UNESCO Leads Ethical AI Discussions at AI Global South Summit 2024

The AI Global South Summit 2024, held from October 29 to 31 in Saint Lucia, brought together approximately 70 leading thinkers, policymakers, and innovators to explore the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in the Global South. Under the theme "AI & Emerging Technologies: Preserving & Monetizing Creole Cultural Heritage," the summit emphasized the importance of equity, ethical governance, and sustainable development as key considerations to address pressing challenges in the digital age. The summit further explored the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies in the Global South.

Over the three days, the summit featured a diverse array of presentations, panels, and keynote speeches addressing the pressing challenges of the digital age. Each day was dedicated to a specific topic: education, technology and youth, and arts and culture. Discussions emphasized the importance of responsible AI use, data privacy, and the need for robust governance frameworks to navigate the evolving technological landscape.

Kina Nicholas, Associate Programme Specialist for Youth Engagement at the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean in her presentation focused on the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and the rollout of the Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) in the Caribbean. Ms. Nicholas outlined how the RAM serves as a vital tool for guiding the ethical development and deployment of AI technologies, ensuring that they align with regional needs and ethical standards.

Her presentation resonated deeply with attendees, sparking discussions on the importance of establishing robust regulatory frameworks to address ethical concerns in AI. This focus on ethical dimensions was a recurring theme throughout the summit, reflecting the urgent need for responsible AI practices in the face of rapid technological advancement.

The Summit not only sparked productive discussions among stakeholders but also paved the way for deeper and more strategic partnerships across the region. It served as a catalyst for collaborative efforts, enabling governments, private sector actors, and civil society organizations to explore innovative solutions and forge new connections, within the global south. Building on the momentum from the event, there is now a potential pathway for sustained dialogue and joint initiatives that will drive forward the region's digital transformation and technological advancements

Other notable sessions included a presentation by Ajibola Adigun, who highlighted the implications of technological determinism in AI, particularly concerning bias and the misidentification of marginalized communities.

As discussions concluded, the summit positioned Saint Lucia as a key hub for ongoing dialogues about the role of AI in addressing global challenges, paving the way for a more inclusive and ethically governed technological landscape in the Caribbean and beyond.

The collaborative spirit of the event underscored the belief that through shared knowledge and strategic partnerships, the Global South can leverage technology to create a more equitable future.