Former OECD Secretary General Gurria: You can't stop artificial intelligence just like you can't stop globalization

Gurria, who served as OECD Secretary General between 2006 and 2021, evaluated the slowing growth in the global economy, geopolitical tensions, increasing fragmentation trends in trade and the effects of artificial intelligence on the economy, within the scope of the TRT World Forum, to the Anadolu Agency (AA) correspondent.

"Artificial intelligence will become the rule of the game"

Answering the question about how governments can establish balance at a time when investments in artificial intelligence are increasing, but many countries are struggling with high public debts, Gurria emphasized that artificial intelligence is a transformation that cannot be prevented.

Gurria said, "Artificial intelligence will become the rule of the game, it will become widespread and generalized. We can compare artificial intelligence to globalization. You cannot stop artificial intelligence, just as you cannot stop globalization. You can transform it or try to stop it, but it will not stop. It will continue to develop and progress." made his assessment.

Stating that budgets are tightening in many countries, but this will not stop the development of artificial intelligence, Gurria pointed out the importance of regulatory frameworks.

"Artificial intelligence is the time of today as well as the time of the future"

Stating that governments should establish a balance between economic growth, technological transformation and social equality, Gurria stated that growth cannot be sustained without technology-oriented policies.

Gurria said, "You cannot explain growth without technological change, and likewise, you cannot explain growth without comprehensive policies to support growth. There is a prerequisite for policies to support growth: These policies must be technology-oriented and heavily include artificial intelligence." he said.

Emphasizing that it is imperative to adapt to artificial intelligence, Gurria said, "Artificial intelligence is the time of today as well as the time of the future, and even the time of the past, except for the exponential increase in its speed." he said.

"I think further fragmentation in trade poses a risk."

Emphasizing that the biggest risk to the global economy is economic fragmentation, Gurria said, "I think further fragmentation in trade poses a risk, but we are not only talking about trade but also the fragmentation of the entire economy. I think this is the biggest fear we can experience." shared his opinion.

Forum "Who Leads When Rules Outlaw?" Commenting on the theme, Gurria drew attention to Türkiye's role in international crises.

Commenting that Türkiye "did a very good job" in mediation, Gurria said that Europe and the USA should accompany this constructive role, and Russia and China should also play a role in solving global problems.

Gurria added that these countries should encourage steps that will contribute to ending the war in Ukraine, reducing tension in the Strait of Hormuz and resolving regional crises.