News Releases

UWI gathers the best and brightest in AI for the Caribbean's first AI conference

For Release Upon Receipt - July 1, 2024

UWI


Registration for virtual attendance is still open 

The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Friday, June 28, 2024—From July 8-10, 2024, The University of the West Indies (The UWI) will host the Caribbean's first AI conference, UWIFIC 5IR. 

The regional University is bringing together the brightest minds from the region and beyond to delve into the transformative potential of artificial intelligence (AI) and digital transformation opportunities and challenges for the Caribbean. 

Themed 'Reimagining the Digital Transformation of the Caribbean in an Age of Regenerative AI and the Fifth Industrial Revolution', this landmark event takes place at The UWI's Five Islands Campus in Antigua & Barbuda, offering both physical attendance and virtual participation options. 

The Conference aims to explore adoption strategies, risks, and ethical considerations related to AI, specifically within the Caribbean context. Anticipated attendees include AI experts, policymakers, government officials, academics, and business leaders. 

An impressive lineup of 80 international and regional speakers, 40 academic paper presentations and over 20 sessions includes UWI academics and subject matter experts, regional business leaders and executives, and global affiliates from Meta, Google, UNESCO GlaxoSmithKline Harvard University, IBM and more. 

Daren Dhoray, Enterprise Applications Support Manager at The UWI St Augustine Campus, is scheduled to present an academic paper entitled: Transforming university websites – AI Enhanced Interactivity for Personalized Student Engagement. He affirmed that this inaugural AI conference marks a pivotal moment in The UWI's history, "Though smaller in scale than global giants, we are uniquely positioned to harness AI for sustainable development and social good." 

He added, "The conference is not just timely; it is a beacon for educators, policymakers, and change makers. We are here to catalyze change and build a network of AI-savvy leaders who will steer our region into a future where technology empowers and elevates. I expect we will emerge with actionable insights and robust partnerships that accelerate AI adoption across our islands. The UWI is not merely a participant in this movement but a driving force tasked with nurturing the next generation of Caribbean technologists and thinkers in AI. Together, we are crafting a narrative of innovation and opportunity for every Caribbean nation." 

Dr Curtis B. Charles, Lead, Generative AI For Good Research Cluster at The UWI describes the conference as a prime networking opportunity for students, academics, and industry professionals across the Caribbean. He said, “It offers mentorship, internships, and career advancement avenues, enhancing professional growth and expanding career horizons. Attendees can expect diverse topics covering AI applications in healthcare, sustainable agriculture, smart city development, and more. Participants will have unparalleled access to cutting-edge knowledge and developments in AI and the Fifth Industrial Revolution.”   

Students attending the conference will gain valuable insights into AI applications across various sectors, sparking inspiration for research and career paths. Discussions with international experts will sharpen critical thinking, public speaking, and networking skills essential for future endeavours. The agenda includes a robotics hackathon open to students, providing hands-on experience and practical insights into AI technologies. 

Registration is now open via the conference website, fiveislandsaiconference.com.

Virtual attendance is US$200; in person group rate (for five plus persons) is US$300 and student cost - US$100. 

For additional information, please email info@fiveislandsaiconference.com. Stay updated with the latest news and announcements on social media through LinkedIn, Facebook and Instagram. 

Take advantage of this unique opportunity to be part of the inaugural AI conference, shaping the future of the Caribbean through innovation and collaboration. 

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About The University of the West Indies

The UWI has been and continues to be a pivotal force in every aspect of Caribbean development, residing at the center of all efforts to improve the well-being of people across the region for over 75 years. 

From a university college of London in Jamaica with 33 medical students in 1948, The UWI is today an internationally respected, global university with nearly 50,000 students and five campuses: Mona in Jamaica, St. Augustine in Trinidad and Tobago, Cave Hill in Barbados, Five Islands in Antigua and Barbuda and its Global Campus, and global centres in partnership with universities in North America, Latin America, Asia, Africa, and Europe. 

The UWI offers over 1000 certificate, diploma, undergraduate and postgraduate degree options in Culture, Creative and Performing Arts, Food and Agriculture, Engineering, Humanities and Education, Law, Medical Sciences, Science and Technology, Social Sciences, and Sport. As the Caribbean’s leading university, it possesses the largest pool of Caribbean intellect and expertise committed to confronting the critical issues of our region and the wider world. 

The UWI has been consistently ranked among the best in the world by the most reputable ranking agency, Times Higher Education (THE). Since The UWI’s 2018 debut in THE’s rankings, it has performed well in multiple schemes—among them including World University Rankings, Golden Age University Rankings (between 50 and 80 years old), Latin America Rankings, and the Impact Rankings for its response to the world’s biggest concerns, outlined in the 17 United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), including Good Health and Well-being; Gender Equality and Climate Action. 

Learn more at www.uwi.edu

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