Former British Chancellor George Osborne, now heading OpenAI's program focused on global nations, emphasized at the AI Impact summit in Delhi that countries neglecting the integration of advanced AI technologies may not only miss out on economic opportunities but also risk a diminished workforce. Speaking to a gathering of leaders, Osborne sounded the alarm about the potential for a phenomenon he described as 'Fomo' (fear of missing out), indicating that nations could face significant disadvantages if they do not rapidly advance their AI capabilities.

Osborne pointed out that countries must navigate a pivotal decision on whether to align with AI advancements predominantly developed in the US, like those from OpenAI, or those emerging from China. This choice is crucial as these two countries have led the field in creating the most sophisticated AI systems. He warned that without a commitment to AI integration, nations could experience not only economic stagnation but also a shift in labor dynamics, where skilled workers might seek opportunities in more AI-progressive regions, exacerbating talent shortages.

The AI Impact summit, now in its fourth iteration and hosted by Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi, aims to focus on leveraging AI to benefit countries in the global south. As leaders deliberate on AI's potential, the summit underscores the growing necessity for emergent economies to embrace technological advancements to ensure they do not lag behind more developed nations in the global AI race, ultimately working towards equitable AI applications that can drive progress across different sectors.