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AI's evolving role in society

In a world where humanity put a man on the moon before adding wheels to luggage, the rapid advancements in AI seem almost paradoxical. Microsoft’s chief data scientist Juan Lavista, in a recent Global Stage conversation with Tony Maciulis, highlighted this contrast to emphasize how swiftly AI has evolved, particularly in the last few years.

Global Stage Interviews

Meet the influential policymakers, diplomats, innovators, and disruptors who play key roles in addressing the most pressing challenges for our world.
AI & election security

AI & election security

With an estimated 4 billion people—almost half the world’s population—set to vote or have already voted in the 2024 elections, AI's influence has been minimal so far, but its potential impact looms large. Ginny Badanes, general manager of Democracy Forward at Microsoft, explained that while AI-driven disruptions like deep fake videos and robocalls haven't altered results yet, they have undermined public trust.

Come inside the tech lab making accessibility fun

Come inside the tech lab making accessibility fun

It all started with gaming, modifications for joysticks, and controllers that allow disabled veterans to once again play their favorite video games. Now, Microsoft’s Inclusive Tech Lab is a haven of innovation and creativity, featuring toys and tools created by and for the disability community. Come along as Program Manager Solomon Romney takes GZERO on an exclusive tour of the lab making accessibility awesome.

Accessibility is critical for the world's disability community

Accessibility is critical for the world's disability community

An estimated 1.6 billion people, roughly 18% of the world’s population, are part of the disability community, and that number grows each year. Yet Microsoft’s Chief Accessibility Officer Jenny Lay-Flurrie says only 2% of websites globally are accessible. As Disability Pride Month comes to an end, GZERO’s Tony Maciulis spoke to her about confronting challenges at work and home while embracing the diversity of different abilities.

Why the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals are not on track to be financed soon

Why the UN's 17 Sustainable Development Goals are not on track to be financed soon

The world faces a sustainable development crisis, and while most countries have strategies in place, they don’t have the cash to back them up. How far off track are we with the financing needed to support the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals, ranging from quality education and health care to climate action and clean water?

Are markets becoming immune to disruptive geopolitics?

Are markets becoming immune to disruptive geopolitics?

There’s no escaping the intricate link between economics and geopolitics. Today, that link has become a crucial factor in investment decision-making, and who better to speak to that than Margaret Franklin, CEO of CFA Institute, a global organization of investment professionals? Franklin sat down with GZERO’s Tony Maciulis at a Global Stage event for the IMF-World Bank spring meetings this week.

Why Africa's power partnership with the World Bank should attract investors

Why Africa's power partnership with the World Bank should attract investors

At the World Bank Group’s Spring Meetings this week, GZERO’s Tony Maciulis spoke to Lucy Heintz, Head of Energy Infrastructure at Actis Energy Fund, a global investment company focused on sustainability. Heintz expressed optimism in the announcement and explained the reasons why it could be attractive to investors.

Explore these topics

In order to make sure that the post-pandemic economic recovery is inclusive, what can be done to ensure that all people, especially those unreached or displaced by technology, have access to connectivity and training to develop the skills needed in this more digital economy?

COVID-19 ravaged economies and communities everywhere, but provided a unique opportunity to harness technology and reset entrenched, failing systems. Governments and the private-sector showed productive cooperation in desperate times. Is there a more robust, resilient world beyond the pandemic?

Climate change continues to wreak havoc across the world. How can emerging, innovative technologies help mitigate immediate risks from climate change, and unlock longer-term solutions?

Amid the rise of cyberattacks and the growth of digital footprints, we’ve never needed stronger security and clearer privacy regulations more. Where should governments draw lines, and how much control should tech companies have, as public trust wavers?