AI and the Future of Work

Description

AI and the Future of Work: Driving Productivity, Long-Term Value and Shared Prosperity

Co-hosted by the Council for Inclusive Capitalism and the Estée Lauder Companies

New York City, UNGA 81, Climate Week 2026

Artificial intelligence continues to advance at a break-neck speed, and while there are rising concerns of broad implications – opportunities as well as risks – the discussion around how workers are being impacted as companies deploy AI today is still relatively nascent. While much of the debate has centered on the prospect of rapid, large-scale job displacement, the near-term disruption has not yet materialized to the extent anticipated. Instead, many organizations are learning how AI can accelerate innovation, streamline work, and expand employee capacity when applied to specific business needs. Nonetheless, with deployment costs rising, the path from adoption to measurable value remains unclear – and public and employee concern continues to grow as messages about efficiency collide with ongoing fears of job loss.  

Leaders face a pressing question: How can organizations move from experimentation to trusted deployment – while improving performance, strengthening work and creating durable value? 

Answering this question will require greater alignment between business and government: Companies are making decisions now about investment, operating models, workforce planning, skills, and accountability.  Meanwhile, policymakers are considering how the United States can remain competitive, support innovation, prepare workers for changing jobs, and sustain public confidence.