Thousands of people across the 56 Commonwealth countries will benefit from AI-driven initiatives meant to bridge the digital divide. One such initiative was launched recently, with the Commonwealth Secretariat joining forces with SAS, a global leader in data and artificial intelligence (AI).
The project aims to unlock the transformative potential of AI and advanced analytics to drive progress and innovation.
Focusing on digital literacy
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, the Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, reminded the audience that in June 2022, at the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in Rwanda, leaders acknowledged the transformative impact of technology on education and reaffirmed the critical importance of equipping citizens with the skills needed to thrive in a digital world. They resolved to address the digital skills gap in the 56 member countries - to build capacity, support development, and stimulate inclusive economic growth.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, said:
“Today’s launch is part of the implementation of that mandate. The SAS digital initiative, with its focus on digital literacy, access and building computational capacity, provides a unique opportunity for students and educators in our member states to be trained in the fundamentals of artificial intelligence and advanced analytics.
She added:
Digital readiness is essential – and the cornerstone of this readiness is the digital capabilities of our young people. That is why our SAS Digital Literacy Initiative focuses on students and educators. This critical demographic has too often been overlooked or taken for granted in the drive to bridge the digital divide, but it is key to catalysing the spirit of innovation across our member states."
Through this partnership, learners and educators in Commonwealth countries will develop AI and analytics capabilities, have access to educational resources, and have opportunities to participate in international AI competitions to foster practical experience and global recognition, whilst promoting responsible and ethical use of AI and data analytics.
Reggie Townsend, Vice President of Data Ethics at SAS, said:
“This collaboration will bring AI capacity to populations that haven’t always benefitted from the technological advances that power the world’s largest economies. These students will not only gain AI skills coveted by employers around the world, but they will also learn how to wield these powerful technologies ethically, in ways that benefit society.”
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Creating new platforms
The first phase of the partnership includes a project with The University of the West Indies, located in four Caribbean countries, and serving 18 countries. Students from tertiary institutions and educators will have access to SAS Viya, a powerful data analytics tool. They will also benefit from the cloud platform on Microsoft Azure and 15 cutting-edge tools supporting visual analytics, open-source integration, model management, and more.
At the launch, Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor of The University of the West Indies, noted:
“Here we have a great moment in time. An opportunity where AI has the potential to create a global level field for everyone. It allows everyone to participate. It is undoubtedly a democratising technology. That is where it is going and that is why developing countries are very keen to embrace and participate.”
Guests at the launch were addressed by HE Saida Muna Tasneem, High Commissioner for Bangladesh, who shared insights about how technology and access to data have recently impacted on her country, leading to change. HE Janet Charles, Acting High Commissioner for the Commonwealth of Dominica to the United Kingdom, and HE Paul Andrew Gomez, High Commissioner of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, also conveyed their appreciation for having this initiative piloted in the Caribbean.
Liz Moran, SAS Director of Global Academic Program and Certification, who is leading for SAS on the development of the collaboration package, provided more information and insight on what is on offer and the Secretariat’s Deputy Secretary-General, Dr Arjoon Suddhoo, delivered closing remarks that endorsed the initiative.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General has steadfastly advocated for the increased use of technology across the 56 member states. To advance this goal, the Commonwealth Artificial Intelligence Consortium (CAIC) was formed in 2023 and includes representatives from global tech firms, world-leading research institutions, and non-profit organisations. Ten Commonwealth member countries have also been included in the CAIC and will champion AI innovation in their own nations and throughout the union.
