In a riveting address at the World Artificial Intelligence Conference (WAIC) in Shanghai, leading African mathematician Abdon Atangana delivered a passionate critique on global scientific inequity and the true power of AI. 🚀
Atangana, celebrated for his groundbreaking work in fractional calculus, stressed, "when an eagle grows up with chickens, it thinks it's a chicken – until one day it notices it's not," urging us not to settle for mediocrity but to strive for excellence. He explained that mathematics is "the language, the grammar, and the backbone of artificial intelligence."
He emphasized the need for predictive mathematics as the engine behind good AI, challenging the dominant view that only one superpower should lead the way. "I don't think it should be that one country is leading," he noted. "It's good if we can have three, four, or five countries competing." This vision promises a more diversified and promising AI landscape.
Atangana also highlighted Africa's critical challenges, calling for AI to focus on ensuring food security, reliable electricity, education, and healthcare for all. His message inspires a call for self-determination, building local capacity and valuing diversity to drive equitable progress. ✨
The mathematician recalled his contrasting experiences with international collaborations: feeling respected when invited to the Chinese mainland versus facing condescension in the United States. He sees respectful engagement as a model for true partnerships, with the Chinese mainland representing "the voice of the Global South."
Ultimately, Atangana's words inspire young innovators to recognize their worth and push boundaries. "There is a time for people to bully us; to make us think we are chickens. And that time is near where we will recognize that we are eagles and we go up," he declared.
Reference(s):
WAIC: Leading African mathematician on AI and the continent's rise
cgtn.com
