The AI race should be less about supremacy and more about sustainability

At Fortune.com, the latest CEO Daily discusses the shifting focus of the AI debate. No longer is it solely about who builds the most advanced models, but rather the sustainability and accessibility of AI technology. At a recent gathering in New York City, leaders from various sectors gathered to discuss how to build the necessary infrastructure, guardrails, and partnerships to make AI sustainable and beneficial for all.

The conversation centered on the environmental impact of AI, as well as the societal implications of job displacement and data center construction. The leaders in the AI space, often referred to as the "hoarse five" - Sam Altman, Dario Amodei, Elon Musk, Mark Zuckerberg, and Jensen Huang - are now debating the potential risks and consequences of AI. However, a recent dinner hosted by the Digital Cooperation Organization and the Embassy of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia provided a more constructive discussion.

The focus was on promoting women's participation in the digital economy and leveraging their unique perspectives on policy priorities, business models, and shared prosperity. The discussion moved away from the abstract threat of AI as an existential force, and instead highlighted the practical challenges and opportunities it presents.

The leaders in the AI race may not be the loudest or most dominant figures, but rather those who can create sustainable societal good through clean energy, credible rules, and inclusive career paths.