The Cuban regime celebrated the fair "Inspiring Action" this week in Havana, an event focused on artificial intelligence (AI) featuring personalized training aimed at young people. It was organized with the support of the United Nations System, UNESCO, and several state institutions, including the Joven Club de Computación.
This type of initiative, carefully designed for official propaganda and supported by international organizations, stands in stark contrast to the reality faced by the majority of Cuban children and youth, who not only lack access to personal computers but also suffer from daily blackouts, lack of connectivity, and inadequate conditions in their schools.
The event, held at the Central Computing Palace, included showcases of technological projects from both the state and non-state sectors, as well as spaces for exchanging experiences among entities that have implemented AI tools in the country.
According to its organizers, the goal was to promote the responsible, ethical, and critical use of these emerging technologies, especially among the younger generations.
A workshop in Havana: And the rest of the country?
The fair was promoted as a tool to empower Cuban youth with digital skills, but the reality is that only a very small segment of the youth population in the capital had access to the event. Nothing has been reported about similar activities in the provinces, where the deterioration of technological and educational infrastructure is even more evident.
Most Cuban households do not have computers, and in educational centers, Internet access is limited, unstable, or nonexistent. Additionally, the daily power outage hinders the real and sustained development of digital skills among Cuban children and adolescents.
An empty speech in the face of a critical reality
The event is part of the celebrations for the 80th anniversary of the United Nations and the World Youth Skills Day, which this year focuses on artificial intelligence.
The initiative also references UNESCO's recommendations on the ethical use of AI, in an effort to align the Cuban regime with international best practices in technology.
The artificial intelligence fair represents yet another example of the Cuban government's double talk, which tries to project an image of digital advancement while keeping the majority of its population excluded from real access to technology, trapped by censorship, resource scarcity, and the systemic inefficiency of the system.
While the news discusses Cuban youth learning programming languages and debating algorithmic biases, in the neighborhoods of Cuba, the daily reality is the lack of electricity, the inability to connect, and the shortage of basic devices for learning in the 21st century.
Once again, the regime displays a façade of modernity, but the reality of the country continues to experience a marked decline in technological and educational progress.
Frequently Asked Questions about Artificial Intelligence in Cuba
What is the "Inspiring Action" event in Havana?
"Inspiring Action" is an artificial intelligence fair held in Havana, aimed at young people and supported by the UN, UNESCO, and Cuban state organizations. This event included showcases of technological projects and personalized training, highlighting the responsible use of AI. However, the reality is that only a small segment of Cuban youth had access to the event, reflecting the technological inequalities in the country.
How does the artificial intelligence event contrast with the Cuban reality?
The artificial intelligence event in Cuba contrasts with the reality of most Cubans, who face daily blackouts, lack access to computers and the internet, and endure poor conditions in schools. While the government projects an image of digital modernity, the majority of the population is excluded from real access to technology, reflecting a double standard of the Cuban regime.
What role do international organizations play in the development of AI in Cuba?
The UN and UNESCO support events like "Inspiring Action", which promote the use of artificial intelligence in Cuba. However, this support comes at a time when the majority of Cubans lack access to basic technologies, raising concerns about the effectiveness of such initiatives in a country with significant technological shortcomings.
How does the lack of technological infrastructure affect the development of AI in Cuba?
The lack of technological infrastructure in Cuba severely limits the development of artificial intelligence. Internet access is limited, unstable, or nonexistent in many areas, and most households lack computers. Furthermore, daily power outages hinder the advancement of digital skills, preventing any real and sustained development of AI in the country.
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