The Commonwealth Secretariat is partnering with SAS to cultivate a diverse global AI workforce. They will be providing AI software, computing resources, and training to Commonwealth countries. Valued at $10 million, the donation includes access to SAS software, AI capabilities, and content aimed at teaching higher education students both how to use AI and how to do so responsibly.
This initiative is part of the Commonwealth Secretariat’s Commonwealth AI Consortium [CAIC]. CAIC builds technological capacity in small states and empowers young people. Students and educators across the Commonwealth will have free access to SAS® Viya® for Learners. This is a cloud-native platform for data analytics, machine learning, and AI, widely used in various industries.
SAS and the Commonwealth Secretariat will help higher education students in small states learn to not just use AI, but how to do so responsibly.
Additionally, participants will benefit from digital learning environments like SAS Skill Builder for Students and the SAS Educator Portal. These platforms offer courses, certifications, and hands-on learning opportunities to develop and validate analytics and AI skills. Postsecondary institutions in the Commonwealth are also encouraged to participate in global competitions like the Curiosity Cup and SAS Hackathon.
Suresh Yadav, Senior Director at the Commonwealth Secretariat, emphasized the importance of addressing the digital and infrastructure divides. He emphasized the importance of the partnership in ensuring that no young person is left behind in the digital revolution.
Starting in the Caribbean, the collaboration aims to train 10,000 students and educators over five years, supporting the Commonwealth’s goals of digital transformation and sustainable development.
Harness AI Ethically
For over 40 years, SAS has been a key partner for academic institutions, governments, and corporations, helping to leverage data for better decision-making. Sean O’Brien, SAS Senior Vice President, highlighted the importance of equipping students with AI skills for future tech jobs.
The initiative also emphasizes the responsible use of AI, with SAS Viya offering tools for bias detection, explainability, and governance. Reggie Townsend, SAS Vice President of Data Ethics, noted that this collaboration will empower students with valuable AI skills while teaching them to use these technologies ethically for societal benefit.
