RIYADH: The world is experiencing an unprecedented rate of technological and societal change, which a senior executive has described as “the most extraordinary time ever to be alive.”
In an exclusive interview with Arab News at the 8th Future Investment Initiative summit in Riyadh, Peter Diamandis, executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation and board member of the FII, highlighted that this acceleration, particularly in areas like artificial intelligence, biotechnology, and space exploration, is creating unique opportunities.
Diamandis said: “The speed of change is accelerating, and there’s not enough conversation taking place on where things are going, how fast they’re getting there, and how do we shape it, and how do we steer it.”
He expressed his belief that we have the potential to uplift every individual on the planet and to foster a hopeful, abundant future for humanity. “That’s my mission,” he added.
However, he cautioned that discussions about the direction of these advancements and their implications for humanity are lacking.
Peter Diamandis, executive chairman of the XPRIZE Foundation and board member of the FII. Supplied
All about the mindset
Diamandis said that mindset is crucial for any leader’s success. He argued that a positive mindset enables leaders to navigate challenges and recover even when everything else seems lost.
“I would posit that mindset was the single most important attribute of any leader in their success, and if they lost everything but retained their mindset, they’d be able to regain their success,” he added.
He continued: “If that’s true, then a lot of the mission I’m focused on is helping people realize that the mindset you have is your single greatest asset as a leader, as an entrepreneur, whatever you’re doing.”
Diamandis said that the scarcity mindset, inherited through generations, is outdated today. He advocates for an abundance mindset, which centers on believing that technology can convert scarcity into abundance.
Technology as a catalyst
Diamandis’ work embodies the belief that technology is a powerful force that transforms scarcity into abundance.
“Technology is a force that turns whatever was scarce into greater and greater abundance,” he said, adding that advancements like artificial intelligence have the potential to democratize access to resources and opportunities for everyone on the planet.
He expressed optimism that these innovations will pave the way for a future where everyone has access to essential resources such as food, water, energy, health care, and education.
Reflecting on the value of health, Diamandis said that it is humanity’s greatest wealth. He noted that when asked to prioritize between health and any other asset, most people would choose the health of their loved ones.
“I think health is our greatest wealth. I think if you ask yourself what matters, if you had to choose between the health of your husband or wife, the health of your children, and anything else you have, I hope most people would choose their health,” he said.
Diamandis advocates for extending the health span — the number of years people live in good health — through technologies like AI and biotechnology to combat aging. He sees this pursuit as a significant and lucrative frontier for the coming decades.
“I believe that this is the decade that principally because of AI and biotechnology, that we’re beginning to understand why we age how to slow it, stop it, and eventually reverse it,” Diamandis said.
He added: “When I ask people, would you like to live 220 or 150, most people’s image of that is drooling in a wheelchair. But what we’re speaking about is, can you have the energy, the aesthetics, the cognition at 100 that you had when you’re in your 40s and 50s.”
A sneak peek at the future
Despite ongoing conflicts and global challenges, Diamandis remains optimistic about the future. He believes humanity has the potential to create a world of abundance where everyone has access to life’s necessities.
“I think despite the challenges we have in conflicts, we have extraordinary opportunities to create a world of massive abundance, a world where every man, woman, and child has access to all the food, water, energy, health care, and education they desire. This is without question,” he said.
As Saudi Arabia continues its transformation under Vision 2030, Diamandis’ insights resonate with the Kingdom’s commitment to innovation and sustainable industry development. His focus on mindset, health, and technology highlights the importance of forward-thinking leadership in crafting a prosperous and inclusive future.
As FII’s board member, he explained that his role involves helping the initiative act as a platform for uniting leaders in finance and technology to engage in crucial discussions about humanity’s future.
“I’m actively involved as a host on stage and within the conclaves, ensuring that we’re addressing the most important conversations needed to shape the world’s future,” he said.
