Higher Education Institutions (HEIs) play lead role in AI Global South Summit
The forthcoming AI Global South Summit, set to take place from October 29-31, 2024, in Saint Lucia, marks a significant step forward in shaping the future of artificial intelligence (AI) in developing nations. A key highlight of this summit is the active involvement of Higher Education Institutions (HEIs), whose participation underscores the critical role academic institutions play in advancing ethical AI research, fostering innovation, and developing future leaders in the field. The summit aims to bridge the gap between cutting-edge technological development and these regions' unique socio-economic challenges by bringing together universities and research centers from across the Global South (and Global North). The collaboration with HEIs ensures that the conversations are grounded in rigorous academic inquiry and that the next generation of AI leaders is equipped to create inclusive, sustainable, and locally relevant AI solutions.
Dr. Rigobert, who is currently the Dean of Academics at the University of St. Martin (USM) and co-chair of the Summit, expressed her pleasure at the level of support and endorsement from tertiary education institutions such as the Sir Arthur Lewis Community College (SALCC), The University of the West Indies (UWI), Waterloo University, College of Science Technology and Applied Arts of Trinidad and Tobago (COSTAATT), Monroe College (now Monroe University) and USM, for example. The conference has also attracted the participation of scholars from Alberta University, Carleton University, University College Of The Cayman Islands (UCCI), the Gulf University for Science and Technology, and Ontario College of Art & Design University, commonly known as OCAD University, among others.
For Dr. Rigobert,
“The participation and endorsement of Higher Education Institutions in the AI Global South Summit are invaluable. Academic institutions are not only the incubators of future AI leaders, but they also provide the research, ethical frameworks, and innovative thinking necessary to ensure that AI is developed in a way that benefits all – citizens from the Global North and the Global South.”
Dr. Keith Nurse, President of COSTAAT, underscored the importance of higher education institutions in this summit,
“The involvement of higher education institutions in the AI Global South Summit is integral to advancing critical dialogue and nurturing a robust ecosystem of research, innovation, and knowledge transfer. These institutions contribute scholarly expertise and provide a foundation for rigorous exploration of the ethical, social, and economic implications of AI in the global political economy.”
Kem-Laurin Lubin who is co-chair of the AI Global South Summit and has over twenty (20) years in the field of design and technology, and is herself a distinguished AI scholar, reinforced the value of the partnership with HEIs
“Their endorsement elevates the summit’s intellectual credibility and underscores the importance of capacity building for youth in the Global South. By engaging with academia, young participants gain access to cutting-edge research, mentorship, and skills development, positioning them to become future leaders and innovators in AI and emerging technologies.”
Dr. Raona Williams, International Education Consultant, echoed a similar sentiment in emphasizing the practical applications of AI
“”… to provide effective solutions and action-oriented support towards achieving important global sustainable development goals.”
She continued,
“This is excellent timing for the upcoming AI Global South Summit which will be held in Saint Lucia! It will help to showcase innovations occurring among the Caribbean nations and their talented populations. No doubt it will provide a platform to stimulate critical discussions on the positive impacts of AI developments for the greater good in the Global South, as well as combat concerns of a future embedding AI and web 4 era technologies.”
Dr. Kim Mallalieu of UWI, St. Augustine who has distinguished herself in the field of ICTs and development regionally and internationally, shared her perspective on the forthcoming summit:
“Among other things, AI will be shaped by technological advancements, economic drivers and social dynamics, influenced by cultural contexts, within various normative frameworks which prescribe policy, regulation, ethics, and other governance matters.”
She underscored the valuable input of UWI and asserted
“The University of the West Indies (UWI) is an active contributor across these multiple dimensions through research, innovation, thought leadership, education, and participation in governance at all levels. Recognized as one of the Caribbean’s strengths in a SWOT analysis performed under the Caribbean AI Initiative, UWI is host to a number of teams conducting both fundamental and applied AI research. The institution has hosted various convenings around AI and continues to contribute to other such events.”
Dr. Mallalieu also highlighted innovations in the academic offerings in the field to reflect and respond to emerging trends and needs.
Given the ubiquity of AI and emerging technologies in healthcare, education, social interactions, and in shaping economies, a lack of representation can lead to biased systems that perpetuate inequalities. If AI systems, for example, are primarily developed by a homogenous group, they are more likely to inherit and reflect unconscious biases, marginalizing groups that aren't reflected in the dataset or design. This leads to unfair outcomes in areas like hiring, policing, or access to resources.
Dr. Genève Phillip-Durham, Dean of Humanities and Social Sciences at the University College of Cayman Islands encapsulates this by acknowledging that
“The AI Global South Summit is a vital platform for advancing inclusive dialogue on AI's transformative potential in the Global South. This summit presents an invaluable opportunity to foster collaboration and address themes like digital colonialism and socio-economic disparities. I am optimistic that the discussions will focus on ensuring AI development in the Caribbean is equitable, empowering, and aligned with the unique needs of our communities.”
Different perspectives enhance creativity and innovation, leading to more adaptive and resilient solutions. Representation also empowers individuals by giving them ownership over the technologies that impact their lives, allowing for greater agency in shaping the future. Hence, the summit organizers are insistent on encouraging participation from diverse groups to ensure that the Summit artifacts and intellectual outputs created are more equitable and robust.
The more people of all ages, backgrounds and societal diversities that participate, the better the future of the world will be because representation matters now more than ever in an increasingly digitized world!
For more information, please visit the summit website www.aiglobalsouthsummit.com or email info@aiglobalsouthsummit.com
