Session
Javed Sajad Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Policy Consultant - Trinidad and Tobago
I am proposing this lighting talk to highlight the unique challenges and advancements in AI governance within the Global South, specifically in the Caribbean region, which remains underrepresented in global AI policy discussions. As an attorney at law specializing in AI regulation and policy, with experience advising regional governments and international organizations like the UN ECLAC and LACNIC, I bring a practical and policy-oriented perspective to this critical issue. Having served as a speaker and panellist at numerous international forums, I am confident in my ability to engage participants and facilitate meaningful discussions independently. This solo presentation will showcase insights from ongoing policy work, including AI regulatory sandboxes and ethical frameworks aligned with global standards like the EU AI Act and NIST AI Risk Management Framework. The session will emphasize the role of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in shaping inclusive, responsible, and human-centred AI policies, ensuring the region’s voice contributes meaningfully to the broader global conversation on AI governance.
I am proposing this lighting talk to highlight the unique challenges and advancements in AI governance within the Global South, specifically in the Caribbean region, which remains underrepresented in global AI policy discussions. As an attorney at law specializing in AI regulation and policy, with experience advising regional governments and international organizations like the UN ECLAC and LACNIC, I bring a practical and policy-oriented perspective to this critical issue. Having served as a speaker and panellist at numerous international forums, I am confident in my ability to engage participants and facilitate meaningful discussions independently. This solo presentation will showcase insights from ongoing policy work, including AI regulatory sandboxes and ethical frameworks aligned with global standards like the EU AI Act and NIST AI Risk Management Framework. The session will emphasize the role of Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in shaping inclusive, responsible, and human-centred AI policies, ensuring the region’s voice contributes meaningfully to the broader global conversation on AI governance.
Organization's Website
Speakers
Javed Sajad - Artificial Intelligence Regulation and Policy Consultant
Onsite Moderator
IGF appointed or myself
Rapporteur
IGF appointed or myself
SDGs
9. Industry, Innovation and Infrastructure
Targets: SDG 4: Quality Education • Promotes awareness and knowledge about AI governance, particularly in the context of digital literacy and responsible AI adoption in the Caribbean. SDG 5: Gender Equality • AI policy discussions often intersect with considerations about bias and fairness, including gender-related algorithmic discrimination, which is crucial for inclusive governance frameworks. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth • AI can drive innovation and productivity in Caribbean economies, while proper governance ensures that growth is inclusive, fair, and safe for workers. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure • Presentation highlights regulatory sandboxes and AI policy innovations that support sustainable digital infrastructure and industry growth in the Global South. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities • Advocates for the inclusion of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in global AI governance discussions, helping to bridge the digital divide. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions • AI governance plays a key role in promoting trustworthy, transparent, and accountable institutions, especially in the context of privacy and cybersecurity policies. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals • The session will emphasize international collaboration, highlighting engagements with UN ECLAC, LACNIC, and other bodies to foster global partnerships for ethical AI governance.
Targets: SDG 4: Quality Education • Promotes awareness and knowledge about AI governance, particularly in the context of digital literacy and responsible AI adoption in the Caribbean. SDG 5: Gender Equality • AI policy discussions often intersect with considerations about bias and fairness, including gender-related algorithmic discrimination, which is crucial for inclusive governance frameworks. SDG 8: Decent Work and Economic Growth • AI can drive innovation and productivity in Caribbean economies, while proper governance ensures that growth is inclusive, fair, and safe for workers. SDG 9: Industry, Innovation, and Infrastructure • Presentation highlights regulatory sandboxes and AI policy innovations that support sustainable digital infrastructure and industry growth in the Global South. SDG 10: Reduced Inequalities • Advocates for the inclusion of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in global AI governance discussions, helping to bridge the digital divide. SDG 16: Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions • AI governance plays a key role in promoting trustworthy, transparent, and accountable institutions, especially in the context of privacy and cybersecurity policies. SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals • The session will emphasize international collaboration, highlighting engagements with UN ECLAC, LACNIC, and other bodies to foster global partnerships for ethical AI governance.
Format
Introduction (2 mins)
Welcome and brief overview of the session.
Explanation of the Caribbean context in global AI governance.
Main Presentation (12 mins)
Part 1: Caribbean AI Landscape: Current status and policy initiatives.
Part 2: Case Studies: Regulatory sandboxes and regional partnerships.
Part 3: Future Outlook: The role of SIDS in shaping international AI norms.
Interactive Q&A (6 mins)
Open the floor for questions from both onsite and online participants.
Questions will be taken via a live mic for onsite attendees and through an online platform for remote participants, ensuring inclusivity and engagement.
Duration (minutes)
20
Description
This 30-minute lighting talk will explore the rapidly evolving landscape of artificial intelligence (AI) governance in the Caribbean, with a focus on the challenges and opportunities faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS) within the Global South. The session will highlight the region’s ongoing efforts to establish ethical and human-centered AI policies while aligning with international frameworks such as the EU AI Act, NIST AI Risk Management Framework, and UNESCO AI Ethics Recommendations.
The presentation will draw on practical case studies from Trinidad and Tobago and the wider Caribbean region, illustrating how regulatory sandboxes and cross-sector collaboration can support innovative yet responsible AI development. By sharing insights from engagements with international bodies like the UN ECLAC and LACNIC, the talk will emphasize the need for inclusive, context-aware policies that reflect the socio-economic realities of smaller, developing states.
Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how the Caribbean is positioning itself within the global AI governance dialogue, while also gaining actionable insights on fostering international cooperation for equitable AI development.
Q&A at the end of the session
Q&A at the end of the session