Summary
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q) hosted Ghassan Kosta, regional general manager of Google Cloud, as part of the Dean’s Lecture Series. Kosta addressed the CMU-Q community on the transformative role of cloud computing and artificial intelligence (AI) in driving economic, ethical, and sustainable development across the Middle East.
Doha, Qatar– Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar (CMU-Q), a partner university of Qatar Foundation, hosted Ghassan Kosta, regional general manager of Google Cloud, Qatar, Oman, Bahrain, and Iraq. Kosta spoke to the community about the pivotal role of technology in the region, and in particular how artificial intelligence and the Cloud are driving digital transformation in the Middle East.
The event was the latest installment of the Dean’s Lecture Series, the university’s principal forum for leaders in business and government to share their expertise on the issues that face the world.
Michael Trick, dean of CMU-Q, welcomed Kosta to campus, noting the timeliness of the topic as the university continues to expand its own academic offerings in artificial intelligence.
“The Dean’s Lecture Series is designed to be a bridge, connecting the theory we teach in our classrooms with the reality of the rapidly changing world,” said Trick. “As we see cloud computing and AI reshape industries across the Gulf, it is essential for our students to understand the implications of such fast-paced change, and the decisions that go into driving such a large-scale transformation.”
Kosta’s presentation described the culture of innovation at Google Cloud, and how universities could harness this approach in order to spark new ideas. He outlined how Google Cloud technology is moving past siloed applications to improve the way people work and create.
“We’ve all seen how AI has fundamentally changed—and continues to change—our personal lives, from how we search for information to how we communicate and create,” he said. “It’s already made us feel limitless in our personal capacity. AI is no longer a futuristic concept; it’s an integral part of our daily experience.”
He emphasized the importance of responsible AI adoption, highlighting the role of governments, institutions, and technology leaders in establishing clear governance frameworks. Trust, data privacy, and ethical use, he noted, are essential foundations for scaling AI in ways that deliver meaningful societal impact.
Kosta also shared examples of how cloud computing and AI are being used to address sustainability challenges, including improving energy efficiency and supporting climate and environmental monitoring efforts.
The lecture concluded with an interactive discussion with students, who asked about careers in technology, the future of AI, and opportunities for collaboration between industry and universities.
Carnegie Mellon University in Qatar offers undergraduate degree programs in artificial intelligence, biological sciences, business administration, computer science and information systems.
