We spoke with Payal Arora, Founder of InclusiveAI Lab, digital anthropologist, and champion for equitable tech futures. In this conversation, she outlines her vision for an AI ecosystem that prioritizes public interest, empowers the Global South, and dismantles the entrenched Silicon Valley narrative of one-way innovation. Arora offers a compelling, human-centered perspective on how AI can help sustain humanity—rather than compete with it.
What’s your most compelling dream scenario for AI — a breakthrough that would fundamentally improve life on a global scale?
My dream scenario to create and sustain AI that is responsible and inclusive is to have an independent, global stakeholder invested non-profit entity that mainly focuses on upholding the CARE based principles and practices around AI to ensure it is public interest driven. This goes beyond the watchdog model where the focus is dominantly on auditing, monitoring, and public shaming. It is also about validating alternative models, initiatives, and building recognition and community around actors committed to these principles to showcase best practices. We need both carrot and stick to ensure we can translate good ideas into practice.