Global Views
The Impact of Artificial Intelligence in Chile from Citizens’ Perceptions: Opportunities and Challenges in Education, Democracy, and Health
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Javiera Reyes Brito
This exploratory study analyzes the perceptions of key stakeholders in Chile regarding artificial intelligence (AI) in education, democracy, and health. Using eleven focus groups with 61 participants, meanings of humanity centered on “affective rationality” were identified, valuing emotionality and innate perceptions against a technological development that replaces “instrumental rationality.” In education, the need to integrate socio-emotional skills into the curriculum is highlighted, addressing challenges such as inequality in access to technology. AI is seen as a tool that can personalize learning, although there is concern about its impact on human interaction. In democracy, there is distrust in institutions and a crisis of representation. AI and neurosciences pose tensions between transparency and opacity, and there is fear that they may exacerbate inequality. However, opportunities are also seen to improve citizen participation and decision-making efficiency. In health, AI is viewed as a promising tool to improve efficiency and reduce human errors, although the importance of maintaining empathy and humanization in patient care is emphasized. Challenges include the high cost of these technologies and the need to protect the privacy of medical data. The study concludes that, although AI and neurosciences offer significant opportunities, it is crucial to address their ethical and social challenges to ensure equitable and humane development. This approach will help harness the benefits of these technologies while mitigating potential risks, ensuring a balanced and inclusive advancement.
Leveraging Voter Education to Achieve Sustainable Development Goals in the Philippines: Insights from Global Experiences
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ma. Josephine Therese Emily Teves
This study explores the role of voter education initiatives (VEIs) in promoting sustainable development in the Philippines, specifically through their potential to help the country achieve key United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The intervention aims to highlight the importance of institutionalizing VEIs as a strategy for enhancing good governance, political stability, and human development. This approach is particularly relevant in the context of the Philippines' current struggles with political instability, low SDG rankings, and the need for greater electoral participation and informed voting. Positioned within the fields of political science, public policy, and human development, the intervention draws upon empirical studies and international experiences to emphasize the positive impact of VEIs on democratic systems and socio-economic stability. Using qualitative methods and case studies, the brief examines the processes of VEI implementation, including the challenges faced by the Commission on Elections (COMELEC) and non-governmental organizations in the Philippines. The results show that while VEIs have had notable success in other countries, their limited application in the Philippines has hindered their full potential. The study concludes that institutionalizing voter education could significantly contribute to improving governance and advancing the SDGs, offering recommendations for legislative action and further empirical research to assess VEI effectiveness in the country.
The Impact of Pakistan's Political Turmoil, Injustice and Human Rights Violations on Its Overseas Diaspora
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Ghulam Sarwar, Muhammad Imran
This study investigates into the far-reaching impact of Pakistan's ongoing political and legal turmoil on its global diaspora, particularly focusing on the struggles faced by their loved-ones back home. Pakistan’s long-standing challenges with democracy, justice, and security do not just remain within its borders. These ripple outward, profoundly shaping the lives of Pakistani families scattered across the globe. Through a mixed-methods approach, combining real-life stories and data gather through interviews and group discussion surveys, this research highlights the experiences of Pakistani diaspora communities in countries like the US, UK, Canada, and the Gulf States. Behind the numbers are individuals grappling with emotional, economic, and social pressures tied to instability in their homeland. Families live in constant anxiety, fearing human rights abuses, enforced disappearances, and unlawful detentions that affect their loved ones. These harsh realities sow fear, strain family bonds, and leave expatriates feeling helpless. Financial struggles, reduced remittances, and prejudices from host country authorities due to Pakistan's instability further complicate their lives. This research unearths these stories, showing the human cost of political and legal chaos. It calls for actionable solutions, proposing steps for the Pakistani government, international organizations, and host countries to protect the well-being of diaspora communities and their families. Above all, this work seeks to amplify the voices of those who live these challenges every day, advocating for policies that restore hope, resilience, and connection in a time of crisis.
Featured Global Experiences in Cross-Cultural Healthcare
Paper Presentation in a Themed Session Lesley Clack, Keaton Ballard
While much research has focused on international differences in healthcare in terms of costs to the system, healthcare quality, and health outcomes, there are many cultural factors that have a significant impact on health behaviors and treatment. This presentation will discuss cross-cultural healthcare of various healthcare systems examined through a study abroad program. A specific case example of the comparison of emergency medical services in various countries will be presented.
