Bridgetown, Barbados — On Friday, May 9, 2025, the Aspire Artemis Foundation, in partnership with local and international stakeholders, will host its next installment of Conversations in STEAM at the United Nations House in Barbados. This highly anticipated event, themed “Inspiring, Engaging and Educating – Conversations in STE(A)M: Health, Climate and the Role of AI,” is dedicated to advancing education, innovation, and leadership through Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts, and Mathematics.

The event comes at a critical time, following a recent UNCTAD report revealing that 118 countries—predominantly from the Global South—are excluded from global discussions around artificial intelligence. Conversations in STEAM: Barbados aims to bridge this divide, connecting youth and underrepresented communities with STEAM leaders, AI innovators, and policymakers shaping the future.

Hosted at the prestigious United Nations House, the event will feature a series of compelling conversations that spotlight the evolving role of STE(A)M in advancing female leadership in technology and innovation. Speakers will include leading innovators from across the Caribbean, high-level representatives from the United Nations, the Commonwealth Secretariat, regional governments, and private sector pioneers. These discussions will explore ways to demystify artificial intelligence, shift mindsets, and create equitable pipelines of opportunity for all.

Barbados was selected as the host for its unique blend of innovation, political stability, and global leadership in climate action. As Chair of CARICOM and CVF-V20, and a vocal advocate for the Bridgetown Initiative, Barbados embodies the collaborative spirit essential for tackling today’s greatest challenges. With a high literacy rate, a skilled workforce, and a longstanding commitment to women’s empowerment, Barbados is both an inspiring and strategic partner for this initiative.

“We are honored to host this year’s Conversations in STEAM in Barbados,” said Hermina Johnny, Executive Director of the Aspire Artemis Foundation. “This gathering will empower youth, especially young women, by connecting them with trailblazers whose lived experiences and creative insights are actively reshaping the global STEAM landscape.”

The Aspire Artemis has collaborated with a multitude of impactful organizationsincluding the United Nations, the Equals Global Coalition, The UNESCO Global Education Coalition, Global Citizen, PVBLIC Foundation and others to bring this first of its kind, groundbreaking and transformative event to the Caribbean.

Among the featured voices renowned Award-winning Ghanaian Lebanese Actor Miss Juliet Ibrahim, along Ministers of Government, Sarah, Duchess of York, as well as Her Excellency, Senator the Honourable Elizabeth Thompson, a champion for climate resilience and one of the region’s most influential female leaders. She will be joined by a roster of speakers whose work spans theoretical physics, AI policy, sustainable development, entrepreneurship, and creative arts.

The event is free and open to the public, with registration available via Eventbrite. It will run from 3:00 PM to 6:30 PM AST.

The Aspire Artemis Foundation is a global non-profit committed to expanding equitable access to education and innovation in underserved communities through dynamic programming in STEAM, leadership development, and youth empowerment.

For media inquiries, sponsorships, or to attend the event, please contact:

Jo- ann Dammacco

press@aspireartemis.org
www.aspireartemis.org

I hope I could count on your help. Thanks in advance my dear, I truly appreciate you.

Warm regards,

Hermina