Leading with Purpose in the Age of Deep Learning: A Christian Perspective on International Development and AI

Summary: The landscape of international development is undergoing a profound transformation. Artificial intelligence isn’t just changing how we work; it is creating new ways to serve others. As Christian leaders in international development, we stand at a crucial intersection where we must understand what this technological revolution means and how we adapt to it. This convergence demands not only new skills but also a deepened commitment to our core values.

Exciting and Frightening at the Same Time

I have been following the developments in AI this year in an attempt to ‘grow’ with the technology. I’m old enough to remember when the internet and personal computing gained popularity, and I grew alongside the developments of that era. The age of deep learning represents another seismic shift, and I have engaged with it with the same vigour that I did back then. Over Christmas, I read two articles that excite and scare me at the same time.

• Innovation in Africa – I read an article by Andrews Ata Kangah discussing his innovative use of machine learning and geospatial data to pinpoint illegal mining sites in Ghana, highlighting the environmental and social implications of this pervasive issue and the potential of technology to aid in monitoring and mitigation efforts. As a former director of the hospital ship Africa Mercy, I was always looking for ways to extend the reach and impact of our operations. Now with AI, we can potentially screen hundreds of thousands of patients with a very small team.

• Tech taking on personality – As a child, I watched Star Trek and took for granted the fantasy of talking to computers. While computer dictation has existed for some time, A.I. elevates this concept. Kevin Roose, a New York Times reporter, discussed on Ben Shipper’s Every Youtube podcast an experiment with 18 AI Friends. Kevin, warning of the danger of substituting real friends, described how one of his AI personalities was configured to offer parenting advice. Sure, you can Google parenting tips, but the personification of deep learning is a disturbing development that blurs the line between reality and illusion.

Ready or not, here it comes!

Andrew’s example of how AI is revolutionising how we identify, assess, and respond to global needs is just one example. Machine learning algorithms can now assist with recruiting, predict food shortages before they occur, optimise resource distribution, and identify patterns in public health data that human analysts might miss. This technological leap means that international development organisations can serve more effectively and reach more people than ever before.

However, as all things go, using technology well requires people to develop relationships with one another. Stewart Townsend, editor of AI for the Next Century, suggests that a change in leadership skills is essential for thriving in an AI-driven workplace, emphasising adaptability, ethical awareness, and fostering human-centric collaboration while leveraging AI as a transformative tool.

1. Transparent Leadership: With AI systems efficiently processing and displaying an abundance of company data, leaders must embrace transparency. Shedding light on business operations and decision-making processes could promote trust within the team.

2. Facilitative Leadership: Given the data-centric insight AI provides, leaders must shift from being sole decision-makers to facilitators. Their role evolves to encourage team member’s input, fostering a collaborative decision-making environment.

3. Inquisitive Leadership: As AI surfaces previously inaccessible insights, leaders must cultivate curiosity. With a deep interest in exploring these insights, leaders can discover optimal solutions and push boundaries.

4. Change Oriented Leadership: With AI reshaping business landscapes, leaders must develop a tolerance for ambiguity and a passion for change. Leaders excelling in this style are proactive in harnessing AI’s potential to stir meaningful transformations.

Christian Values in Technology-Driven Development Work

Our Christian worldview provides a unique lens through which to view technological advancement. While AI offers powerful tools, our core mission remains unchanged: to serve others with mercy, love and dignity. Technology should enhance, not replace, the human touch that makes Christian aid work distinctive.

For organisations and leaders looking to embrace AI while maintaining their Christian mission, vision and values:

• Start Small: Begin with pilot projects that align with your organisation’s mission, vision and values.

• Build Partnerships: Connect with tech-savvy marketplace organisations that want to support your cause.

• Keep People Central: Train staff in technical skills and ethical decision-making, especially in service locations where beneficiary voices should lead.

• Continually learn and be curious: Use technology to enhance reach and impact, not replace, human relationships.

Embracing Change with Purpose

These are exciting times, really. Yes, there are dangers too. The future of Christian international development does not lie in choosing between technology and tradition but in thoughtfully integrating both. As leaders, we must embrace AI’s potential while ensuring our work remains deeply rooted in our Christian mission, vision and values. The goal isn’t to become technology-focused organisations, but rather to use these tools to fulfil better our calling to serve others. This is what it has always been about!