The FIDIC's Global Leadership Forum (GLF) Summit for 2024 kicked off yesterday in Geneva, bringing together the top 100 leaders in the infrastructure industry. This exclusive event serves as a platform for these influential figures to share their knowledge, discuss pressing issues, and connect with fellow professionals from around the globe.

Among the delegates are CEOs and senior executives from various infrastructure organizations, including consulting engineering firms, government agencies, professional services, finance, trade associations, supply chains, asset owners, and academia. The summit also welcomes professionals from other sectors to provide diverse perspectives and challenge the established norms in the infrastructure industry.

The focus of this year's GLF summit revolves around three key areas: market intelligence, decarbonization of infrastructure, and the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI). Catherine Karakatsanis, the President of FIDIC, emphasized the importance of this gathering, stating, "When we announced the formation of the Global Leadership Forum, we did so with the aim of bringing key influencers and decision-makers together from the construction and infrastructure sectors to help address the critical issues we face as a society and an industry and to develop workable solutions to solve them."

One of the highlights of the summit was the keynote address delivered by AI expert Didem Ün Ateş, the Chief Executive of LotusAI Ltd. In her presentation, "When Minds Meet Machines – The Power and Pitfalls of AI," Ün Ateş delved into the profound impact of AI on the infrastructure sector and its workforce. She noted that with the integration of generative AI, up to 30% of the hours worked today could be automated by 2030, leading to a significant shift in roles and work patterns.

Ün Ateş emphasized the importance of embracing AI, stating, "We now have the capacity to make a 24/7 transformation with generative AI across the value chain." However, she also cautioned that firms must develop robust strategies to mitigate the risks associated with AI, including potential liability, operational challenges, and reputational damage.

The summit's focus on AI underscores the industry's recognition of the technology's transformative potential. Experts at the GLF are not only exploring the practical applications of AI in optimizing processes, enhancing safety measures, and reducing costs in infrastructure projects but also contributing to a report that will guide the sector on the effective utilization of AI.

As the infrastructure industry navigates the challenges of the future, the FIDIC's Global Leadership Forum has emerged as a crucial platform for industry leaders to collaborate, share insights, and chart a course towards a more sustainable and technologically-driven future.