Today, on the Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples, we at the Center for Development Programs in the Cordillera stand in solidarity with Indigenous communities worldwide under the theme “Indigenous Peoples and AI: Defending Rights, Defending Future.” This day serves as a wake-up call to the critical interface between technological advancement and the rights of Indigenous Peoples.
As artificial intelligence and digital technologies shape our world, it is imperative that Indigenous voices are included in the dialogue surrounding these innovations. We recognize the potential of AI to both empower and marginalize communities and facilitate the promotion of Indigenous Knowledge Systems. At the same time, we acknowledge the potential risks, such as theft, misappropriation, and profiteering; thus, it is essential to advocate for the ethical development and application of technology that respects Indigenous rights, culture, and knowledge.
Indigenous Peoples possess invaluable Indigenous knowledge that is crucial for sustainable development and environmental stewardship. As we embrace the opportunities presented by technology, we must ensure that it supports, rather than undermines, Indigenous ways of life. Protecting Indigenous data sovereignty and promoting equitable access to digital resources are vital steps in this unequal world.
As stewards of vast forest landscapes, watersheds, and rich cultural knowledge, the CDPC reaffirms its commitment to supporting Indigenous communities in defending their rights and shaping their futures in the age of Artificial Intelligence. As an institution promoting the interface of modern-day science and “Indigenous science,” particularly in the field of agroecology, we call upon all stakeholders—governments, technology companies, and civil society—to collaborate with Indigenous communities, ensuring their meaningful participation in technological advancements. We reiterate our longstanding call for the respect and fulfillment of the right to Free, Prior, and Informed Consent in the development and use of Artificial Intelligence.