The Caribbean stands at a pivotal juncture as artificial intelligence (AI) emerges as a transformative force with the potential to drive development across virtually all sectors. With Dr Craig Ramlal, a global AI expert, who was appointed to the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, and Lika Døhl Diouf, of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean, we discuss: key observations regarding AI use and policy in the region; the proposed Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance; key findings on ECLAC’s 2025 AI readiness in the Caribbean study; and the most pressing ICT or AI-related issues Caribbean countries need to address.

 

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Without a doubt, artificial intelligence (AI) offers a unique opportunity for Caribbean countries to leapfrog traditional development pathways and foster sustainable growth. However, as this powerful technology takes root, critical questions arise about the region’s preparedness to harness its benefits responsibly and ethically, and to ensure that it understands the implications to developing societies, and consequently, its participation in shaping global policy on this crucial and transformative innovation.

Beyond internal capabilities, the global dialogue surrounding AI governance is rapidly evolving, with discussions spanning ethical considerations, regulatory frameworks, and international cooperation. For the region, active participation in this discourse is paramount. Its unique vulnerabilities, developmental priorities, and cultural nuances necessitate a voice in shaping the future of AI to ensure that global standards reflect its specific needs and aspirations.

In this podcast episode, we discuss recent developments in AI governance and the state of AI in the region.

 

Introducing our guests

Lika Døhl Diouf

Lika Døhl Diouf is an Associate Programme Manager at the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). Stationed at ECLAC’s Subregional Headquarters for the Caribbean, she conducts research and provides policy recommendations to 26 Caribbean countries and territories on how to leverage digital technologies for sustainable development. She also collaborates with a wide array of actors to build capacity related to digital transformation and artificial intelligence in the Caribbean through projects, courses and seminars. She is passionate about people and the planet, which is reflected in her work on digital inclusion and the environmental impact of digital technologies.

Prior to joining ECLAC, Lika worked with the law of the sea in the Office of Legal Affairs at United Nations Headquarters. In that role, she provided support related to marine biodiversity, marine scientific research, and the human dimension of the law of the sea. She holds a Bachelor of Laws (LLB) in International Law and a Master of Laws (LLM) in the Law of the Sea.

Dr Craig Ramlal

Dr. Craig Ramlal is the Head of the Control Systems Group in the Department of Electrical and Computer Engineering, Faculty of Engineering and the Principal Investigator of the Intelligent Systems Laboratory, at the University of the West Indies, St. Augustine. In 2023, the United Nations recognised him as a global AI expert, appointing him to the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence. The body’s recommendations on governing AI for humanity formed Objective 5 of the Global Digital Compact, which was adopted by member states in September 2024 during the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

Craig currently serves on the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) Global Initiative on the Ethics of Autonomous and Intelligent Systems 2.0; Caribbean Community’s Security Strategy Steering Committee; the Caribbean Telecommunications Union’s (CTU) Taskforce on AI, which is developing regionally harmonised AI guidelines; and as an advisor to the Caribbean Examinations Council (CXC) on regional AI education policy matters. Previously, he served on the Caribbean Development Bank’s technical subcommittee on Internal Resilience Capacity and the Recovery Duration Adjuster, collaborated with Caribbean Community Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (CARICOM IMPACS) on the regionally adopted Autonomous Weapon Systems Declaration, and acted as a regional coordinator for open data strategy development across Caribbean nations in partnership with the International Development Research Centre (IDRC) and Administration (NASA). He was also an invited peer reviewer for UNESCO’s AI Policy Roadmap for the Caribbean.

Through his centre, the Intelligent Systems Laboratory, Craig has established collaborative partnerships that have led to advancements across multiple fields, including the development of advanced robotics with Rutgers University; deep learning-based auto-diagnostics for asset management with Elering AS and Tallinn University of Technology; blockchain-based systems for water management with the Global Water Partnership-Caribbean; and ventilators and decontamination systems developed in collaboration with the Ministry of Health, Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago and researchers from the University of Florida to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19. These initiatives have resulted in several implemented systems, as well as numerous technical reports, peer-reviewed journal articles, and conference papers.

Craig earned his Bachelor of Science, Master of Applied Science, and Doctorate in Electrical and Computer Engineering through split-site by the University of the West Indies, Trinidad and Tobago, and King Fahd University of Petroleum and Minerals, Saudi Arabia. His research focuses on control strategies, artificial intelligence, and game-theoretic systems.

 

Insights into our conversation

Although AI is currently top of mind and is increasingly being integrated into all aspects of our lives, global conversations to shape this technology are continually occurring, which will eventually drive policies within the Caribbean region and in developing countries. However, as much as we have been focusing on AI use in our environment, we have not been as visible in global spaces where important decisions are being made.

The conversation with Lika and Craig is especially instructive, as Craig was a member of the United Nations Secretary-General’s High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence, and Lika is the co-author of one of the most recent research papers on AI readiness in the region. They both understand the AI-related issues that are being debated globally, whilst also appreciating the nuances, imperatives and vulnerabilities that Caribbean countries in particular must grapple with. Below are the main questions that drove our discussion with Craig and Lika.

  1. Lika, what have been your observations regarding AI use and policy in the LAC region generally, the countries ECLAC serves, and more specifically in the Caribbean region?
  2. Craig,  you were a member of the Multistakeholder High-Level Advisory Body on Artificial Intelligence at the UN. What did the role entail?
  3. Lika, how does this AI Advisory Body fit into the Global Digital Compact and the work that is being done in that forum?
  4. Craig, the document, Terms of Reference and Modalities for the Establishment and Functioning of the Independent International Scientific Panel on Artificial Intelligence and the Global Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence Governance, was recently published. What does the document entail, and why is it important?
  5. Craig: What are some of the likely issues the Independent International Scientific Panel will need to address when constituted?
  6. Lika: ECLAC recently published a study on AI readiness in the Caribbean. What were the key findings?
  7. Lika: What is eLAC 2026, and how could Caribbean countries benefit from participating in this initiative?
  8. Craig and Lika:  What are the most pressing ICT or AI-related issues Caribbean countries need to address?

 

We would love to hear your thoughts!

Do leave us a comment either here beneath this article, or on our Facebook or LinkedIn pages, or via Twitter, @ICTPulse.

Also, if you or a member of your network is interested in joining us for an episode, do get in touch.

Let’s make it happen!

 

Select links

Below are links to some of the organisations and resources that either were mentioned during the episode, or otherwise, might be useful

 

 

Images credit:   L Døhl Diouf;  C Ramlal;  pch.vector (Freepik);  Freepik;  DC Studio (Freepik)

Music credit: The Last Word (Oui Ma Chérie), by Andy Narrell

Podcast editing support: Mayra Bonilla Lopez