AI is transforming businesses at lightning speed, with many companies embracing this technology to improve efficiency and drive growth. IBM and the World Wildlife Fund (WWF) are two prominent organizations leading the charge, demonstrating how AI can significantly impact sectors like conservation and corporate operations.
The African forest elephant population has plummeted by over 80% within the Congo Basin due to various threats. Recognizing their critical role as 'keystone species,' WWF Germany and IBM are teaming up to leverage AI for better monitoring and conservation of these majestic creatures.
Oday Abbosh, Global Sustainability Services Leader at IBM Consulting, expressed the company’s commitment to making lasting impacts: "At IBM, we strive to make a lasting, positive impact on the world. By combining our expertise with WWF, we aim to leverage technology for sustainable futures."
IBM, founded back in 1911, stands as one of the largest industrial research organizations globally, boasting operations across 175 countries. With the ambition of achieving net zero greenhouse gas emissions by 2030, IBM is determined to lead the way not just for profit, but for the planet.
On the other hand, WWF, which has been safeguarding animal and plant species since 1961, has funded over US$1 billion for more than 12,000 conservation initiatives worldwide. Carter Roberts, the President and CEO of WWF, stated, "The world demands no less of us," emphasizing the urgency of their mission.
Utilizing IBM's Maximo Visual Inspection system, the organizations are working on enhancing elephant tracking efforts. This technology uses camera traps to accurately identify individual elephants by analyzing unique features of their heads and tusks, much like human fingerprints.
Kendra DeKeyrel, VP of ESG and Asset Management Production at IBM, highlighted how this collaboration could set a new standard for conservation technology. "This exemplifies how technological innovation can serve as a catalyst for global change," she noted.
Forest elephants are not just iconic; they also play critical ecological roles. For example, they distribute seeds for many tree species, and their paths through dense forests create access points for other animals.
Dr. Thomas Breuer from WWF Germany explained the challenges of tracking elephants historically, stating, "Counting African forest elephants has been difficult and population estimates are often imprecise." The introduction of AI for monitoring can revolutionize conservation efforts by providing precise population data and movement patterns.
AI's role extends beyond conservation; it's reshaping entire industries. A recent global study by IBM surveyed over 3,000 CEOs, including those from South Africa, showing 65% believe their teams possess the skills needed to integrate generative AI.
Despite this, 57% of local CEOs are pushing their organizations to adopt AI quicker than many employees feel comfortable with. Ria Pinto, IBM South Africa's general manager, stated, "By integrating cutting-edge AI solutions, local companies can boost efficiency and create new growth opportunities."
Interestingly, the study found more than half of the survey participants have not fully evaluated the impact of generative AI on their workforce. While they rush to fill AI-related roles, it raises concerns about potential job displacement.
Pinto also pointed out regulatory issues hold back innovation, as over 51% of CEOs feel constrained by rules. Due to rapid changes, they recognize the need to prepare their workforce for AI's impacts, emphasizing training and upskilling as critical components.
According to additional findings from last year, half of surveyed CEOs believed machine learning and generative AI would be key to achieving their goals within three years. Skimping on these technology-related strategies could hinder competitiveness, especially for organizations struggling to fill technology roles.
A survey revealed 36% of employees may require retraining within three years, underscoring the urgent need for continuous learning. With innovation ranked top priority for 49% of CEOs, they understand staying relevant is necessary for their organizations to thrive.
Meanwhile, Cisco has announced groundbreaking plans to overhaul the ICT job market through massive training initiatives. Collaborations with tech giants like Google, IBM, and Microsoft aim to empower 95 million workers with the skills needed to thrive as AI transforms industries.
The report indicates radical changes are expected across 92% of ICT roles, focusing on upskilling for entry-level and mid-level professionals. With 40% of mid-level and 37% of entry-level positions predicted to undergo significant transformations, the spotlight is on ensuring workers remain equipped for the future.
Skills such as AI ethics, prompt engineering, and AI literacy are becoming increasingly important, whereas traditional roles may diminish. This necessitates foundational education for all levels, driving home the message of adaptability amid rapid changes.
David Meads from Cisco stressed the urgency to prepare the workforce, stating, "Upskilling has never been more critical for the Middle East as it advances its AI ambitions." The consortium aims to develop actionable plans for those impacted by changes stemming from AI innovation.
The Job Transformation Canvas—a framework developed during these collaborations—enables workers to prepare for evolving job requirements. It outlines necessary skills for success and areas where AI can play complementary roles.
Each partner company within the consortium has set ambitious goals. Cisco plans to train 25 million individuals by 2032, whereas IBM has committed to teaching 30 million, including 2 million focused on AI.
Intel and Microsoft also announced their upskilling agendas: Intel aims to empower 30 million, and Microsoft is on track to exceed its target of certifying 10 million by 2025. Google recently revealed more than $130 million will be funneled toward supporting global AI training programs.
Longstanding initiatives like Cisco's Networking Academy underscore the need for sustained involvement. Since 1997, it has trained over 17.5 million learners across globe, illustrating the importance of foundational education for technology careers.
Overall, viewpoints from industry leaders suggest the partnership model among tech companies could serve as a catalyst for broader change across multiple sectors. With AI becoming firmly integrated, the collective goal remains clear—an inclusive future ready for the challenges of tomorrow.
