United Nations Guyana emphasises ethical use of Artificial Intelligence and digital inclusion at Caribbean Media Summit

The summit brought together journalists, media practitioners, policy experts and representatives of regional and international organisations to address the theme, “Evolving Media Business Models in Turbulent Times.”

Delivering a keynote presentation on behalf of the United Nations system, Dr. Paul Hector, Officer in Charge and Advisor for Communication and Information in the UNESCO Regional Office for the Caribbean, emphasised the need to align the deployment of artificial intelligence (AI) with the principles of equity, transparency and the public interest. Drawing on the Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap, he outlined a forward-looking vision for the ethical governance of AI, including safeguards to protect journalistic integrity, media viability, and fundamental rights.

The participation of the United Nations system in Guyana in the Media Summit occurs against the backdrop of the recently adopted Global Digital Compact, which was endorsed at the 2024 Summit of the Future. The Compact reaffirms the commitment of Member States to a human-centred digital transformation and emphasises the need to bridge digital divides, promote inclusive access, and foster trust in digital technologies. In this context, the Caribbean region’s leadership in developing policy frameworks grounded in ethics and inclusion is both timely and instructive.

Speakers at the summit emphasised the transformative impact of AI on newsrooms, business models, and public communication. They drew attention to the risks posed by algorithmic bias, misinformation, and digital monopolies while highlighting the opportunities that AI presents to strengthen investigative journalism and diversify content.

Within this framework, Dr. Hector reiterated the importance of building institutional and individual capacities to meet the challenges of digital transformation. He referenced the upcoming UNESCO Conference on Capacity Building on AI and Digital Transformation in the Public Sector, to be held in June 2025, as a key platform for training public officials and aligning digital governance with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

The Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap, developed in consultation with multi-stakeholder partners, including national governments, civil society, and academic institutions, promotes inclusive innovation and responsible AI use across the public and private sectors. It highlights three strategic priorities: (1) strengthening digital competencies and media literacy, (2) ensuring fairness and accountability in AI systems, and (3) advancing regional cooperation in digital policy-making.

Dr. Hector also referenced recent publications, including Reporting on Artificial Intelligence: A Handbook for Journalism Educators, and Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms, as tools to support independent journalism and democratic discourse in the age of automation.

In line with the objectives of the Global Digital Compact, the United Nations system in Guyana will continue to support partners in building resilient, rights-based digital ecosystems. 

For more information:

• Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Policy Roadmap
  Reporting on Artificial Intelligence: A Handbook for Journalism Educators: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/reporting-artificial-intelligence
• UNESCO Digital Competency Framework for the Civil Service
   
• UN Global Digital Compact
   
• Guidelines for the Governance of Digital Platforms