Anna Mae Lamentillo
Governments must take a stronger stance on endangered languages
March 07, 2025 1:55 am
Worldwide, nearly half of all living languages—3,045 out of 7,164—are endangered, with as many as 95 percent at risk of extinction by the end of the century. This crisis extends beyond the linguistic realm and into the heart of cultural, historical, and social identities. Preserving these languages is not merely a sentimental endeavor; it is an obligation that governments, particularly in developing economies, must shoulder. Without proactive government leadership, minority languages can quickly fade, taking with them irreplaceable cultural heritage and crucial knowledge systems.
What I am most afraid of
March 04, 2025 4:29 pm
The first time I saw war up close, I was in Marawi, on an assignment to help rehabilitate a city scarred by violence. I remember the day with unnerving clarity: As our helicopter touched down, a bomb detonated with a thunderous roar, shaking the ground beneath us and sending a plume of thick smoke into the sky. My heart pounded as the debris settled, but we were forced to press on, to find ways to rebuild amid the chaos. That moment taught me how fragile life can be — and how easily war can turn everything to dust.
How AI can protect indigenous lands, environment
February 28, 2025 12:31 am
In the fight to protect our planet, technology has often been seen as both a problem and a solution. But when used ethically and responsibly, Artificial Intelligence (AI) can be one of our strongest allies in safeguarding the environment and indigenous lands — especially in regions where traditional monitoring methods have failed or proven inefficient.
Shaping AI for people, not just algorithms
February 25, 2025 4:04 pm
I am writing this column the morning after the She Shapes AI Awards ceremony, still feeling the weight of the conversations, the shared aspirations, and the collective determination in the room. Winning the AI & Learning award is an honor, but more than that, it is a privilege to stand alongside five extraordinary women who are proving that artificial intelligence (AI) can be a force for good—if we build it with intention, responsibility, and inclusivity.
Beyond algorithms: How AI can be a force for equity and education
February 20, 2025 4:01 pm
I am writing this column while on the train from Oxford University to the UCL Campus in Canary Wharf, reflecting on the meaningful journey that has led to today’s milestone: being recognized as a winner of the inaugural She Shapes AI Award for AI & Learning. It is a humbling honor that reaffirms my lifelong commitment to ensuring that technology—AI in particular—serves the most marginalized and underrepresented communities around the globe.