Jamaicans Encouraged to Tap More Into Potential of AI

Resident Representative, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Dr. Kishan Khoday, has suggested that Jamaicans tap more into the potential of artificial intelligence (AI) for the growth and development of the nation.

During his address at the World Habitat Day Exposition 2026, held at the Summit Kingston on Monday (October 5), he said the “prospect of AI and digital innovation to boost productivity remains a prospect; an opportunity that needs to be engaged further”.

Dr. Khoday also noted that the use of AI could be engaged further in Jamaica to help reduce informal settlements.

He was speaking in relation to the theme of World Habitat Day 2026, ‘Adequate Housing for All’.

Dr. Khoday said he has been in the field visiting informal settlements and some of the most impacted by Hurricane Melissa, and from assessment, support remains critical.

“To help address these issues, UNDP and other partners in Jamaica are expanding cooperation on things like capacities of SMEs and small businesses, for financial management, for economic diversification, to boost the role of AI and digitisation in newer market opportunities and productivity and, of course, women’s empowerment in key sectors of the economy,” Dr. Khoday said.

Meanwhile, he argued that climate change is generating the need for integration of resilience into disaster recovery.

He said the impact of Melissa, as a historic case in point, devastated some informal settlements and now there is an opportunity to build back to withstand future events.

Dr. Khoday said the Expo was a great way to mark World Habitat Day 2026 in Jamaica and the 40th anniversary.

Present at the expo were organisations such as Jamaica Mortgage Bank, National Housing Trust, First Heritage Co-operative Credit Union, Urban Development Corporation, West Indies Home Contractors Limited, Housing Agency of Jamaica Limited, National Environment and Planning Agency, National Land Agency, Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management, National Solid Waste Management Authority, University of the West Indies, University of Technology Jamaica, Jamaica Institute of Quantity Surveyors and the Jamaica Institute of Architects.

World Habitat Day was established by the United Nations General Assembly in 1985.

It is dedicated to drawing attention to the state of towns and cities, and the fundamental need for adequate shelter.