The United Nations issued a statement on the International Day of the World’s Indigenous Peoples highlighting potential risks posed by the development and implementation of Artificial Intelligence (AI) for indigenous communities globally. While acknowledging AI’s potential to support cultural revitalization, empower youth and aid in climate change adaptation, the organization cautioned that the technology often perpetuates existing biases, fosters exclusion and contributes to misrepresentation of indigenous peoples.
The UN report emphasizes that the vast majority of AI systems are developed without meaningful involvement from indigenous communities, creating significant vulnerabilities regarding the misuse of their data, traditional knowledge and cultural identity. Concerns were also raised about the environmental impact of the large data centers required to power AI, potentially affecting indigenous lands, resources and ecosystems.
The statement underscores existing challenges related to access to new technologies, particularly in rural areas, which further marginalizes indigenous peoples from fully participating in AI-related processes.
To harness the full potential of AI, the UN stressed the importance of recognizing indigenous peoples as rights-holders, co-creators and decision-makers. Meaningful inclusion, data sovereignty and culturally-rooted innovation were identified as crucial elements to ensure that AI empowers, rather than harms, indigenous communities.