Saint Lucia will host the first-ever AI Global South Summit from October 29 to 31, 2024, an event poised to place the region at the centre of conversations on the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and emerging technologies. Bringing together policymakers, industry leaders, youth, academics, researchers, and innovators from across the Global South and Global North, this summit promises to ignite critical dialogues on how developing nations can harness the power of AI to revolutionize their economies.
The AI Global South Summit is the brainchild of co-founders Dr. Gale T.C. Rigobert and Kem-Laurin Lubin, two visionary leaders who have long championed the integration of technology in shaping the future of the Global South. Dr. Rigobert has been instrumental in promoting digital transformation and AI as tools for societal development, ensuring that emerging technologies empower local economies. Kem-Laurin Lubin, a technology strategist and expert in AI, has dedicated her career to advancing tech innovation in underrepresented regions, with a focus on creating equitable access to these transformative tools. Together, they have been pivotal in organizing the AI Global South Summit, leveraging their extensive expertise and networks to ensure the event spotlights the Global South’s critical role in the global tech economy. Their leadership underscores the summit’s focus on empowering developing nations to harness AI’s potential for economic and social advancement
With AI rapidly becoming a cornerstone of modern economies, the AI Global South Summit is both timely and essential. The conference comes at a moment when AI’s influence is being felt across industries—from healthcare and education to the creative industry, agriculture and financial services.
According to Dr Rigobert, “The ubiquity of AI and its profound ability to reshape economies has made it imperative for countries, particularly in the Global South, to stay ahead of technological developments. Failure to do so could mean slipping further behind in an increasingly digital and interconnected global economy.”
The significance of this summit cannot be overstated, especially for small and developing island nations such as those in the Caribbean. “While large economies have made strides in integrating AI into their growth strategies, small island developing states (SIDS) face unique challenges. However, these challenges come with distinct opportunities. AI offers transformative potential for these nations, enabling them to leapfrog traditional development hurdles, access new markets, and optimize critical sectors such as tourism, agriculture, and education,” Dr. Rigobert added.
Caribbean economies in particular stand to benefit immensely from the discussions that will emerge at the AI Global South Summit. The conference will explore how AI can be applied to maximize productivity, improve efficiency, and create new industries in the region. By embracing AI, Caribbean nations can revolutionize their traditional economic sectors. In tourism, AI can enhance visitor experiences through personalized services and smart infrastructure. In agriculture, it can optimize production, reduce waste, and increase resilience to climate change. Meanwhile, in the financial sector, AI-driven fintech solutions can democratize access to banking services for underserved communities. Additionally, AI offers significant potential in the creative industries, where it can revolutionize content creation, support local talent in reaching global markets, and drive innovation in areas such as digital media, music, and art, positioning the Caribbean as a key player in the global digital economy.
Furthermore, education and workforce development will be key themes at the summit, recognizing that the future of work in the Caribbean and the wider Global South will be shaped by digital skills and AI literacy.
“As AI becomes more integrated into the global economy, it is essential for small and developing nations to build the capacity to not just consume AI technologies but to innovate and contribute to their development,” said Kem-Laurin Lubin.
“One of the central goals of the summit is to highlight the critical role of the Global South in the global technology economy,” she added. “The Global South encompasses regions rich in creativity, talent, and potential, yet historically underserved by technological infrastructure and investment. By convening in Saint Lucia, the summit places a spotlight on the need for equitable access to AI technologies and the importance of remaining in step with the rapid pace of global technological developments. The summit is an opportunity for the Global South to assert its place as a contributor to AI innovation, ensuring that AI applications are aligned with the unique cultural, economic, and social contexts of these regions.”
Saint Lucia is proud to host this landmark event, which will include keynote addresses, panel discussions, and workshops designed to equip governments, businesses, and civil society with the knowledge and tools they need to navigate and thrive in the AI-powered world.
Join us at the AI Global South Summit from October 29 to 31, 2024, as we chart a course for the future of technology in the Global South and seize the opportunities AI offers for small and developing island nations. Together, we can ensure that the Caribbean and other developing regions harness AI’s power to shape a prosperous, sustainable and inclusive future.
For more information and registration details, visit www.aiglobalsouthsummit.com or contact info@ aiglobalsouthsummit.com.