The World Bank and George Washington University are pleased to announce the inaugural AI & The Future of Human Capital in the Global South Symposium scheduled for Monday September 29th, 2025, in Washington, DC.

This in-person event will bring together experts across disciplines to explore how AI-driven innovations can help address critical human capital challenges in low-income and lower-middle income countries. Human capital refers to the knowledge, skills, and good health individuals accumulate over their lifetime that enable them to be productive members of society. Discussions will focus on applying academic research to real world issues in education, healthcare, job markets, livelihoods, and social welfare systems, while also highlighting unique challenges of AI innovation and adoption in the Global South. The program will feature plenary sessions, panels, and poster presentations.

The World Bank and George Washington University invite submissions for cutting-edge research on AI solutions in low-resource settings and the impact of AI on developing economies. The conference is intended to foster discussion and connections across disciplines.

Topics of interest include:

-AI-driven innovations in education, healthcare, social protection, and job creation that address specific human capital challenges in low and middle-income countries
-The role of AI in enhancing human capital in low and middle-income countries and policy implications for integrating AI into human capital development
-Specific considerations and challenges in implementing AI solutions in low-capacity institutional contexts.

Submissions of full papers or extended abstracts (max 500 words) for plenary talks, lightning talks, and poster presentations will all be accepted. Full papers are more likely to be considered for plenary talks. All submissions will be peer-reviewed and selected papers will be invited for presentation.

There will be a best-paper prize for authors less than five years post PhD.

Submission deadline: Tuesday, July 15, 2025

Notification of acceptance: Friday, August 15, 2025