AI and the Future of Work – How Diplomacy is Shaping Global Relations

At the core of Geneva, a city known for its diplomacy and elegance, on January 27-28, 2025, the AI for Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD) convened its third annual summit, uniting over six hundred (600) thought leaders, policymakers, and innovators from around the globe. The prestigious event was held in the Qatar Hall at the United Nations Office, Geneva. This year’s forum was co-hosted by Antigua and Barbuda, symbolising a commitment to global collaboration and inclusivity in the realm of artificial intelligence (AI) under the theme ‘Empowering the South 2030: Forging an AI Future of Inclusive Digital Sovereignty.’

The primary objective of the summit was to explore and harness the transformative potential of AI for developing nations – Fair AI For A Fair World. Discussions centred on how AI can be a catalyst for sustainable development, economic growth and social equity. The forum emphasised the importance of creating AI solutions tailored to the unique challenges and opportunities within these countries, ensuring that technological advancements contribute to a fairer world.

Throughout the two-day summit, several key narratives emerged:

1. Empowerment Through Inclusivity as speakers highlighted the necessity of developing AI systems that are accessible and beneficial to all societal segments, including marginalized communities. This includes creating AI tools that support local languages and dialects, ensuring that technology bridges rather than widens existing divides.

2. Sovereign Technological Development: The forum underscored the importance of developing nations cultivating their own AI capabilities to reduce dependence on imported technologies. This approach aims to enhance technological autonomy and ensure that AI solutions are culturally relevant and ethically sound.

3. Ethical and Responsible AI: There was a strong emphasis on the ethical implications of AI deployment. Discussions revolved around establishing frameworks that ensure AI is used responsibly, respects human rights, and promotes social good.

In a bold demonstration of leadership on the global stage, Antigua and Barbuda took centre stage representing the Caribbean nations at the AI For Developing Countries Forum (AIFOD) advocating for equitable AI adoption.

It was a pivotal gathering as Antigua and Barbuda’s delegation, led by Foreign Minister His Excellency E.P. Chet Greene, played a key role in ensuring that small island developing states (SIDS) were not just included in AI conversations but positioned as active participants. The country’s involvement signified its commitment to leveraging artificial intelligence as a tool for economic transformation, climate resilience, and digital empowerment.

The ministerial team that included Joy-Marie King (International Trade Director, Colin C. James Chief Executive Officer, Antigua and Barbuda Tourism Authority, and Andrea Jacobs AI Legal Advisor, Ministry of Legal Affairs Antigua and Barbuda was present with a clear mission to advocate for stronger policies, capacity-building initiatives, and international collaboration that would enable smaller nations to harness AI’s potential. Their presence at AIFOD Geneva underscored the urgent need for a global framework that prevents AI from widening the economic divide between developed and developing countries.

During his keynote address, His Excellency E.P. Chet Greene delivered a powerful message - smaller nations must not be left behind in the AI revolution. He emphasised that while AI presents immense opportunities, without strategic adoption and inclusive policies, developing nations risk being sidelined.

“We must take bold steps to bridge the digital divide, ensuring that artificial intelligence serves all, not just the privileged few,” Minister Greene stated. “This requires strong policies, strategic partnerships, and leadership that is unafraid to push for fairness in AI governance.”

He stressed the importance of strategic AI adoption—developing nations must tailor AI solutions to their unique challenges.

Bold leadership — leaders must actively shape AI policies rather than passively accepting them.

Stronger international policies — AI development must consider and include underrepresented nations.

AI is poised to revolutionise infrastructure and workforce dynamics in developing nations through:

Infrastructure Enhancement: AI-driven solutions can optimize urban planning, improve transportation systems, and enhance utility management. For instance, smart grids powered by AI can lead to more efficient energy distribution, reducing costs and environmental impact.

Workforce Development: As AI automates routine tasks, there’s a growing need for a workforce skilled in technology and data analysis. The summit highlighted initiatives aimed at reskilling workers, ensuring they are equipped to thrive in an AI-driven economy. This includes educational programs focused on digital literacy and technical training.

The forum emphasised that the successful integration of AI requires collaboration across various sectors:

Public-Private Partnerships - Governments and private enterprises were encouraged to work together to fund and develop AI initiatives. Such collaborations can accelerate innovation and ensure that AI solutions are scalable and sustainable.

Academic and Research Institutions - Universities and research centres play a crucial role in advancing AI knowledge and developing home grown solutions tailored to local challenges.

International Co-operation - Global partnerships can facilitate knowledge exchange, provide funding opportunities, and ensure that developing nations are not left behind in the AI revolution.

Tourism, a vital sector for many developing countries, stands to benefit significantly from AI integration with -

Personalised Visitor Experiences - AI can analyse visitor preferences to offer personalized travel recommendations, enhancing the overall tourist experience.

Efficient Resource Management - AI-driven analytics can help manage tourist flows, reducing overcrowding at popular sites and promoting lesser-known attractions, thereby distributing economic benefits more evenly.

Enhanced Marketing Strategies - By analyzing data on traveller behaviour, tourism boards can craft targeted marketing campaigns, attracting a broader audience.

The AIFOD Geneva Summit 2025 was a clarion call for action. It highlighted the immense potential of AI to drive positive change in developing nations and the collective responsibility to ensure that this technology is harnessed ethically and inclusively. As we move forward, the insights and collaborations fostered during this summit will undoubtedly play a pivotal role in shaping a fairer, AI-driven world.

In the words of one of the keynote speakers, “The future is not a place we are going to, but a place we are creating. The paths are not found but made, and the activity of making them changes both the maker and the destination.” The AIFOD Geneva Summit 2025 has set the stage for developing nations to chart their own paths in the AI landscape, ensuring that technology serves as a bridge to a more equitable and prosperous future.

Antigua and Barbuda’s active role at AIFOD Geneva was more than just symbolic; it was a testament to the country’s determination to shape a future where AI is fair, inclusive, and transformative for all. The delegation left a lasting impression, reinforcing the urgent need for a global AI strategy that benefits both large economies and smaller developing states.

As the AI revolution unfolds, Antigua and Barbuda have made one thing clear - the future must be built on fairness, collaboration, and a commitment to leave no nation behind.