Youth to blaze the trail in artificial intelligence at the AI Global South Summit in Saint Lucia
As Saint Lucia celebrates the homecoming of Olympian Julian Alfred, who has achieved historic victories in Paris, the nation can also take pride in the accomplishments of its youth across various fields. Next month, Saint Lucia will host the AI Global South Summit, which will shine a spotlight on the remarkable intellect of young Saint Lucian innovators, entrepreneurs, and thought leaders. This event will showcase the talents and contributions of the island's youth, positioning them at the forefront of discussions on artificial intelligence and its potential to drive socio-economic development in the Global South.
The AI Global South Summit, taking place from October 29-31, 2024, in Saint Lucia, stands as a critical event poised to influence the trajectory of AI in developing nations and across the Global South. A standout feature of this summit is the Youth Panel, which will give young leaders, innovators, entrepreneurs, and thinkers a vital platform to contribute to the global conversation on AI’s development and deployment. By highlighting the voices of youth, the summit's organizers emphasize the indispensable role young people play in shaping the future of AI.
This inclusive approach ensures that the evolution of AI is both ethical and sustainable, addressing the unique needs of the Global South. The Youth Panel serves as a powerful reminder that innovation in AI must reflect diverse perspectives, ensuring that the technology benefits all and not just a few. The focus on youth voices suggests a commitment to fostering new ideas, fresh perspectives, and creative solutions that could better leverage the intersection of technology and socio-economic realities in these regions.
According to Kem-Laurin Lubin PhD-C one of the co-founders of the Summit,
“The issues facing the Global South are unique, and the voices of young people can bring innovative solutions to challenges like access, digital infrastructure, and the responsible use of AI in sectors like education, healthcare, the orange economy and governance.”
Dr. Gale T C Rigobert co-chair of the AI Global South Summit, in sharing her excitement about the intentional inclusion of the youth panel said
“The Youth Panel is essential because it brings fresh perspectives to a field that is often dominated by established professionals. Young people, particularly in the Global South, are the most affected by technological advancements, as they will inherit the societal frameworks being developed today. While AI undoubtedly has transformative potential, it also poses risks related to job displacement, privacy, and bias in algorithmic decision-making.”
At the AI Global South Summit, the Youth Panel will play a strategic role in shaping the discussions on how AI can be used to address issues such as inequality, access to education, and sustainable development. The expectation is that by contributing their ideas and experiences, young participants will highlight the importance of developing AI solutions that are tailored to the specific needs of the Global South. This is crucial, as many AI innovations tend to be designed with the Global North in mind, without considering the unique challenges faced by developing regions. The Youth Panel will advocate for inclusive AI development that addresses the needs of all communities, ensuring that AI does not perpetuate existing disparities but instead serves as a tool for empowerment.
According to the co-founders Lubin and Rigobert,
“The youth are uniquely positioned to understand both the opportunities and challenges of AI, as they are digital natives who have grown up alongside rapid technological change. Their insights into how AI should be deployed, especially in regions with distinct socio-economic and cultural contexts, are invaluable.”
Additionally, the Youth Panel provides an opportunity for intergenerational collaboration. Young leaders will have the chance to engage with seasoned experts, policymakers, and technologists, creating a dynamic exchange of ideas that can lead to innovative solutions. This collaboration is vital for ensuring that the development of AI is forward-thinking and sustainable. By giving young people, a seat at the table, the summit acknowledges that they are not just beneficiaries of AI, but active participants in its evolution.
Among the young trail blazers to be featured at the Summit are Zaria Ingram of Turks and Caicos Islands, Keegan Patrick, Shergun Roserie and Rahym Augustin-Joseph from Saint Lucia, who will be joined by other global youth.
Zaria Ingram of Turks and Caicos Islands, a distinguished Youth Ambassador had this to say,
“In today’s digital age, youth and technology are inseparable, making it crucial to involve young people in these evolving spaces. I commend the AI Global South Summit for doing
just that — inviting young voices to contribute to such a significant conversation. Artificial Intelligence (AI) is revolutionizing every facet of society, especially education. The COVID-
19 pandemic exposed technological gaps that led to severe learning loss due to school closures and the rapid shift to online platforms. At the same time, it accelerated the growth of AI technology, offering a powerful solution to this critical issue. AI has the potential to reshape the education system across the Caribbean region, equipping students with essential 21st-century skills while empowering teachers and parents to navigate and support students in their educational journey. It is through fostering dynamic discussions with young people on how to best leverage AI in classrooms that we can ensure the continuity of education and be prepared for unforeseen circumstances—leaving no student behind.”
Sheragun Roserie’s enthusiasm is palatable,
"I am deeply honored to be a speaker at the AI Global South Summit. As a tech entrepreneur passionate about leveraging artificial intelligence to drive meaningful change, I am excited about the collaborative opportunities this event presents. I believe the summit will be a catalyst for innovative solutions tailored to the unique challenges of the Global South. I look forward to engaging with fellow innovators to foster strategies that not only advance technology but also empower our communities, bridge the digital divide, and pave the way for sustainable development. "
Furthermore, according to Javed Samuel who has been intimately involved in the planning of this summit and the curation of the youth panel,
“The involvement of youth in the summit sends a powerful message about the importance of youth empowerment and capacity building in the Global South. Many young people in developing nations face significant barriers to education and employment, particularly in fields related to technology. The Youth Panel not only amplifies their voices but also provides them with a platform to showcase their talents and ideas. This can inspire other young people to pursue careers in AI and technology, contributing to the growth of a skilled workforce that can drive innovation in the Global South.”
Rahym R Augustin-Joseph who is pursuing law at the University of the west Indies, Cave Hill Campus and is a youth advocate remarked,
“The infusion of AI in our world is almost ubiquitous, and it means that the trajectory of our existence has changed radically. As young people we must therefore be provided with the conceptual knowledge of AI, but also be provided the space to leverage its power to improve our employment opportunities, educational endeavor and quality of our lives while being acutely aware of the sensitivities relating to our ethical and existing vulnerabilities.”
Keeghan Patrick of Obtronics who a trailblazer in his own right is shared his enthusiasm:
"I am excited to be speaking at the AI Global South Summit. I believe we are at an inflection point in history where we are creating new technologies and innovations faster than any previous point in history. When I think about the future of the Caribbean, I believe the world's next most disruptive technologies will be from our region."
The Youth Panel also facilitates intergenerational collaboration, where young leaders will engage with experts, policymakers, and technologists. This dynamic exchange of ideas aims to foster forward-thinking, inclusive AI solutions that benefit both developing and developed nations. Through their participation, the summit underscores that youth are not just beneficiaries but active participants in shaping the future of AI, ensuring that it serves as a tool for empowerment and equitable development across the Global South.
For more information on the summit, please visit the website www.aiglobalsouthsummit.com.
