The Global Organization of People of Indian Origin (GOPIO) has called for a more inclusive, ethical, and human-centric approach to emerging technologies during its December 2025 webinar titled “Coping with Technological Changes and Challenges.” Held virtually on December 13, 2025, the event brought together leading voices from diplomacy, academia, science, and industry to examine how rapid technological transformation is reshaping societies, economies, and the global workforce.
The high-level discussion underscored that while technologies such as artificial intelligence (AI), quantum computing, automation, and clean energy systems offer unprecedented opportunities, they also pose profound social, ethical, and geopolitical challenges if left unchecked. Speakers repeatedly emphasized that innovation must be balanced with compassion, equity, and human responsibility.
Technology Is Here — The Question Is Preparedness
Welcoming participants, Dr. Thomas Abraham, Chairman of GOPIO, reflected on the organization’s founding in 1989 in New York and highlighted why the topic has become increasingly urgent.
“We are living through an unprecedented acceleration of technology,” Dr. Abraham said. “Artificial intelligence, automation, robotics, data systems, and biotechnology are transforming economies and societies at a pace never seen before.”
He stressed that the transformation is no longer theoretical. “The change is already here,” he said. “The real question is how societies prepare themselves — through retraining, adaptation, and policy — to ensure that technological progress remains inclusive and humane.”
Echoing these concerns, GOPIO International President Prakash Shah warned that emerging technologies such as driverless vehicles, robotics, and AI could lead to large-scale job displacement if proactive measures are not taken.
“Many will gain windfall profits, but many more may lose their livelihoods,” Shah cautioned. “Shouldn’t we start planning now to address the unemployment and social disruption that may follow?”
Ambassador Sreenivasan: Human Control Must Remain Paramount
The keynote address was delivered by Ambassador T. P. Sreenivasan, former Indian diplomat, author, media commentator, and former Governor for India at the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA), who currently serves as Adjunct Professor of Eminence at Somaiya Vidyavihar University, Mumbai.
Ambassador Sreenivasan observed that technological change is affecting every profession, including diplomacy, and described the moment as one of “tectonic tremors” across human activity. Citing historian and philosopher Yuval Noah Harari, he warned that technology is evolving far faster than human institutions and ethical frameworks.
Referring to debates at the United Nations Security Council, he highlighted growing global concern over AI-driven conflict and security risks. “One principle must remain non-negotiable,” he said. “Humans must retain full control over life-and-death decisions.”
Concluding his address, Ambassador Sreenivasan expressed cautious optimism. “I am confident that this dialogue will lead to further initiatives to humanize technology,” he said, “even if doing so requires sacrificing a certain amount of speed.”
Panelists Highlight Opportunities — and Risks
The panel featured distinguished experts who explored technology’s impact across sectors, with the discussion moderated by Sunil Roberts Vuppula, GOPIO Associate Secretary.
Clean Energy and Climate Innovation
Professor D. Yogi Goswami, Director of the Clean Energy Research Center at the University of South Florida, outlined groundbreaking approaches to climate mitigation. He discussed innovations such as radiative cooling using deep space as a heat sink, advanced cooling paints for buildings, color-changing materials, nanoscale antennas for improved solar conversion, and the Goswami Cycle, which converts low-temperature heat into power and cooling.
“These technologies show that sustainability and innovation can go hand in hand,” he noted, while cautioning that affordability and scalability remain key challenges.
AI, Business Transformation, and Workforce Readiness
Piyush Malik, a veteran executive and thought leader in AI, IoT, and digital transformation, spoke about how corporations are leveraging AI to transform customer experiences and operational models.
“The real challenge is not the technology itself,” Malik said. “It is preparing people and organizations to work alongside AI.”
He emphasized that AI should be viewed as an augmenting force rather than a replacement for humans and stressed the need for AI literacy, self-learning, and government incentives to bridge skill gaps.
AI, Quantum Tech, and Global Security
Dr. Latha Christie, former scientist at India’s Defense Research and Development Organization (DRDO), examined the convergence of AI and quantum technologies. She warned of risks such as encryption breakdown, governance lag, and the emergence of hyper-offensive systems.
“AI is moving from systems that answer to systems that act,” she said. “Innovation needs guardrails — safety, accountability, and non-negotiable human responsibility.”
Ethics, Creativity, and Emotional Intelligence
Phillip Thomas, a serial entrepreneur and digital transformation executive, spoke about technology’s dual nature as both a force for progress and potential harm. He highlighted ethical AI use cases in customer service, entertainment, and creative industries and stressed the importance of emotional intelligence in navigating disruption.
“Technology should help us pursue our passions,” he said, “while ensuring that individual gains never come at the cost of humanity.”
A Call for Global and Inclusive Frameworks
The interactive panel discussion returned repeatedly to one central concern: who benefits from technological progress. Moderator Sunil Vuppula raised questions about access for economically disadvantaged populations, particularly in developing countries like India.
Ambassador Sreenivasan responded by pointing to growing uncertainty in the global order and the possible need for new international governance frameworks to manage emerging technologies beyond existing institutions.
The webinar concluded with a vote of thanks by GOPIO Secretary Siddarth Jain, while technical coordination for the virtual event was handled by GOPIO Associate Secretary Vatsala Upadhyay.
A Clear Message
The overarching message from the GOPIO webinar was unmistakable: technology must serve humanity, not the other way around. As innovation accelerates, speakers urged governments, corporations, and civil society to act now — to build guardrails, retrain workers, and ensure that the benefits of technology are shared equitably.
As one panelist summarized, the future will not be defined by how fast technology moves, but by how wisely humanity chooses to guide it.
