Ed Watal
Helping humanity navigate the AI revolution with dignity, data ownership, and sovereignty
"We stand at a crossroads. AI can either empower or diminish humanity. My work focuses on ensuring it empowers — through data ownership, digital sovereignty, and governance that keeps people first."
Speaking Engagements
Global thought leadership on AI governance, digital sovereignty, and the future of technology
Insights & Challenges of AI with Ed Watal
September 30 2023 · Atomic Soul Podcast with Jepson Taylor
World Digital Governance — Origin
Dec 19, 2023 · Global Launch Event
World Digital Governance — Part 1
Dec 19, 2023 · WDG TV, Washington DC, USA
World Digital Governance — Part 2
Dec 19, 2023 · WDG TV, Washington DC, USA
Accelerating AI with Guardrails
Aug 21, 2024 · Walmart Labs
Private session for 200+ engineers
Digital Identity & Community in AI
Sep 12, 2024 · WeWork HQ, New York City
Artificial Intelligence Strategy
Jun 2024 · Beyond Board Virtual Forum
CTU ICT Week Keynote Address
Sep 29, 2025 · Caribbean Telecommunications Union
Remarks — Opening Ceremony, CTU ICT Week Jamaica 2025
June 18, 2025 · Kingston, Jamaica
Frameworks for Responsible AI Governance & World Digital Governance
Jan 27, 2025 · United Nations Geneva
Guardians of Truth — Panel Discussion
Jan 18, 2025 · NYU SPS 7 E 12th St, New York
The Impact of AI on the Job Market
Jan 22, 2025 · Jamaica Stock Exchange Conference
Academic & Professional Contributions
Leadership in education, entrepreneurship, and thought leadership
Adjunct Professor of Artificial Intelligence
New York University (NYU)
Educates board members, world leaders, and technologists.
Founder & Principal
Intellibus
Founded Intellibus, an AI-first engineering firm building enterprise platforms.
Founder
BigParser
Founded BigParser, Ethical AI data commons advancing transparent model training.
TED Donor
TED Conferences
Supporter of global innovation initiatives.
Inc. 5000 Recognition
Inc. Magazine
Led companies listed among the fastest-growing in the U.S.
Founding Member
World Digital Governance
Advancing AI Guardrails and Sovereignty Frameworks.
Publications & Whitepapers
Research and frameworks shaping the future of work and digital sovereignty
An AI-First Global Initiative to engineer job creation at scale. Equal pay for equal skill, everywhere. Transforming the future of work through AI-powered employment matching.
Click to view full whitepaper
A unified framework for ethical AI, data privacy, and virtual assets. Protecting digital sovereignty while accelerating AI innovation with guardrails for individuals and nations.
Click to view full whitepaper
Matt Higgins & Ed Watal
Conversations between Matt Higgins (Co-Founder RSE Ventures) and Ed on the AI Masterclass and AI Powerplay.
Media & Recognition
Named among the Worthy 100 (2024)
Recognized by Worth Magazine alongside Amina Mohammed and Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala for advancing ethical AI and digital governance.
Read on WorthWe are very proud of Ed Watal and the impact he has had through the AI Masterclass. His commitment to equipping senior leaders with the insights and tools needed to navigate the complex landscape of AI has been exceptional. Ed's recognition as one of the Worthy 100 reflects the profound influence of his work on industry, current and emerging leaders, and, through World Digital Governance, on society.— Dr. Martin Ihrig, Associate Dean and Clinical Professor, NYU School of Professional Studies
AI coding assistants wave goodbye to junior developers
The changing future of software development.
Technology evolves — becomes harder to tell what's human-made
Exploring the blurred lines between human and AI creation.
Military generals turn to AI decision-making
Global implications discussed by Ed Watal.
AI Masterclass Highlights
Featured in leading global media for his vision to make AI serve human dignity — not replace it.
Join the Movement — Empower the Next Generation of AI Innovators
The World Digital Governance initiative and Intellibus are calling on the world's best software engineers and AI leaders to help coach emerging talent, guide real-world AI solutions, and shape the future of ethical technology.
Whether you want to mentor youth, coach new AI engineers, or serve as a judge at the next global hackathon — your expertise can help create the next 500 million jobs in AI.
