HISS: Global South Perspectives on AI
As the world increasingly embraces the transformative power of artificial intelligence (AI), the need to critically examine its implications through diverse perspectives has never been more urgent. The two-week program aims to engage German and international law students in a comprehensive exploration of how AI technologies intersect with pressing issues of power dynamics, social justice, and equity—especially through the lens of Global South countries, which face challenges and opportunities of their own in this rapidly evolving field.
8 - 19 SEPTEMBER 2025, UNIVERSITY OF HAMBURG, FACULTY OF LAW
HAMBURG INTERNATIONAL SUMMER SCHOOL (HISS) on "GLOBAL SOUTH PERSPECTIVES ON AI: POWER, SOCIAL JUSTICE AND OPPORTUNITIES FOR AN EQUITABLE FUTURE"
ACADEMIC LEAD: DR. DOROTHY MAKAZA-GOEDE
ORGANIZATION: ANDREA HEARST, DR. STINE VON FÖRSTER (INTERNATIONAL OFFICE)
This summer school offers a vital opportunity not only for students to broaden their understanding of AI's societal impact but also to contribute to the creation of equitable frameworks that govern technology's integration in a global context. In fostering critical discussions about AI's in shaping social structures and power relations, this program will equip students with the analytical skills necessary to advocate for justice and equity in their future careers. The summer school will contribute not only to the professional development of participants but will also lay the groundwork for a more socially responsible approach to legal practices in an increasingly digitized world.
The seminar topic "Global South Perspectives on AI: Power, Social Justice, and Opportunities for an Equitable Future" addresses the critical intersection of AI with legal and socio-economic structures as they relate to Global South countries. In this context, the seminar delves into how AI technologies not only reflect power dynamics but also perpetuate existing inequalities and create new challenges for social justice. Artificial intelligence, while heralded for its potential to drive innovation and efficiency, often exacerbates disparities, particularly in regions that historically lack infrastructural and institutional support. The Global South, encompassing countries in Africa, Latin America, and parts of Asia, presents unique challenges, including limited access to technology, underdeveloped regulatory frameworks, and socio-economic inequalities. These factors render the populations of these regions particularly vulnerable to the negative ramifications of AI, such as algorithmic bias, surveillance, and the erosion of privacy.
Furthermore, the seminar emphasizes the need for integral stakeholder engagement, recognizing that effective governance of AI requires an understanding of diverse perspectives, particularly those from marginalized communities. By incorporating voices from the Global South, the seminar seeks to illuminate how local contexts inform the ethical deployment of AI technologies. This approach is crucial for crafting legal frameworks that not only protect rights but also promote equitable access to AI benefits.
The discourse around AI in the Global South should pivot from a predominantly Western-centric narrative to one that is inclusive and reflective of localized realities. By foregrounding social justice and the pursuit of equitable futures, this seminar aims to generate actionable insights that advocate for policies and practices that empower communities rather than disenfranchise them. In conclusion, an in-depth exploration of Global South perspectives on AI provides an essential framework for understanding the complexities of technological advancements in a globalized world while fostering a future that is just and equitable for all society.
CONCEPT
The Summer school is designed as a transformative educational experience that goes beyond conventional approaches to learning.
Participants are required to prepare a detailed written piece of approximately 20 pages prior to their arrival. Each student will focus on a specific aspect of the overarching theme, conducting in-depth research that encompasses various subtopics and stakeholder perspectives from around the globe. This preparatory work will be conducted in tandems (we will match you with another participant) and is intended to cultivate a deeper understanding of the multifaceted issues surrounding AI, setting the stage for rich discussions and informed debates during the summer school itself.
Asking the participants to hand in a paper before the start of the summer school allows us to build a Socratic classroom, where the lecturer poses open-ended questions, prompting students to think deeply and articulate their reasoning in response. This method not only encourages participants to examine legal principles from multiple perspectives but also cultivates a collaborative learning environment where students learn from each other's interpretations and insights.
ORGANIZATION
Program Fee: 450 EUR per Person (excluding accomodation, travel and living costs)
Please note: There is a fee-waiver for a limited number of students from University of Hamburg, Universidad de Chile and University of Pretoria.
Application Deadline: 1 April 2025. Please send a max. one page letter of motivation and a short CV (both in English) to international-office-law"AT"uni-hamburg.de
Students receive 6 Credit Points (ECTS) for successful completion of the program (meaning the submission of the research paper and oral presentation during the Summer School, with their minimum passing grade, as well as active participation during the entire program).
If you are in need of financial support, please contact the International Office at the Faculty of Law (international-office-law"AT"uni-hamburg.de). There is a limited number of scholarships available for travel expenses.