The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus
Five Islands Village
Antigua & Barbuda
Copyright © 2025 The University of the West Indies. All rights reserved.
Opening Reception: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Welcome Remarks:
Opening Ceremony: 8:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Opening
National Anthem | Prayer | House Keeping
Welcome Remarks
Pro Vice Chancellor Graduate Studies and Research
Opening Keynote: “AI for Sustainable Development: The Chinese Perspective”
This session explores AI-driven strategies for economic diversification, sustainable resource management, and enhancing climate resilience.
The speaker will highlight case studies, best practices, and collaborative opportunities for policy-driven AI adoption in energy management, environmental governance, and disaster mitigation.
Speaker 1: Tianze Zhang
Founder, AI for Developing Countries Forum
Plenary Session I: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
AI Policy and Governance & Economic Diversification through AI
Sustainable Strategic Diplomacy in an Age of AI and Shifting Geopolitics
Policy Focus: Regional Resilience, Sovereign Engagement, and Global Partnerships
Session Overview:
The Caribbean stands at a crossroads. The world is undergoing seismic change—geopolitical power is shifting, climate shocks are accelerating, and emerging technologies are redrawing global influence. Small states like ours can no longer afford to engage the world reactively. We must lead with vision, purpose, and unity.
The session will spotlight how Caribbean nations can build coalitions, negotiate from a position of strength, and secure long-term resilience in an era of global uncertainty.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Refreshments Break
Plenary Session II: 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
CAF Roadmap for National AI Implementation
Caribbean Latin American Development Bank (CAF) Policy Session
Policy Focus: AI Policy; National Strategic Planning
Session Overview:
This high-level plenary provides attendees with insights into considerations for adopting national policies and incentives that leverage AI for economic development and social inclusion.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Lunch and Networking: 12:00 PM – 2:00 PM
Plenary Session III: 2:00 PM – 02:45 PM
Closing Keynote:
The Ethics of AI: Hype vs Reality — Considerations for Governments and Private Sector
Session Overview:
With public trust, regulatory clarity, and social responsibility at stake, the conversation will center on how Caribbean institutions can navigate the tension between innovation and ethical oversight. Are existing policies sufficient? Who should be held accountable for AI decisions? And how do we ensure that AI serves the public good without amplifying inequalities?
This is a critical conversation for policymakers, business leaders, technologists, and anyone committed to building a responsible AI ecosystem in the Caribbean and beyond.
Speaker(s)
Open Mic Session: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Interactive discussion on the day’s proceedings moderated by Event Host / Master of Ceremonies.
Day 1 Reception: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
At UWI FIC Campus
Social Event: Taste of the Caribbean
Join us for an unforgettable evening celebrating the rich cultural diversity, culinary heritage, and vibrant spirit of the Caribbean. “Taste of the Caribbean” is an immersive cultural experience designed to delight your senses and spark meaningful connections among conference participants.
Savour a curated selection of traditional and contemporary Caribbean cuisine, featuring flavours from across the region. Enjoy live entertainment showcasing local music, dance, and storytelling that highlight the rhythm and creativity of our Caribbean people.
Whether you’re deepening professional relationships, making new connections, or simply soaking in the Caribbean vibe, this event promises good food, great company, and the warm hospitality the region is known for.
Dress Code: Caribbean Chic
Opening Session: 9:00 AM – 9:45 AM
Welcome Address
UWI FIC Campus representative / Conference MC
Opening Keynote: “Building AI Capacity in Education and Innovation: Lessons from the Caribbean”
Session Overview:
As AI reshapes industries, education systems must evolve to prepare future-ready workforces. This session explores models for upskilling and reskilling workers in an AI-driven economy. Our keynote speaker will share insights on developing AI-focused education strategies tailored to Caribbean needs, ensuring accessibility and workforce readiness. The session will also highlight real-world implementations of AI-driven learning approaches, drawing examples from the Caribbean.
Speaker
Plenary Session I: 10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Enabling AI Development
Accelerating the State of AI Development in the Caribbean: A Pioneer’s Guide
This session blends insights from trailblazers in academia, government, and industry, the session explores what it really takes to build sustainable AI ecosystems in small and developing states.
From launching successful pilot projects to creating enabling environments for innovation, participants will gain practical strategies for catalyzing growth in AI research, entrepreneurship, education, and policy.
PANEL DISCUSSION
Refreshments Break
Plenary Session II: 11:15 AM – 12:00 PM
AI Tech Talks
Blue AI: Applications in Oceanography and the Blue Economy (15 mins)
Topics: Marine data analysis, sustainable fisheries, AI for reef preservation
Dr. Branson Belle (Antigua & Barbuda)
AI for Sustainable Tourism: Beyond the Hype (15 mins)
Topics: Will AI Help or Hurt Caribbean Tourism
Colin James (ABTA)
AI and Cybersecurity: Practical Applications for Securing Assets and Strengthening Digital Resilience (15 mins)
Topics: Responsible AI, data privacy, and the legal implications of AI adoption
Prof. Obadare Peter Adewale (Nigeria)
Plenary Session III: 2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
AI Tech Talks
AI for the Public Sector: Applications in Government Digital Transformation (15 mins)
Topics: Service Delivery, Transparency and Accountability, and Citizen Engagement
Hon. Melford Nichols (Government of Antigua and Barbuda)
AI for Climate Resilience: Beyond the Hype (15 mins)
Topics: How AI can support environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives
Dr. Michael Taylor (UWI Mona) or
Dr. David Farrell (CIMH)
AI and Justice: Practical Applications for supporting Crime Reduction, Law Enforcement and Court Efficiency (15 mins)
Topics: Predictive analytics, legal research, case management and justice modernization
Richard Wall (USA) or
Kevin Khelawan (CAJS)
Plenary Session IV: 3:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Dr. Curtis Charles (UWI) – Moderator
Bevil Wooding (ARIN / Connected Caribbean)
Tianze Zhang (AIFOD)
As AI reshapes global industries, the Caribbean must define a strategic path for its adoption, governance, and innovation.
This closing roundtable brings together policymakers, researchers, and private sector leaders to discuss the future of AI in the region.
Attendees will gain insights into shaping policies and partnerships that ensure AI contributes to sustainable and inclusive growth.
Conference Summary & Closing Remarks
Day 2 Reception: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Social Networking Event: Lime on the Greens
Our inaugural AI Robotics Track spotlights the boundless potential of robotics and intelligent automation in tackling some of the Caribbean’s most pressing challenges. From disaster response to sustainable resource management, the fusion of AI and robotics opens up exciting possibilities for innovation and impact. This track showcases the creativity and technical prowess of our region’s brightest students and innovators through spirited competitions and demonstrations. Let’s be inspired by the imagination, ingenuity, and drive of the next generation of Caribbean problem solvers.
Robotics Track: Day 2
Student Robotics/AI and Data Science Competition
Theme: Innovative AI Solutions for Caribbean Challenges
Categories: Robotics for disaster response and resource management.
Judges: Panel of academic and industry experts and sponsors
These sessions are where leading-edge research, transformative ideas, and practical applications of AI converge. Each session reflects the conference’s overarching mission: to harness the power of AI for sustainable development across our region. Across multiple thematic streams—from climate resilience and digital transformation to healthcare, justice, and the creative arts—this platform provides an opportunity for scholars, practitioners, and industry leaders to present their work and engage in rigorous dialogue.
Technical Sessions Day 2: Block 1
10:00 AM – 10:45 AM
Technical Session 1
AI & The Arts: Applications in Creative & Cultural Industries
Topics: Arts, music, media, and cultural heritage preservation
Technical Session 2
Machine Learning, Deep Learning & Data Science
Topics: Emerging technologies, model development, and case studies
Technical Session 3
AI and Ethics, Governance & Policy: Frameworks for Responsible Development
Topics: Responsible AI, data privacy, and the legal implications of AI adoption
Presentation of Research Papers: 10 mins each
Technical Sessions Day 2: Block 2
11:00 AM – 11:45 AM
Technical Session 4
AI in Climate Resilience and Sustainability: Applications for Climate Resilience
Topics: Disaster preparedness, energy efficiency, environmental monitoring
Technical Session 5
Justice AI: Applications for Law Enforcement and Anti-Crime Initiatives
Topics: Enabling AI in crime mitigation, cybersecurity, policing and court management
Technical Session 6
Healthcare AI: Applications and Approaches for Addressing NCDs
Topics: Predictive analytics, AI-assisted medical diagnostics, and health data management
Presentation of Research Papers: 10 mins each
Technical Sessions Day 2: Block 3
2:00 PM – 2:45 PM
Technical Session 7
AI and Caribbean Digital Transformation
Topics: Bridging digital divides, smart governance, and digital literacy
Technical Session 8
AI in Education & Workforce Development
Topics: Curriculum design, personalized learning, and digital skills training
Technical Session 9
AI for Business & Financial Inclusion
Topics: Fintech, digital banking, and economic development
The University of the West Indies Five Islands Campus
Five Islands Village
Antigua & Barbuda
Copyright © 2025 The University of the West Indies. All rights reserved.