Each year on September 15, the United Nations (UN) and the global community mark the International Day of Democracy, dedicated to promoting and safeguarding its core principles. Since its inception through a UN resolution in 2007, this day is an important signifier for respective countries to review, promote, strengthen, and advocate for their democracy and others worldwide. In keeping with the state of international affairs and the rapid development in technology, this year’s International Day of Democracy focuses on the role of Artificial Intelligence as a tool for effective governance.
The technology phenomenon known as Artificial Intelligence or AI has proven to be not just a trending topic but a fundamental issue that no society can scarcely afford to ignore, whether through the facilitation of advanced AI technologies or conversations about how to navigate generative AI as a tool for civic participation in international democracy. In light of false news (fake news) and conspiracy theories on the plethora of social media platforms, it is important that governments around the world combine efforts to harness AI for effective global governance and that citizens play a central role during discussions. Even here at the African Caribbean Institute of Jamaica/ Jamaica Memory Bank with its ongoing digitisation process of cultural products attest to how culture and the ability to practice freely in a country where the motto is “Out of Many, One People” is preserved and available to the public.
Furthermore, the documentation of Jamaica’s rich history will most likely continue to transform how we engage and interact with AI resources in a world where everyone is free to participate and navigate the now and future. For example; AI can be very useful to locate and identify ancestral sites, mapping of ancestral lands, safeguarding historical artefacts and recreate images virtually for posterity. This is a way of sharing and connecting the human experience beyond the political and instead individuals can connect, interpret and create their own narrative in a democratic society.
So how do we unpack AI’s promising potential as a tool for global governance instead of causing fear with the misinformation that is proving to be a serious cause for concerns to the point of creating fear While several tactics are promoting fake news and languages being lost in translation, crucial planning and education are critical in addition to identifying media outlets and other digital sources that are credible. At the same time, steps must be taken to avoid violating individuals’ freedom to express themselves, preventing the dissemination of hate speech or discrimination. There is a role for both government and civil society that aims to reaffirm the primary principles and values of democracy. Currently, there are growing concerns in several countries about internet freedom and the impact of AI’s ecosystem technologically and politically which can be detrimental to all if left unchecked. Unfortunately, not all countries will have the resources to engage particularly in creating a safe space at work, at home, in the classrooms, or other public domains. Given AI’s multifaceted and dynamic features gaining tremendous momentum with new tools and products it is clear that there is a constant need for
transparency.
Of course, AI has many advantages for society that can evoke positive changes such as improving data collection to better understand citizens’ needs, enhancing support of democratic institutions, and civil society’s active participation in the democratic process. As we celebrate democracy we should be cognizant that it does not conform to any single model, but embracing AI technology is a step in the right direction for a more diverse, equitable, and inclusive world where everyone’s voice is heard. Even as AI-powered tools continue to evolve we must explore strategies to engage the future of efficient governance- participation at the AI roundtable as we advocate for genuine and meaningful solutions in an era where democratic responsibility is amplified from the ground up and appreciated within the local context.
By: Marsha Hall – Research Officer, ACIJ/JMB
Sources:
Krasodomski, Alex, Arthur Gwagwa, Brandon Jackson, et al .”Artificial Intelleigence and the
challenge to global governance.” June 10, 2024. First Published June 7, 2024.
https://www.chathamhouse.org/2024/06/artificial-intelligence-and-challenge-global-governance
Lederer, Edith M. “UN Experts urge United Nations to lay foundations for global governance of
artificial intelligence,” The Assoicated Press, September 19, 2024. https://apnews.com/article/un-
artificial-intelligence-global-governance-risks-benefits-f755788da7d5905fcc2d44edf93c4bec
United Nations, 2024. “International day of Democracy 15 September: Ensuring effective
governance of AI at all levels.” https://www.un.org/en/observances/democracy-day