CNN Academy Abu Dhabi Hosts Engaging Masterclass On Artificial Intelligence Led By Bill Gates

Students from CNN Academy Abu Dhabi and local universities recently attended a masterclass on artificial intelligence (AI) led by Bill Gates. Gates, known for his technological expertise and philanthropy, is the Chair of the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation. This session was part of a series organised by Abu Dhabi's Creative Media Authority (CMA), offering aspiring journalists insights into AI's future developments.

The 30-minute interactive masterclass allowed students to engage in discussions with Gates about AI's potential to address global issues like disease eradication, climate change, and food security. Becky Anderson, Managing Editor of CNN Abu Dhabi, moderated the session. She highlighted how emerging technologies could tackle these challenges effectively.

Reem Al Mazrouei, a student at CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, expressed her gratitude for this opportunity. "I am very appreciative for this unique experience that was offered to us by CNN Academy Abu Dhabi, as we met with two leading figures in their industries, Bill Gates in technology and Becky Anderson in journalism and media," she said. Reem valued learning how to moderate sessions and the importance of researching guests beforehand.

Mohamed Dobay, Acting Director-General of CMA, emphasised their commitment to nurturing young talent in Abu Dhabi’s creative sectors. He stated that engaging with renowned innovators like Gates underscores their dedication to providing exceptional learning experiences for youth. This collaboration with CNN Academy Abu Dhabi reflects their focus on expanding opportunities.

The Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation has partnered with the UAE since 2011 on various initiatives aimed at improving global health and addressing climate change threats. These efforts include delivering clean energy solutions and striving for net-zero emissions. Gates' work is driven by catalytic philanthropy, investing in innovations that benefit those most in need.

CNN Academy launched in Abu Dhabi in 2020 as an innovative training platform led by CNN’s anchors and specialists worldwide. Over 12 weeks, participants gain essential newsroom skills through workshops and tutorials. The curriculum covers journalistic ethics, verification techniques, storyboarding, and scriptwriting.

This masterclass was part of CMA's broader initiative to provide training opportunities for aspiring journalists. By collaborating with industry leaders like Gates and Anderson, students gained valuable insights into AI's role in solving pressing global issues.

The partnership between the Gates Foundation and the UAE continues to focus on innovation-driven solutions for global challenges. Through these collaborations, they aim to create meaningful change by addressing immediate needs while planning for long-term sustainability.

With inputs from WAM