A coalition of ten philanthropic foundations has launched the 'Humanity AI' initiative, committing $500 million over five years to promote human-centered AI development focused on ethics, transparency, and societal benefit.

This initiative aims to counterbalance the influence of tech companies and investors by fostering AI that enhances democracy, education, arts, work, and personal security, emphasizing human-designed choices.

Leadership from organizations like the MacArthur Foundation and Omidyar Network highlights a focus on creating opportunities for early-career professionals and ensuring AI benefits are equitably shared.

AI's impact on the labor market is significant, with projections indicating a net loss of 14 million jobs worldwide by 2027 due to automation, but also potential for job creation and economic mobility through deliberate deployment.

Research from institutions such as Georgetown and MIT underscores the importance of addressing AI's effects on skills shortages and wages, advocating for investments in worker training and advocacy to ensure equitable benefits.

Higher education institutions are recognized as vital contributors to AI research and workforce preparation, reinforcing their role in fostering democratic values and equipping students for future challenges.

Success for Humanity AI will be measured by tangible improvements in AI impact data, increased worker voices, and public trust, aiming to democratize AI benefits and prevent unfair power concentration.

The initiative emphasizes supporting research, worker advocacy, and linking technologists with labor organizations to develop systems for training and credentialing that promote economic mobility and dignity.

Leaders like John Palfrey and Michele L. Jawando stress that AI's future depends on human-designed choices and collective effort, not algorithms alone, emphasizing human responsibility in AI development.

The initiative responds to global concerns about bias, misuse, autonomous decision-making, and societal impacts of AI, aiming to foster responsible development and governance.

It seeks to rebalance the AI conversation by prioritizing public interests and including voices from underrepresented groups, workers, creatives, and policymakers.

The coalition recognizes the need for civil society and government oversight amid rapid AI development, especially as private companies focus on commercial applications like ChatGPT.

Overall, Humanity AI aims to empower diverse voices, prevent AI from being governed solely by corporations, and foster a community of researchers and advocates influencing policy and corporate practices.