Following several recent advancements in the world of Artificial Intelligence, The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus will host a virtual public advocacy forum, “AI for the Economic Development of Emerging Economies,” on Monday, Feb. 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. AST. The event will explore how artificial intelligence can drive innovation and growth in developing economies across the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, Asia and beyond.
Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus, Professor C. Justin Robinson noted that this is timely following recent advancements in AI and the lowering of costs which brings the use of this technology into the reach of developing countries. “The impact that AI has for development now puts developing countries in the new frontier race where they will be able to utilize these tools to analyse and help solve issues that may have been cost prohibitive before.” he stated. The Principal also noted that it is expected to an in-depth discussion that will help contextualize the use of AI and demonstrate its benefits to developing societies such as those in the OECS.
The forum will feature a panel of experts, including Hon. Minister E.P. Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, who will discuss national AI strategies and digital transformation. Tianze Zhang, founder of the China AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD), will present case studies on AI’s impact on sectors like agriculture, finance and education.
Other panellists include Andrea Jacobs, AI legal advisor at Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Legal Affairs, who will address the ethical and practical applications of AI, and Joy-Marie King, director of international trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will discuss AI’s role in achieving Sustainable Development Goals.
The Feb 24 virtual event begins at 6:30 p.m. (Eastern Caribbean time). Principal of The UWI Five Islands Campus, Professor C. Justin Robinson will deliver the opening remarks and will be chaired by Dr. Curtis Charles, Director of Academic Affairs. Following their presentations, participants will be able to pose questions directly to the panel during the discussion segment. To register for the event, visit https://fiveislands.uwi.edu/publicadvocacyseries/ .
