Colombo, Sri Lanka — The International Youth Alliance for Peace (IYAP) hosted the groundbreaking Democracy and AI Summit 2024, a dynamic gathering that explored the fusion of artificial intelligence with democratic values. Held at the American Center in Colombo, this first-of-its-kind event brought together leading voices in technology, governance, and youth activism to discuss how AI can be harnessed to support democracy and social good.
Keynote Speech: Ms Jayomi Lokuliyana, CEO/Founder of ZMessenger
The summit opened with a powerful keynote by the CEO of Z Messenger, who highlighted the importance of ethical AI and its potential impact on democratic processes worldwide. She stated,
“AI, when used responsibly, can be a tool that strengthens democratic values, amplifies citizen voices, and increases transparency.”
Ms Jayomi’s insights set a strong foundation for the day, emphasizing that Sri Lanka has the unique opportunity to lead in responsible AI use across South Asia.
Panel Discussion: “Where Technology meets Democracy – AI’s role in shaping the future”
The summit's panel discussion featured prominent experts, including Mr. Sadun Arosha, Founding Lead of the Counting Disinformation Unit of the President's office of Sri Lanka, Mr. Parakrama Ratnayake, CEO & Co-founder of Redblocks AI & Redblocks Technologies and Mr. Dilendra Peiris, Lecturer in Digital Marketing. Moderated by Mr. Abilaas Reganathan, the panel explored AI's challenges and opportunities for democracy, from election integrity to addressing misinformation. Each panelist offered unique insights:
- Mr Parakrama emphasized how AI can simplify the workflows of legal professionals, transforming traditional practices through digitization and AI-driven efficiencies.
"By bringing efficiencies into the Sri Lankan legal system and making information accessible to all citizens, regardless of their social status or background, AI is making justice accessible for everyone. There’s no better way to strengthen democracy than by ensuring fair access to justice for all."
- Mr. Dilendra Peiris coined the necessity of AI Democratization over AI and Democracy, highlighting the gap between the rate at which AI advances and is adopted in developing countries like Sri Lanka. Further expressing his views,
"he urged the educators in Sri Lanka to focus more on facilitating the practical use and deplorability of AI technology in the lives of Sri Lankans, starting from schools and universities, helping productivity growth at the grassroots level."
- Mr Sandun Arosha focused on AI’s potential to combat misinformation, suggesting AI tools can help fact-check information quickly, ensuring that the public receives accurate news. He added,
"With AI, we can create a more informed and resilient citizenry."
Workshop: Hands-On with AI for Social Impact
Mr Priyal guided participants through practical examples of AI's capabilities in environmental monitoring, public health, and social advocacy. Participant Reflections
Throughout the summit, youth participants shared their excitement and newfound perspectives on AI's role in democracy expressed enthusiasm about the workshop, saying, “I didn’t realize AI could be used for community projects. I’m inspired to start using it in my volunteer work.”
A Continuing Journey
The Democracy and AI Summit 2024 was more than just a one-day event; it began an ongoing dialogue and collaboration. IYAP remains committed to supporting Sri Lankan youth as they explore the intersection of technology and governance, with plans for further events, resources, and collaborations.\As Mr. Heshoban Thavakumaran noted in his closing remarks,
“Today we saw the power of combining democratic values with technological advancement. This journey continues as we work to empower our youth to shape the future of democracy and technology.”
For updates on the summit’s ongoing impact and upcoming initiatives, follow IYAP on IYAP Official Facebook and join us in this exciting journey toward a tech-powered democratic future.