At the Isa Mundo Foundation, our mission is to support communities around the globe through education, youth empowerment, and environmental initiatives. We believe that true progress is impossible without a deep commitment to human rights and social justice, especially for Indigenous peoples who have long been at the forefront of these issues. This year's theme of AI and its impact on Indigenous communities resonates deeply with our core values.
Artificial intelligence, with its rapid advancements, holds incredible potential. It could be a tool for preserving endangered languages, mapping ancestral lands, and amplifying Indigenous knowledge to address global challenges like climate change. However, as the UN and other organizations have pointed out, without careful and ethical development, AI can also reinforce existing biases, create digital exclusion, and threaten data sovereignty.
This is where the Isa Mundo Foundation’s work intersects with this year's theme. We've always believed that education is the most valuable tool for empowerment. By providing communities with access to technology and educational resources, we are not just teaching skills; we are giving them the power to shape their own futures. This includes ensuring that Indigenous communities have the ability to engage with new technologies like AI on their own terms, with their rights and data protected.
Our commitment to Indigenous issues is a reflection of our team's personal and professional experiences. We understand that empowering communities means supporting their self-determination—the ability to make their own decisions about their culture, their land, and their future. This is a collaborative effort, and we are dedicated to working alongside Indigenous leaders and organizations to ensure that technology serves as a tool for justice and empowerment, not a force for further marginalization.
Today, and every day, we celebrate the rich cultural heritage and invaluable knowledge of Indigenous peoples. We also reaffirm our commitment to a future where their voices are not just heard, but are at the heart of the decisions that will shape our world. The theme of "Indigenous Peoples and AI" is a powerful reminder that as we move into the future, we must do so with respect, collaboration, and a unwavering commitment to defending the rights of all.
To learn more about these year’s theme, visit the UNESCO site on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples.
