“As we explore the frontiers of this fifth industrial revolution, let us not just think of what AI can do but what AI should do for the Caribbean.” Professor Justin Robinson
Hundreds of academics, AI experts and enthusiasts, policy makers and other stakeholders have arrived in Antigua for The University of the West Indies (The UWI) Five Islands Campus (FIC) second annual 5IR Artificial Intelligence (AI) Annual Research Conference ‘Bridging Digital Frontiers: AI For Caribbean Sustainability’.
At a pre-conference networking reception on Sunday, June 22, Campus Principal and Host, Professor Justin Robinson welcomed participants with these sentiments “We understand our region’s complexities like no one else can. Our scattered islands and diverse territories face challenges that no textbook or algorithm from Silicon Valley can fully comprehend. As we explore the frontiers of this fifth industrial revolution, let us not just think of what AI can do but what AI should do for the Caribbean. Let us conference with the profound belief that the Caribbean has unique contributions to make to this AI revolution.”
The annual conference brings together leading AI experts, policymakers, and key stakeholders to share groundbreaking research, exchange transformative ideas, and explore the powerful role of artificial intelligence in driving sustainable Caribbean development. It also facilitates high-level policy discussions around the region’s responsible approach to AI adoption.
Also addressing attendees at the reception were The Honourable Daryll Matthew, Minister of Education, Antigua and Barbuda — bringing remarks on behalf of Prime Minister Gaston Browne; Dr. Stacey Richards-Kennedy, Regional Manager, CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean and lead conference sponsor; as well as Dr. Curtis Charles, Director of Academic Affairs and conference co-chair.
Dr. Richards-Kennedy reiterated the ‘deep value’ of CAF’s partnership with The UWI. She noted that within the framework of the 2023 CAF-UWI Memorandum of Understanding “we have been working closely across campuses and countries to support the university’s contribution as a key partner in helping the region tackle some of its most pressing development challenges – through research, innovation, training, knowledge exchange and so much more.” Commenting on the AI revolution she said “The rapid evolution of artificial intelligence is reshaping societies, economies and the future of work. This conference is important for creating a space for necessary conversations about how we shape our own path in this rapidly evolving digital future.” Over the past six years CAF has invested USD 2.8 million in digital infrastructure and digital public services across Latin America and the Caribbean.
Over the next two days attendees will present cutting edge research and participate in high-impact plenary sessions, expert-led panel discussions and AI Tech Talks exploring AI’s application in oceanography and the blue economy; tourism; cybersecurity; the public sector; climate resilience; and justice. The conference will also feature the first ever Caribbean AI Robotics Track targeting student researchers and innovators and featuring robotics innovations with the potential to address unique Caribbean challenges.