Session
Organizer 1: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Organizer 2: Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 1: Martha Alicia Tudón Maldonado, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Paulo Lara, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Vladimir Cortés, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 2: Paulo Lara, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Speaker 3: Vladimir Cortés, Civil Society, Latin American and Caribbean Group (GRULAC)
Format
Roundtable
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: As the objective indicates, a fundamental part of it is to be able to openly discuss the topic, in order to identify possible proposals for collaborative work. ARTICLE 19 Offices for Mexico and Central America and for Brazil and South America will fully facilitate the interaction. We will first present a showcase of case studies on local contexts vis-à-vis the technological development cycle (resource extraction, design and training, use and deployment, planned obsolescence and electronic waste). Attendees will be invited to reflect on how the current economic and political model of consumption has allowed technological development to advance without adequate consideration of sustainability and care for the environment, generating irreparable impacts on human rights. Key questions will be presented for a collective mapping of responses. 90 minutes will be needed in total: 15 for the cases' presentation, 15 for answers, 50 for deep conversations and 10 for conclusions.
Duration (minutes): 90
Format description: As the objective indicates, a fundamental part of it is to be able to openly discuss the topic, in order to identify possible proposals for collaborative work. ARTICLE 19 Offices for Mexico and Central America and for Brazil and South America will fully facilitate the interaction. We will first present a showcase of case studies on local contexts vis-à-vis the technological development cycle (resource extraction, design and training, use and deployment, planned obsolescence and electronic waste). Attendees will be invited to reflect on how the current economic and political model of consumption has allowed technological development to advance without adequate consideration of sustainability and care for the environment, generating irreparable impacts on human rights. Key questions will be presented for a collective mapping of responses. 90 minutes will be needed in total: 15 for the cases' presentation, 15 for answers, 50 for deep conversations and 10 for conclusions.
Policy Question(s)
What concerns, perspectives and needs exist from the Global Majority regarding technological development and its impact on human rights in relation to environmental impacts?
What are the most relevant socio-environmental impacts at each stage of the life cycle of emerging technologies, and what key actors are involved at local, national and international levels?
How can we ensure that emerging technologies are sustainable, and what policies and actions can Global Majority countries adopt to minimize their socio-environmental impacts, while respecting the rights and needs of local communities?
What will participants gain from attending this session? Participants will collectively map concerns, perspectives and needs from the Global Majority regarding technological development, which will involve a broad and critical political analysis around the deployment and use of these technologies. The session will also promote the exchange of ideas and strategies to promote collective advocacy actions, aimed at the effective implementation of sustainable practices in the creation, deployment and disposal phases of emerging technologies.
In addition, the workshop will serve to strengthen and create collaboration networks in relation to international advocacy processes. These networks will allow participants to map and connect with key actors, share experiences and coordinate efforts to advance towards a more fair, equitable and environmentally responsible technological development.
Description:
Territory and ecosystems play a crucial role in identity and cultural development, especially in regions of the global majority, where they hold spiritual, traditional, and social significance beyond the exploitative logic of the global north. This logic extends to the development of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), which increasingly shape how people, organizations, and governments interact. These technologies, from simple actions like online searches to complex processes like judicial decisions and policy implementation, are transforming societies worldwide. However, their development faces challenges, particularly in the global majority, where economic inequalities, colonial extractive practices, and weak environmental regulations prioritize profit over sustainability and socio-environmental justice. This workshop will explore the impacts of technological industries in exploitative contexts. It will focus on the production and development models of these technologies, their lack of transparency, and the consequences they bring. Environmental effects, such as resource demand, electronic waste, and carbon footprints, will be discussed, along with government inaction on these issues. Sociocultural impacts will also be examined, including violence, geopolitical conflicts, and the struggles of indigenous communities defending their land. Through case studies and participatory activities, participants will analyze the technological development cycle—resource extraction, design, deployment, and obsolescence—and reflect on how the current economic consumption model has led to technological growth without considering sustainability and environmental care, resulting in human rights violations. The goal is to identify trends, compare information, address silences, and build actions that ensure equitable access to technology benefits while mitigating harm to vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Territory and ecosystems play a crucial role in identity and cultural development, especially in regions of the global majority, where they hold spiritual, traditional, and social significance beyond the exploitative logic of the global north. This logic extends to the development of emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI), which increasingly shape how people, organizations, and governments interact. These technologies, from simple actions like online searches to complex processes like judicial decisions and policy implementation, are transforming societies worldwide. However, their development faces challenges, particularly in the global majority, where economic inequalities, colonial extractive practices, and weak environmental regulations prioritize profit over sustainability and socio-environmental justice. This workshop will explore the impacts of technological industries in exploitative contexts. It will focus on the production and development models of these technologies, their lack of transparency, and the consequences they bring. Environmental effects, such as resource demand, electronic waste, and carbon footprints, will be discussed, along with government inaction on these issues. Sociocultural impacts will also be examined, including violence, geopolitical conflicts, and the struggles of indigenous communities defending their land. Through case studies and participatory activities, participants will analyze the technological development cycle—resource extraction, design, deployment, and obsolescence—and reflect on how the current economic consumption model has led to technological growth without considering sustainability and environmental care, resulting in human rights violations. The goal is to identify trends, compare information, address silences, and build actions that ensure equitable access to technology benefits while mitigating harm to vulnerable communities and ecosystems.
Expected Outcomes
This session aims to collectively identify the socio-environmental impacts of emerging technologies, as well as to generate strategic links for international advocacy processes. ARTICLE 19 is currently developing an exhaustive investigation into the effects of Artificial Intelligence in Mexico, focusing on its social and environmental impact. Once completed, the research will be enriched with observations and contributions from expert organizations in Latin America, to be presented as input to the Inter-American Commission on Human Rights. Collaboration and connection with other key actors of the Global Majority will be essential to articulate broader advocacy processes that promote more inclusive, decolonial and equitable technological governance, respectful of human rights and the environment at a global level.
Hybrid Format: 1. To facilitate interaction between onsite and online speakers and attendees, we will use a combination of digital tools and structured activities that encourage active participation from both groups. The session will be designed to ensure seamless communication by integrating live streaming for presentations, enabling online participants to ask questions, and allowing both onsite and online attendees to engage in discussions.
2. We will integrate interactive tools so as to encourage online attendeesto participate through tools like live polls, white boards and Q&A sessions. This will allow them to interact with speakers and attendees, ask questions, and provide feedback in real time. We will also have an online moderator so as to facilitate the online participation.
3. We plan on using white boards and polls.