Exploring the Impact of AI on Economic Development: The UWI Five Islands Public Advocacy Series

The University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is set to host a virtual public advocacy forum titled “AI for the Economic Development of Emerging Economies” on Monday, February 24, 2025, at 6:30 p.m. AST.

This forum aims to delve into how artificial intelligence can foster innovation and propel growth in developing economies across the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond.

Professor C. Justin Robinson, the Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of UWI Five Islands, emphasized the timeliness of the event in light of the recent advancements in AI technology and the reduction in associated costs, making its application viable for developing nations.

He stated, “The impact that AI has for development now positions developing countries at the forefront, enabling them to employ these technologies to analyze and address challenges that were previously too expensive to tackle.”

The forum promises to facilitate a comprehensive discussion that will contextualize AI’s role and highlight its potential benefits for developing regions like those in the OECS.

A distinguished panel of experts will contribute to the discussions, including E.P. Chet Greene, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Antigua and Barbuda, who will share insights into national AI strategies and digital transformation.

Tianze Zhang, founder of the China AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD), will present relevant case studies showcasing AI’s influence across sectors such as agriculture, finance, and education.

Additional panel members include Andrea Jacobs, an AI legal advisor at Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Legal Affairs, who will discuss the ethical and practical implications of AI, and Joy-Marie King, director of international trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will explore AI’s contributions toward achieving Sustainable Development Goals.

The virtual event will commence at 6:30 p.m. Eastern Caribbean time, with Professor C. Justin Robinson delivering the opening remarks.

Dr. Curtis Charles, Director of Academic Affairs, will chair the forum. Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with the panel by posing questions during the discussion segment. To register for this event, please visit https://fiveislands.uwi.edu/publicadvocacyseries/