Event Recap: Inclusive AI Group & Book Launch
On Tuesday, October 8th, the Utrecht University Centre for Global Challenges (UGlobe) hosted the official launch of the Inclusive AI Group, which coincided with the release of Prof. Payal Arora’s latest book, From Pessimism to Promise: Lessons from the Global South on Designing Inclusive Tech. The event brought together a diverse set of voices to explore the future of AI and technology through a truly global lens.
Welcoming a Global Perspective
The event began with an introduction by Prof. Annette Markham, who set the tone for the day by highlighting the importance of inclusive technologies and how this launch marked a significant step forward in bridging the gap between the global North and South. Prof. Payal Arora’s book, central to the discussion, proposes a paradigm shift in the way we think about AI by drawing lessons from aspirational users in the Global South, and how their perspectives can redefine the future of tech development.
Prof. Payal Arora’s Insightful Presentation
Prof. Arora’s presentation of her book was compelling, providing a much-needed critique of the pessimism surrounding AI in the West. She emphasized that while Western narratives often focus on the risks of AI, the Global South exhibits optimism and creativity in embracing technology. Her insights were particularly refreshing, as she argued that "pessimism is a privilege"—a mindset enabled by the West’s relative wealth and stability, while the rest of the world views AI as a tool for opportunity, innovation, and survival.
She introduced key concepts such as "Algorithms of Aspiration," which reflect how young people in the Global South use AI to build their futures. Arora’s call for “reverse engineering” our understanding of tech, taking cues from the South, was an inspiring challenge to existing, Western-centric models of development.
Panel Discussion: Unpacking Global AI Trends
The panel discussion, moderated by Prof. Markham, featured distinguished voices, including Bruce Mutsvairo, Erik Stam, and Laura Herman, who expanded on how AI is being used globally. Erik Stam, with his focus on West African entrepreneurship, highlighted the ingenuity of young people in tackling their unique challenges. His statement that “the challenges of Africa today will be the West’s tomorrow” underscored how interconnected and relevant these issues are across continents.
Bruce Mutsvairo brought an academic critique, emphasizing the political risks of AI in semi-authoritarian states like Uganda, where governments can control digital tools to exert power.
Laura Herman, co-PI of the Inclusive AI Lab and representing Adobe’s AI Research team, gave an industry perspective, describing how AI is reshaping user experiences and tools like Adobe Express to streamline creativity globally. She formally launched the Inclusive AI Group by stressing the importance of industry-academia collaboration, urging both sides to become effective translators of their ideas to strengthen this vital relationship.
The Inclusive AI Team
In the latter half, the event spotlighted the work of the Inclusive AI Group’s PhD and Postdoc researchers, who are leading four core research clusters under the Lab. These projects span the following areas:
- Dr. Marianna Capasso focuses on cross-cultural AI ethics,
- Weijie Huang leads research on Gender, AI, and Gaming in China,
- Wakanyi Hoffman explores Ubuntu-based AI applications, and
- Dr. Lucie Chateau leads the cluster on Diversifying Creative AI.
These researchers are pushing boundaries in AI research, from cultural values and ethics to gaming, creativity, and community-based AI. Their work highlights the innovative directions the Inclusive AI Group is taking to make AI more inclusive globally.
Key Takeaways
One of the most remarkable takeaways was the focus on AI’s potential to create opportunities in the Global South, such as offering digital leisure to refugees or providing platforms for creative ownership. The event consistently challenged the assumption that AI is only a tool for technocratic elites, instead presenting it as a democratizing force, especially in regions where optimism and aspiration outweigh pessimism.
The discussions around the West’s “pessimistic bubble” and how much it can learn from the rest of the world were striking. I was particularly moved by Prof. Arora’s challenge to intellectual honesty—asking the global North to reconsider systems that have long excluded the Global South and to rethink how technology can be built inclusively for all.