AI Skills Coalition: Bridging the AI Skills Gap for a More Inclusive Future
- 1 October 2024
by Alexandra Bustos Iliescu
As AI continues to reshape industries worldwide, a significant challenge is emerging: the growing global AI skills gap. According to a study, 97% of organizations have adopted AI technologies, with reported benefits including reduced human error, improved productivity, and enhanced customer service (Pluralsight). While these advancements showcase the potential of AI, they also highlight the pressing need for a workforce equipped to manage and implement these technologies effectively.
For employees to keep pace with this trend, effective training is essential. Yet, there is a clear gap in how organizations are addressing this need. In 2023, 37% of IT professionals reported receiving some form of training, yet 40% said their organizations were not investing in professional development (Skillsoft). Even among those who received training, 80% found it ineffective in building the necessary skills (Skillsoft). These statistics reflect a growing disconnect between the demand for AI skills and the ability of current training programs to meet that demand.
This gap is particularly critical for younger generations entering the workforce. A survey revealed that 1 in 5 Gen Z workers ranked learning and development opportunities as their top non-financial motivator, with nearly half considering leaving their jobs if such opportunities were not offered (FORTUNE). This emphasizes the importance of not only offering training but ensuring that it meets the expectations of a younger, tech-savvy workforce eager for growth and development.
Interestingly, the demand for AI talent is not limited to IT departments. As early as 2020, Gartner reported that other business units, such as marketing, finance, and R&D, were seeing the strongest need for AI expertise. This broader application of AI across various functions demonstrates that AI is becoming a core competency in multiple business areas, not just a specialized IT skill. As the Financial Times noted, “AI can be a game changer for organisations, but skills shortages and the complexity of data models and AI technologies can stall progress.”
Looking ahead, IBM Research Insights estimates that 30% of the workforce will need to be reskilled due to AI or automation within the next three years. This staggering figure highlights the urgency of addressing the AI skills gap. With online learning platforms projected to grow by 19% over the next four years (Statista), organizations have a unique opportunity to leverage these platforms to close the skills gap. However, this requires more than just investment, it calls for a cultural shift towards reskilling and continuous learning. By embracing this shift, organizations can fully harness the potential of AI and prepare their workforce for the future (WEF).
This growing skills gap threatens not only to hinder technological progress but also to deepen existing inequalities, particularly in developing and least developed countries. To address this urgent need, the AI for Good initiative, in partnership with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), has launched the AI Skills Coalition. This ambitious project is dedicated to democratizing AI knowledge, ensuring that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to the skills necessary to thrive in an AI-powered world.
The AI Skills Coalition is more than just a platform; it is a movement aimed at empowering individuals and communities, particularly women and marginalized groups, with the AI expertise needed to drive sustainable development and inclusive growth. By providing access to high-quality AI training, the Coalition aims to close the AI divide and ensure that no one is left behind in this technological revolution.
A Mission with Clear Objectives
- Democratizing AI Learning
The Coalition makes AI knowledge accessible to all by offering high-quality, free training resources that are designed for learners at all levels. This ensures that anyone, from beginners to advanced professionals, can develop the skills needed to leverage AI in their personal and professional lives. - Bridging the Global AI Skills Gap
By targeting IT professionals, especially in developing and least developed countries, the Coalition seeks to equip them with the tools necessary to help their governments, companies, and communities harness AI for growth. Special attention is placed on empowering women and girls, ensuring they have equal access to the opportunities AI presents. - Fostering Inclusivity
True inclusivity means addressing the needs of all communities. The Coalition focuses on marginalized groups, providing training in local languages and accessible formats to break down barriers that have traditionally excluded certain groups from technological advancements. - Creating Global Partnerships
Collaboration is key to the success of the AI Skills Coalition. By forming partnerships with governments, UN agencies, private sector leaders, academia, and NGOs, the Coalition ensures that AI skills development becomes a global effort. These partnerships help strengthen capacity-building initiatives and promote the use of AI as a tool for sustainable development.
Calling Partners to Join the Movement
To achieve this ambitious vision, the AI Skills Coalition is calling on governments, UN partners, private sector leaders, academia, and NGOs to join the mission. The collective knowledge, expertise, and resources of these partners are essential to building a future where AI fosters growth, reduces inequalities, and empowers communities worldwide.
By joining as a partner, organizations can play a vital role in closing the AI divide. Whether through in-kind contributions such as training resources, technology, and expertise, or financial support for AI education programs, every contribution helps advance the mission of democratizing AI skills and knowledge.
This is an opportunity to be part of a global effort to ensure that AI benefits everyone, not just a select few. Together, we can build a world where AI serves as a force for inclusive growth and helps achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
Empowering Learners Around the World
The AI Skills Coalition is not just for organizations—it’s for individuals as well. The Coalition invites students, professionals, educators, and government officials to join as learners. Whether you’re just starting your AI journey or looking to enhance your expertise, the Coalition provides cutting-edge, high-quality AI training resources to help you develop the skills needed to contribute to a better future.
As a learner, you will gain:
- AI expertise that is increasingly in demand across industries.
- Practical knowledge to help your organization or community harness the power of AI for growth.
- The ability to contribute to solving global challenges, from poverty and climate change to social inequality.
By joining the AI Skills Coalition, learners can position themselves at the forefront of the AI revolution, equipped with the skills to make a difference in their communities and beyond.
