AI and the Future of Humanity: What Could the ‘AI Destroys Humanity’ Debate Mean for the Global South?

The debate over whether AI could eventually threaten humanity is increasingly global, but much of the conversation reflects perspectives from technologically advanced countries. ​For the Global South, AI presents both opportunities for development and risks including inequality, job disruption, misinformation, surveillance and technological dependency. ​This AI Collective meetup will explore what the “AI destroys humanity” debate means for Africa and other developing regions, moving beyond hypothetical risks to consider practical challenges, AI sovereignty, inclusion and governance. ​Key questions : ​Who controls the technologies shaping our future? How can the Global South benefit from AI while retaining agency? And what role should it play in shaping humanity’s AI future? What if AI doesn’t destroy humanity, but fundamentally changes who has power, opportunity, and influence in the world? ​Join the AI Collective for an open conversation on what the “AI destroys humanity” debate means for the Global South ​From jobs and inequality to technological sovereignty, development, and global AI governance, we’ll explore a question often missing from the conversation: ​If AI is shaping humanity’s future, who gets to shape the future of AI? ​Come with questions. Bring your perspective. Let’s have the conversation. ​Please be advised: Unfortunately, space is very limited at these community events and we can not always accept everyone we would like to. If you are not accepted to this event, please keep applying! We appreciate your application tremendously and we are looking forward to seeing you at a future event very soon!