Steve Wozniak Inspires Saudi Youth at Misk Global Forum

Translate In Arabic

Steve Wozniak, co-founder of Apple and a trailblazer of the computing revolution, captivated a packed audience at the Misk Global Forum in Riyadh with his keynote talk, “Me, Myself, and AI.”

Addressing a gathering of young Saudis and international tech enthusiasts, Wozniak shared insights on artificial intelligence, the power of creativity, and the necessity of ethical technology practices. His message resonated strongly with Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 aspirations to lead global innovation.

Wozniak began by reflecting on his journey in personal computing, urging the audience to embrace risks as pathways to growth. “The greatest things happen when you take risks,” he said. “Even failures build your abilities step by step.” This focus on resilience mirrors Saudi Arabia's goals of fostering a culture of entrepreneurship and technological advancement.

The Role of AI: A Tool, Not a Replacement

Discussing artificial intelligence, Wozniak emphasized the importance of human oversight in its development. “AI should be like a reporter bringing the information, while humans remain the editors deciding its significance,” he explained. He highlighted the potential dangers of misinformation, advocating for transparency and accountability in AI-generated content.

“Users should be able to trace AI-generated information back to its source,” he said, calling for guidelines to ensure accuracy and trustworthiness. These principles align with Saudi Arabia’s efforts to harness technology for public benefit under Vision 2030.

Creativity and Responsibility in Technology

Wozniak’s advice to Saudi youth centered on leveraging creativity and taking ownership of ideas. He encouraged hands-on learning and meaningful projects, particularly in areas like robotics and AI. Drawing from his teaching experience, he underscored the transformative power of project-based learning in unlocking students’ potential.

“When students take ownership of a project, they develop critical thinking and creativity, skills essential for innovation,” he noted. Wozniak also emphasized the importance of fostering environments where failure is seen as a learning opportunity, inspiring young innovators to explore fearlessly.

A Life Beyond Accomplishments

Closing on a personal note, Wozniak shared his philosophy on life and success. For him, happiness and positivity outweigh material achievements. “My formula for life is not about accomplishment. It’s about happiness,” he said. “Focus on the positive and seek constructive solutions.”

He urged young innovators to collaborate across disciplines, emphasizing teamwork as the foundation for impactful solutions. “Engineering, marketing, and business must work together. No single discipline can succeed alone,” he added.

Wozniak’s message left the audience inspired to lead with purpose, take calculated risks, and uphold ethics as Saudi Arabia continues its journey to becoming a global innovation leader.