AI from the Château de Réduit

Title: AI from the Château de Réduit

At the Château de Réduit, President Dharam Gokhool shares his insights on how artificial intelligence (AI) is becoming an integral part of his daily life, balancing governance with personal privacy while outlining an ethical vision for the future of Mauritius.

At 67, President Gokhool is not your typical tech enthusiast. Yet, when discussing AI, his eyes sparkle with excitement like a child discovering a world-changing technology. "When people think of AI, they often picture futuristic robots or machines that could replace humans. In my experience, AI is primarily a discreet, almost invisible presence that makes my days more efficient and my decisions more informed," he explains in a calm, almost academic tone.

In the tranquil setting of the Château de Réduit, AI has entered quietly. There are no humanoid robots in the halls, just discreet software that processes information and streamlines daily tasks. "Time is my most valuable and rare resource. AI helps me manage it," he confides.

Every week, mountains of documents pile up on his desk: economic reports, geopolitical analyses, and international briefs. Algorithms distill these into essential points. "This doesn’t replace human expertise; it amplifies my team’s capabilities."

Additionally, AI aids in communication. "Every word from a president is measured and often scrutinized. AI assists me in the early stages of drafting: organizing my ideas, suggesting structures, and incorporating different viewpoints. But the final message is always mine."

However, technology is not limited to official duties; it also permeates the personal life of the head of state. "I use language learning apps to improve my skills in various languages. It's a simple yet valuable way to stay connected to Mauritius's cultural diversity," he shares.

His smartphone suggests new and sometimes unexpected artists. "Even in the arts, AI introduces me to new music or artists I would never have discovered otherwise."

He remains mindful of his international responsibilities. In November, he spoke in Norway at the Internet Governance Forum. "These discussions reaffirmed that even a small island state like ours can play a significant role on the global stage." In his speech, he emphasized the need for ethical AI governance, convinced that trust is key.

In Mauritius, he recalls the presentation of the Digital Blueprint 2025-2029, a true national roadmap. "This plan represents our collective commitment to a more digital yet fair society. AI should be an opportunity, not a divide."

The word ‘ethics’ keeps resurfacing. "My enthusiasm for AI goes hand in hand with vigilance. Technology must serve humanity, not the other way around. AI should enhance our collective intelligence, not widen inequalities."

Having witnessed the advent of the internet, he now views AI as a comparable revolution, considering it a pivotal step. For him, the challenge is not to shield ourselves from this advancement but to "tame it wisely."

He already envisions positive outcomes. In education, he says, "AI can tailor educational content to each student's pace." In healthcare, "it can help doctors diagnose certain conditions earlier." In the economy, "it can empower entrepreneurs to anticipate trends and innovate with greater confidence."

But he reiterates: technology alone is not enough. "We must equip everyone—young and old—with the skills, curiosity, and ethical mindset to use AI wisely."

His conviction is clear: "AI does not make us less human. On the contrary, it frees up time for us to be more human. It helps us focus on what matters: listening, understanding, creating, and leading wisely."

In conclusion, he states almost like a manifesto: "As Mauritius embarks on this transformative era, I am convinced that if we blend innovation with wisdom, technology with compassion, AI will not dictate our future but become a partner in building it together."