BANGKOK – Gabrielle Ras, a data scientist from Curaçao, delivered a compelling appeal for the protection of linguistic diversity in the age of artificial intelligence during the UNESCO Global Forum for Ethical AI held in Bangkok, Thailand. Ras represented the Papiamentu and Papiamento languages as a panelist during the launch of the Global Coalition for Linguistic Diversity on AI, a joint initiative by UNESCO and the Government of Iceland.
Participating on behalf of Stichting SPLIKA, an organization dedicated to the digital future of Papiamentu (as spoken in Curaçao and Bonaire) and Papiamento (as spoken in Aruba), Ras took part in the session titled "Bridging the AI Language Divide: Safeguarding Linguistic Diversity."
Community Engagement and Representation
Ras emphasized the importance of community involvement and fair representation of smaller languages in the development of AI systems. "Engaging artists, students, policymakers, and entrepreneurs brings fresh perspectives—especially on complex issues like data ownership and the impact of AI on creativity," Ras said.
She noted that some of the most insightful contributions came from art students in Curaçao, who raised thoughtful questions about control over digital information and cultural expression.
Language Data and Ethics
Ras also addressed the challenges of collecting and organizing data in local languages like Papiamentu. “This data is scattered across regions, formats, and owners,” she explained. “We work closely with stakeholders, always with respect for copyright and privacy.”
Her message underscored the need for AI to become a tool for inclusion, rather than one that reinforces digital inequality.
A Future Where All Languages Thrive
Looking ahead, Ras envisions a future where technology strengthens rather than excludes languages. “It’s about true representation. All languages and cultures must have a voice in the evolution of human communication,” she stated.
The UNESCO forum, held in late June in Bangkok, brought together AI experts, policymakers, and language advocates from around the world. Ras described her participation as “a proud moment” and fondly recalled both the substantive discussions and the joyful celebration on stage during the forum’s closing event.
Her presence at the forum highlighted not only the global relevance of Caribbean voices in AI ethics but also the critical need to protect and uplift smaller linguistic communities in the rapidly evolving digital landscape.
