HRH Crown Prince Haakon: AI and the future of work
On the 16th of April, International House welcomed back HRH Crown Prince Haakon of Norway for the ‘AI and the Future of Work; Norway in Conversation with California’ event in the Chevron Auditorium. HRH Crown Prince Haakon was an International House alumnus from 1996-97, when he completed his studies in Political Science at UC Berkeley. In his opening remarks, he shared with us his fond memories of living at International House – all the wonderful social events, interesting conversation in the lively dining hall and having the chance to meet people from all around the world. HRH highlighted the importance of understanding AI as he is also impressed by the popularity and the speed of development of this new technology.
In succession, before the discussion began, UC Berkeley Professor and distinguished AI expert: Stuart Russell provided his key notes on the future of artificial intelligence as a foundation for the discussion. Russell explained artificial intelligence is about making machines smart, which can effectively complete actions to achieve objectives. And the impact of AI will not be straightforward and easy, it will be varied and trying. The principal point is that inevitably, we humans will be faced with its existential problem and wishful thinking will not help us adapt to this new change. While we should be cautious with the advancement of AI, we should also stay optimistic about the benefits of AI on our labor market – AI empowered but not replacing humans, it automated but not taking our jobs.
The event panelists included the President of the Norwegian Confederation of Trade Unions (LO): Peggy Hessen Følsvik, CEO of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise (NHO): Ole Erik Almlid, the Norwegian Minister of Trade and Industry: Jan Christian Vestre and Professor Stuart Russell. Their conversation was moderated by UC Berkeley Professor Steven Raphael, the Director of the Institute for Research on Labor and Employment.
The discussion was centered around Norway and California’s work model in society in the wake of a rapid technological and digital revolution with artificial intelligence. Norway tripartite cooperation work model between the trade unions, employers and the government. Some highlights of their insightful discussion included, how AI can help with existing business models in Norway and alleviate labor shortage and move lower income group up on the social ladder. Their thoughts on AI and the labor market have reminded us of the importance of making AI benefit everyone in society and boosting productivity for society. AI, like many new technologies that were once new to us, has vast potential and unstoppable momentum. While we are embracing this new oil, it is also critical for us to avoid mistakes that we have once made.
The successful event was wrapped up by Dr. Robert Strand, Executive Director, Nordic Center at UC Berkeley and Center for Responsible Business at Haas School of Business.
Written by Marketing and Communication Leads, Suvi Valtonen Kim and Gilbert Chiu
Photos by Brandon Sanchez Mejia