By Kate Behncken
As a company whose mission is to empower every person and every organization to achieve more, we recognize the potential of AI to serve as a catalyst for a new era of opportunity and economic growth. But we must help democratize access to emerging technologies so everyone can benefit. Microsoft Philanthropies is focused on equipping nonprofits and communities with digital and AI capabilities to expand opportunities for everyone.
AI has the potential to transform nearly every aspect of the work that nonprofits and IGOs do on a day-to-day basis and to help them do more with less. Technology and solutions that can help nonprofits, IGOs, and humanitarian organizations build more capacity to address some of the world’s greatest societal challenges must be tailored to their needs, be affordable, and be accessible. We remain committed to our goal to empower every nonprofit and international development organization with Microsoft technology to accelerate social impact.
And while we help get technology into the hands of more nonprofits, we also need to help people learn how to use it. Last year, we trained and certified 2.7 million people from underserved communities around the world with the digital skills needed to secure in-demand jobs, and we’re excited about launching a new AI Skills initiative to help people learn how to harness the power of these new capabilities.
With the recent breakthroughs in generative AI, we are now in a place where every worker can use these tools to be more productive. AI will displace some jobs, but if integrated into the workforce in an inclusive manner, it will also create new opportunities and fuel economic growth. We need to help build the capacity of organizations like nonprofits, IGOs and education systems that are key drivers of expanding opportunity.
The past 12 months have once again highlighted the role technology can play to help address societal problems around the world and the essential role of nonprofits. We recognize the importance of strong and durable partnerships between the private sector, government, and nonprofits to address these issues in sustainable and scalable ways. Whether it was building capacity for nonprofits and IGOs to further their missions, or skilling millions of people around the world, our best work is done when we partner with the organizations that are closest to the people and communities we want to serve.
I am hugely optimistic about the opportunities for AI to help nonprofits, people, and communities around the world. I am mindful that this opportunity is equally flanked by tremendous challenges, and we are committed to working alongside our partners, customers, and community to help address them.
Kate Behncken is Corporate Vice President, Microsoft Philanthropies.
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