The fifth Artificial Intelligence for Information Accessibility (AI4IA) Conference has been set as part of annual celebration of International Day for Universal Access to Information.

Organised by United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) Information for All Programme (IFAP) Working Group on Information Accessibility (WGIA) the conference will convene global thought leaders, policy-makers, academics, technology experts, and the general public to discuss the evolving role of AI and its societal impact.

This staging will offer an expanded programme with eight satellite events in Botswana, New York, Jamaica, China, India, Columbia, Canada, and Europe, leading up to the main on-demand conference on the Gather Town platform on Saturday, September 28.

With over 68 speakers worldwide, attendees can expect engaging discussions and valuable insights on how AI can foster a more inclusive and equitable future.

The Jamaica-based virtual panel is organised in collaboration with Broadcasting Commission of Jamaica (BCJ), UNESCO Caribbean, and the Jamaica National Commission for UNESCO.

This panel — scheduled for September 19 — will explore the theme ‘Generative AI: Impact on Misinformation and Disinformation’ and will feature keynote remarks by Professor Christopher Charles from The University of the West Indies and include the official launch of the Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap — a comprehensive strategy for the region.

“The AI4IA Conference continues to… [address] the most pressing issues in AI today, particularly around inclusivity, impact, and ethical governance,” shared Cordel Green, conceptualiser and convenor of the AI4IA Conference, and BCJ executive director.

“With Jamaica leading critical discussions, we are uniquely positioned to highlight the challenges and opportunities AI presents for small island developing states. Our goal is to platform diverse voices and ensure that AI innovation benefits everyone, not just a select few,” shared Green, who chairs the UNESCO IFAP WGIA and is vice-chair of UNESCO IFAP.

Other speakers at the Jamaica panel will include Theo Chambers, lecturer, philosopher, reverend, and author of Digital Pandora Box: Unleashing AI’s Total Knowledge; Craig Perue, research fellow and senior consultant at the Mona School of Business and Management, The University of the West Indies, and lead author of the BCJ-commissioned digital media and information literacy policy framework; Stuart Hylton, director of assurance and compliance services at Symptai Consulting Limited; Paul Hector, advisor for communication and information, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean; and Paula Istruiz Cavero, head of the social and human sciences programme, UNESCO Office for the Caribbean.

Christina Williams, policy and legal advisor, will moderate the panel.

Attendance to the AI4IA Conference is free.