globally live in capital deserts. They have limited access to financial and social capital.”
In 2023, only 0.002% of the $650 billion donated to social causes supported early-stage, youth-led innovations. Rivet has been mobilizing the “collective economic power” of young consumers.
By collaborating with brands, influencers, and NGOs, Rivet amplifies youth-led social change projects worldwide.
Dr. Dawson highlighted Gen Z’s economic influence: “Young people control over $3 trillion in annual spending, projected to surpass $12 trillion by 2030.”
He stressed the need to move from random acts of kindness to sustained, meaningful actions.
SEF 2025: Paving the Way for a Responsible Future
SEF 2025 underscored two pivotal themes. Ethical AI development and youth-led innovation hold the key to shaping a more inclusive and impactful future.
