Across the world and particularly in the global south, people are at risk of being excluded from the benefits of the digital transformation. As it is, having some knowledge and know-how of the online arena is one of today's key requirements for social and economic participation. However, many Africans are not able to fully participate and benefit from the opportunities that the digital space has to offer. One of the key barriers that perpetuates such imbalances is language barrier that persists in blocking many Africans from accessing information that can enable them to make informed decisions, contribute to democracy and advance innovation. In the framework of UNESCO's work to harness emerging technology for sustainable development, the publication, 'Inside AI - An Algorithmic Adventure' is a graphic novel aimed at making the digital world more accessible to the youth and enable them to understand the impact of Artificial Intelligence on humankind and the ethics therein
To mark this year's World Kiswahili Language Day, under the theme, 'Unleashing Kiswahili's Potential in the Digital Era', UNESCO will hold the soft launch the Kiswahili translation of the book titled, 'Ndani ya AI - Ziara ya Algorithi' as our contribution to championing for language diversity in advancing digital rights and ethics in AI development. The translation is a gateway to open up the concept of Artificial Intelligence to native speakers of the language who otherwise are often challenged in understanding the digital transformations taking place around them due to lack of understanding of complex technology terms in the English language. For the case of Kenya for instance: the launch of decentralized digital identity project National Integrated Identity Management System, was met with resistance from digital rights advocates who questioned the ethics and human rights provisions of such a project. According to them, many Kenyans who did not have good understanding of the digital landscape and digital rights due to them to enable them fully consent to the demands of the project. Therefore, this publication, translated in Kiswahili, endeavors to give a light, basic and relevant informative approach on AI and the digital landscape that many non-English speakers who speak Kiswahili and equal opportunity to understand the digital realm.
Rationale - Why is the launch of the comic strip important?
- It is the first translation of the book in an African language.
- It will be launched during the second worldwide celebrations of the World Kiswahili Language Day where there will be expert discussions on the potential role of Kiswahili language in AI and machine learning development.
