IN CONVERSATION WITH MICHELE JAWANDO

Arguments

Isabelle Kumar appreciates the work of the Omidyar Network

Supporting facts:

• The Omidyar Network is a social change venture that aims to reimagine critical systems in our life and the ideas that govern them.

• They aim to build more inclusive and equitable societies, addressing wealth disparities and creating cultures of belonging.

Topics: Social change, Inclusive societies, Wealth disparities, Cultures of belonging

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Bias and lack of diversity in AI and tech industry

Supporting facts:

• According to the World Bank, only a third of women work in computer or mathematical fields

• OpenAI board was all male, all white

Topics: AI Governance, Accountability, Gender diversity, Tech Industry

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Need for male allies in promoting diversity and inclusion

Supporting facts:

• Work around belonging should sit along innovation, technology, and capitalism

• Importance of bringing in more male allies to change dynamics

• Questioning board composition can help in bringing change

Topics: Gender equality, Inclusion, Diversity

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Isabelle Kumar admires Michele Lawrence Jawando’s leadership skills

Supporting facts:

• Isabelle Kumar finds Michele Lawrence Jawando as a really impressive leader

• She admires Michele’s strong empathetic skills

• She appreciates Michele’s efforts to bring out the voices of others

Topics: Leadership, Empathy, Omidyar Network

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Report

Isabelle Kumar greatly appreciates the work of the Omidyar Network, a social change venture that aims to reimagine critical systems in our lives and the ideas that govern them. The Omidyar Network’s goal is to build more inclusive and equitable societies by addressing wealth disparities and creating cultures of belonging, in line with the objectives of SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities and SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Isabelle believes that philanthropy plays a central role in creating a responsible and equitable future in the field of technology. The Omidyar Network actively engages in shaping a responsible technological future through its initiatives, which align with the objectives of SDG 9: Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure.

However, there is growing concern regarding bias and lack of diversity in the AI and tech industry. Women’s representation in computer or mathematical fields is only a third, highlighting the gender disparity in these sectors. The lack of diversity is also evident in the composition of boards, such as the all-male, all-white OpenAI board.

This underrepresentation raises questions about the inclusivity and fairness of the industry, connecting with the objectives of SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities. Discussion of not only the immediate harms, but also the existential risks posed by AI is crucial.

With 54 countries having elections next year, the potential impact of AI misinformation on these elections requires attention. Additionally, the rise in interaction with AI chatbots can contribute to feelings of loneliness and isolation. These observations highlight the need for a comprehensive approach to address the broader implications of AI, intersecting with SDG 16: Peace, Justice and Strong Institutions.

Promoting diversity and inclusion requires the active involvement of both women and men. Isabelle emphasizes the importance of bringing in more male allies to create an inclusive environment and change the dynamics. This approach aligns with the objectives of SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Diverse leadership in business and entrepreneurship is also emphasized as it leads to better results. Having diverse leadership boards and women-led businesses not only contribute to achieving the goals of SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth but also help create more resilient and inclusive economies.

Isabelle particularly admires the leadership skills of Michele Lawrence Jawando within the Omidyar Network. Michele is commended for her strong empathetic skills and efforts to amplify the voices of others. Her leadership style resonates with the objectives of SDG 5: Gender Equality and SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities.

Overall, Isabelle regards the work done by the Omidyar Network as vital and will closely follow their initiatives. The impact of their actions aligns with the objectives of SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. In summary, Isabelle Kumar appreciates the Omidyar Network’s commitment to building more inclusive and equitable societies by addressing wealth disparities and fostering cultures of belonging.

She believes that philanthropy is instrumental in creating a responsible and equitable technological future. However, she acknowledges the need to address bias and lack of diversity in the AI and tech industry. Isabelle emphasizes the importance of discussing both the immediate harms and existential risks associated with AI.

Promoting diversity and inclusion requires the involvement of male allies, while diverse leadership in business and entrepreneurship leads to better outcomes. Isabelle also recognizes and admires the impressive leadership skills of Michele Lawrence Jawando within the Omidyar Network.

Arguments

Omidyar Network is a social change venture founded by Pierre and Pam Omidyar to reimagine critical systems and develop more equitable societies

Supporting facts:

• Omidyar Network was founded by Pierre and Pam Omidyar

• They work to reimagine critical systems and develop more inclusive societies

Topics: Omidyar Network, social change, equitable societies

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The organization focus on developing a responsible technological future, reimagining capitalism and building cultures of belonging

Supporting facts:

• Omidyar Network focuses on the responsible use of technology for the benefit of many

• They work towards reimagining capitalism based on global wealth inequality

• They are interested in building cultures where everyone feels a sense of belonging

Topics: Technology, Capitalism, Culture

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Philanthropy can serve as a check on private interests and bridge the gap between public needs and private interests.

Supporting facts:

• Elected officials and private companies have different responsibilities and constraints. Philanthropy has the freedom to serve the interests of the people without question.

• Philanthropy can use its resources and networks to support bold ideas and help bring them into fruition.

Topics: Philanthropy, Private Interests, Public Needs

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Philanthropy can push beyond traditional incentive structures and scale ideas with a demonstrated proof of concept.

Supporting facts:

• Omidyar worked with small organization ‘Lawyers Hub’ to help realize its aim of leading digital transformation in Africa.

• Omidyar often supports small organizations with bold ideas that lack philanthropic funding initially.

Topics: Philanthropy, Incentive Structures, Scalability

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The digital divide risks becoming an AI chasm

Supporting facts:

• 2.6 billion people are not connected

• If we are still talking about a digital divide while we are moving light speed on A.I., that digital divide will turn into what I call an A.I. chasm

Topics: Digital divide, Artificial Intelligence, Inequality

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The current data paradigm places profit over societal outcomes and public interest

Supporting facts:

• we have made the decision that profit will come first over societal outcomes, over risk and harm to the planet, over the public interest

Topics: Data Control, Public Interest, Privacy, Security, Utility and Value

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The structures and incentives should be changed for the benefit of the society

Supporting facts:

• What can we do to change the structures and incentives to make you think about something different?

• conversations about global governance standards come into play

Topics: Digital Economy, Policy-making, Incentives, Public Interest

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Data should include and value every individual and community

Supporting facts:

• we have made a decision that there are whole communities that their culture, their ideas, their background, their value, we don’t include in data sets

• In this new technological future, we will erase whole identities and people

Topics: Inclusion, Data Control, Respect, Equality

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Artificial Intelligence can unlock transformative technology such as improved communication, identifying illness, and managing natural disasters.

Supporting facts:

• AI could assist communication across countries and regions.

• AI could help identify illnesses and target relief to those in need.

Topics: Artificial Intelligence, Technological Advancement, Communication, Health, Disaster Management

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Data inclusivity is important for the development and deployment of AI.

Supporting facts:

• Omidyar Network committed $30 million to promote inclusive and responsible development of generative AI.

• Inclusive AI takes into account a wider range of voices and community needs.

Topics: Data Inclusivity, Artificial Intelligence, Innovation

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Diverse voices are needed to shape the future of AI

Supporting facts:

• Different members of society and philanthropy should play across the full spectrum of issues related to AI

Topics: AI Governance, Diversity

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In addition to existential threats, immediate harms such as bias and misinformation should be attended to

Supporting facts:

• 54 countries who have elections next year are at risk of mis and disinformation powered by AI

• There are second and third order effects around labor and displacement, as well as feelings like belonging

Topics: AI Governance, Bias, Misinformation

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AI should be held accountable and audited

Supporting facts:

• Partnership with Humane Intelligence to work on red teaming and audits

Topics: AI Governance, Accountability

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Diversity in leadership roles is crucial in decision-making

Supporting facts:

• A third of women work in computer or mathematical fields but they are significantly not represented in leadership roles due to biases.

• At OpenAI, the board was reportedly all male, all white which may influence decision-making

Topics: Leadership, Diversity, Bias

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There are biases and discriminatory practices that deter women and People of colour from tech industries

Supporting facts:

• Research indicates that by the fifth grade there is about a 50% drop in girls’ interest in math and science

• Less than 2% of black women receive venture funding in Silicon Valley

Topics: Discrimination, Bias, Tech industry, Women in tech

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There must be active engagement in opening up pathways for people of colour and women into tech fields

Supporting facts:

• There is a need to assess recruitment methods, mentorship programs, promotion dynamics and pay scales for biases and discrimination

Topics: Inclusivity, Tech industry, Women in tech

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Need of male allies at the table for breaking down barriers and promoting gender equity

Supporting facts:

• There is an investment gap in women digital entrepreneurs

• The panel discussion observed was majorly attended by women

Topics: Gender equity, Women digital entrepreneurs

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Leadership should encourage individuals’ unique voices and experiences.

Supporting facts:

• Michele believes there is a unique story each person brings to a given setting.

• She encourages her teams to value and use their unique voices and experiences.

Topics: Leadership, Diversity

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People are the most valuable asset in business.

Supporting facts:

• Developing and valuing your people leads to a motivated and productive team.

Topics: Business, Asset management

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Report

Omidyar Network, founded by Pierre and Pam Omidyar, is a social change venture working towards reimagining critical systems and developing more inclusive and equitable societies. They have a positive sentiment and are focused on creating a positive social impact. One of the main areas of focus for Omidyar Network is the responsible use of technology.

They believe that technology should be used for the benefit of many and aim to ensure that technology is developed and deployed in a responsible and inclusive manner. They recognize the potential for technology to assist with communication, identify illnesses, target relief efforts, and manage natural disasters.

They argue that artificial intelligence (AI) can unlock transformative technology and have a positive impact on society. Another core focus area for Omidyar Network is reimagining capitalism. They work to address global wealth inequality and build a more equitable economic system.

Their argument is that philanthropy can serve as a check on private interests and bridge the gap between public needs and private interests. They believe that philanthropy has the freedom to support bold ideas and help bring them into fruition, without being constrained by the same responsibilities as elected officials and private companies.

Omidyar Network also emphasizes the importance of building cultures of belonging. They believe that investment in relationships, cultural connections, and conversations across differences can create inclusive and welcoming communities. Their argument is that diverse voices are needed to shape the future of artificial intelligence, and stakeholder convenings and engagement from various sectors are crucial for inclusive and equitable AI development.

The analysis also highlights the importance of data inclusivity. Omidyar Network supports initiatives that promote inclusive and responsible development of AI, taking into account a wider range of voices and community needs. They believe that data should include and value every individual and community, in order to avoid erasing whole identities and people as we move towards a technological future.

The analysis points out that there is a risk of the digital divide turning into an AI chasm. This indicates concerns that certain individuals and communities may be left behind as technology rapidly advances. The analysis also recognizes the current data paradigm that prioritizes profit over societal outcomes and public interest, suggesting a need for a shift in this approach.

The panel discussion and observations during the analysis noted the importance of mentorship, diversity in leadership roles, male allies, and challenging board compositions for gender equity and inclusivity in the tech industry. The analysis also emphasized the need for accountability and audits in the development and deployment of AI.

In conclusion, Omidyar Network is a social change venture founded by Pierre and Pam Omidyar that aims to reimagine critical systems and develop more inclusive and equitable societies. They focus on the responsible use of technology, reimagining capitalism, and building cultures of belonging.

They believe in the power of philanthropy to bridge the gap between public needs and private interests. They emphasize the importance of diverse voices and stakeholder convenings in shaping the future of AI. They advocate for data inclusivity and valuing every individual and community.

The analysis raises concerns about the digital divide and the current data paradigm, and highlights the importance of mentorship, diversity, and male allies in the tech industry. Overall, the analysis supports the positive impact and relevance of Omidyar Network’s work.