Artificial intelligence (AI) took center stage at the World Economic Forum's annual meeting in Davos, capturing the attention of world leaders and corporate executives. OpenAI, the maker of the popular chatbot ChatGPT, made a big splash at the event, with CEO Sam Altman and Microsoft CEO Satya Nadella in attendance. Altman, who was briefly fired and then reinstated by OpenAI's board, expressed his focus on building a strong board and potentially making changes to the company's nonprofit structure. He emphasized the importance of artificial general intelligence (AGI), which OpenAI aims to develop. Nadella, on the other hand, showed confidence in OpenAI's operating model and stressed the need for good governance and stability.

World leaders from China to Europe also expressed their views on AI regulation and its impact on society. The European Union took the lead in devising comprehensive AI rules, recognizing the risks of AI-powered misinformation and disinformation in elections and its potential to erode democracy. Chinese Premier Li Qiang highlighted the need for human control over machines and called for a redline in AI development. China, as a major AI hub, expressed its willingness to collaborate with other countries to improve global AI governance. French President Emmanuel Macron emphasized France's role in coordinating regulation on deepfake images and videos created with AI and announced plans to host a summit on AI safety.

The prominence of AI was evident throughout Davos, with the letters “AI” visible everywhere. Consulting firms and tech giants showcased their AI capabilities, transforming shops into pavilions along the Davos Promenade. Inside the conference center, a digital wall displayed AI-generated art and images of wildlife. For those interested in delving deeper into the technical aspects of AI, the AI House offered informative sessions.

Generative AI systems like ChatGPT and Google's Bard, which can rapidly generate poems, images, and computer code, were hailed as the wave of the future. Nadella believed that AI could boost the global economy, while also acknowledging the potential threat it poses to workers who may be unable to keep up. A survey by PwC revealed that 14% of CEOs expect to lay off staff due to the rise of generative AI. However, business leaders also recognized the transformative potential of AI, with tasks such as coding and customer relations expected to be streamlined and automated.

Overall, AI dominated discussions at Davos, with leaders recognizing its geopolitical importance and the need for responsible governance. The event showcased the excitement and potential of AI, while also acknowledging the challenges and risks associated with its rapid development.