By: Laurel Marewibuel
KOROR, Palau (Feb. 19, 2026) — Palauan researcher Joleen Ngoriakl is calling for indigenous knowledge and local perspectives to be included in global discussions on how artificial intelligence (AI) should be managed, saying traditional Palauan systems can offer practical lessons for today’s fast-changing technology.
In a recent interview, Ngoriakl said the world is still trying to understand how to safely guide AI, a technology that can be used for both good and harm. She questioned whether major international organizations such as the United Nations and other global policy groups are fully prepared to deal with the challenges AI presents.
Her research looks at Palau’s traditional Kelulau system — a leadership structure where different councils and leaders share responsibility and balance competing interests. Ngoriakl believes this approach could help inform modern AI decision-making, especially as countries try to manage risks, protect people and ensure technology benefits everyone.
“Our ancestors had ways of handling complex problems and uncertainty,” she said, noting that indigenous systems may add valuable ideas to global conversations that are often led by larger, more powerful countries.
Applying Caution in Digital Projects
Ngoriakl is also working with GovStack, an international initiative that helps countries build digital government services. As one of two designers on her team, she is helping develop a mobile application for dryland farmers in India.
She said the project focuses on simple, practical tools rather than advanced AI features. Ngoriakl has recommended against using AI chatbots in the app, citing concerns about inaccurate information, built-in bias and possible risks to users.
She said her experience is especially meaningful as Palau continues its own digital transformation.
“We can’t just accept new technology because experts bring it in,” she said. “We need to understand how it works and make sure it is safe and useful for our people.”
Concerns About Children and Online Safety
Ngoriakl is also joining the Childhood and AI Lab, where she is studying how AI is affecting children.
She said many children are already interacting with AI through online searches, games and messaging apps — often without realizing it. Researchers have warned that heavy reliance on AI may reduce independent thinking if young users begin depending on it to complete everyday tasks.
Ngoriakl also raised concerns about the growing misuse of AI to create fake images and videos, including harmful content made from children’s photos shared online. She urged families to be cautious about what is posted on social media, noting that such images can be manipulated and used for exploitation or harassment.
Bringing Palau’s Perspective to Global Discussions
Ngoriakl said her work is shaped by Palau’s culture, where women play important leadership roles in families, clans and communities, including the selection of high chiefs and leadership through women’s groups, or cheldebechel.
She believes stronger representation from women, indigenous communities and smaller nations can help ensure AI policies protect vulnerable people and reflect a wider range of experiences.
She also noted that AI systems require large amounts of electricity and water, raising concerns about environmental impacts — an issue of particular importance for island nations.
Ngoriakl said she hopes future global rules for AI will reflect a more balanced approach that includes perspectives from the Pacific and other parts of the Global South.
“As indigenous people, we understand the importance of caring for our communities and our environment,” she said. “Those values should be part of how the world thinks about new technology.”