Developing accurate and representative multilingual language models remains a major challenge as AI systems expand globally. In particular, differences in resources, data availability, and cultural context in the Global South can make it difficult to build models that perform consistently and fairly across the world’s thousands of languages. While Large Language Models (LLMs) have advanced rapidly in English-speaking regions, most of the world’s 7,000+ languages—especially low-resource ones—remain underrepresented, with only 5–10% included in advanced language technologies. This leads to significant performance gaps and limited AI safety measures for non-English languages.
This session convenes RAI Fellows to discuss practical approaches for building non-English AI systems and advancing culturally aware AI deployment.
Featured Speakers
Giulia Neaher, Research Analyst, Strategic Foresight Hub, Stimson Center (Opening Remarks)
Giulia Neaher is a Research Analyst with the Strategic Foresight Hub at the Stimson Center, where she leads projects on AI policy and the sociopolitical impacts of emerging technologies.
Everlyn Asiko Chimoto, Fundamental Research Scientist, Lelapa AI; Responsible AI Fellow, Stimson Center
Everlyn Asiko Chimoto is a a research scientist and PhD candidate at the University of Cape Town exploring innovative approaches to AI in and data collection in low-reource settings.
Abigail Aryaputra Sudarman, Director, KORIKA; Responsible AI Fellow, Stimson Center
Abigail Aryaputra is a leading AI expert in Indonesia integral to assessing the country’s AI readiness and focusing on language learning and cultural sensitivity training.
Hiwot Tesfaye, Technical Advisor, Microsoft; Loomis Council Member, Stimson Center (Moderator)
Hiwot Tesfaye is a Technical Advisor in Microsoft’s Office of Responsible AI where she provides deep expertise on responsible AI capabilities, collaborating closely with teams across the organization to support the development and adoption of responsible AI practices.