Artificial intelligence (AI) is accelerating rapidly but decision-making over its development and governance is not equally shared with communities in the Global South. Addressing this imbalance is urgent and critical to ensure that AI is both ethical and effective. How can we ensure more inclusive and responsible AI so that diverse harms can be foreseen and mitigated, and its benefits equitably enjoyed around the world?
New research by CARE International, in collaboration with Accenture, amplifies Global South voices from 12 countries across Africa, Asia, the Middle East and South America. In ‘AI and the Global South: Exploring the Role of Civil Society in AI Decision-Making’ participants share diverse perceptions of AI’s opportunities, risks and gaps.
Exploring how to achieve effective inclusion in decision-making related to AI, the research examines the role of Global South-based civil society across the AI lifecycle and AI governance. First-hand insights from civil society organisations (CSOs) are supplemented by those of stakeholders in multinational technology companies and international aid organisations.
Four pathways to increase participation and equitable inclusion
The research insights span four pathways for greater Global South civil society participation and inclusion, with recommendations for diverse stakeholders:
- Expanding AI literacy and cross-sectoral knowledge sharing.
- Increasing local decision making and representation across the AI lifecycle.
- Strengthening advocacy on the contextualised impacts and desired outcomes of AI.
- Improved digital infrastructure and equitable data governance.
For more information, please contact CARE's Suzy Madigan.