![\"\"](\"https:\/\/dominicanewsonline.com\/news\/wp-content\/uploads\/2025\/02\/PAS-Feb-2025-642x642.jpg\")
<\/p>\n<\/p>\n
<\/p>\n
In light of recent breakthroughs in artificial intelligence (AI), the University of the West Indies (UWI) Five Islands Campus is set to conduct a virtual public advocacy forum titled “AI for the Economic Development of Emerging Economies.” The event is scheduled for Monday, February 24, 2025, beginning at 6:30 p.m. AST. This forum aims to investigate how AI can be a catalyst for innovation and growth in developing regions across the Caribbean, Latin America, Africa, Asia, and beyond.<\/p>\n
Professor C. Justin Robinson, Pro Vice-Chancellor and Campus Principal of UWI Five Islands, emphasized the significance of this forum in current times. He explained that recent advancements in AI technology, along with decreasing costs, have made these tools more accessible for developing nations.<\/p>\n
\u201cThe 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 remarked.<\/p>\n
Professor Robinson also highlighted that the event is designed to facilitate a comprehensive discussion that will provide context on the application of AI, showcasing its advantages for developing societies, particularly those within the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS).<\/p>\n
The forum will feature a distinguished panel of experts, beginning with Hon. Minister E.P. Chet Greene, the Minister of Foreign Affairs for Antigua and Barbuda, who will discuss national AI strategies and the broader digital transformation landscape. Additionally, Tianze Zhang, the founder of the China AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD), will share case studies illustrating AI’s impact across various sectors, including agriculture, finance, and education.<\/p>\n
Other notable speakers include Andrea Jacobs, AI legal advisor at the Ministry of Legal Affairs in Antigua and Barbuda, who will explore the ethical considerations and practical applications of AI, and Joy-Marie King, director of international trade at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, who will focus on AI’s contribution to achieving Sustainable Development Goals.<\/p>\n
Attendees will have the opportunity to engage with panelists during a discussion segment after their presentations. The forum is set to begin at 6:30 PM (Eastern Caribbean time), with opening remarks by Professor Robinson, and will be chaired by Dr. Curtis Charles, Director of Academic Affairs.<\/p>\n