Introduction
The DEC Distributed Consulting Model was pioneered by Professor Moustapha Diack, who leveraged decades of expertise in digital education and quality assurance and was committed to justice, equity, diversity, and inclusion (JEDI) principles. This innovative model is built on a foundation of global professional networks, strategic partnerships, and collaborative projects aimed at fostering economic development and facilitating digital transformation in underserved regions. The concept draws inspiration from the "Build Locally, Share Globally" philosophy, articulated by Gerry Hanley, who has been a long-time collaborator and contributor to DEC’s vision. Together, Diack and Hanley have been instrumental in advancing initiatives that connect global expertise to local needs.
Key Components of the Model
The DEC Distributed Consulting Model is a transformative framework that reimagines traditional consulting approaches by leveraging a global network of experts, strategic partners, and institutional collaborations to address pressing challenges in digital transformation and economic development. Rooted in the principles of JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion), this model is designed to integrate innovative technologies like AI and immersive learning systems into local and global contexts. By combining research, capacity building, strategic partnerships, and advocacy, the model offers a holistic approach to fostering social entrepreneurship, developing critical infrastructure, and enabling inclusive and sustainable growth. The following six components illustrate how DEC’s unique model functions cohesively to deliver impactful solutions, combining localized expertise with a global reach. Together, these components create a dynamic and scalable framework that empowers communities, institutions, and industries to achieve their goals through collaboration and innovation.
1. Global Professional Network
DEC engages world-class experts in various fields, including AI, immersive technologies, and digital education, in consulting roles.
Experts collaborate with DEC on mutually beneficial projects, contributing to both local capacity-building and their own professional development.
DEC fosters a culture of social entrepreneurship, ensuring that projects benefit underserved communities while advancing global expertise.
2. Strategic Partnerships
DEC establishes partnerships with organizations aligned with its mission of digital transformation and economic development, including:
MERLOT and SkillsCommons: Providing open educational resources and workforce training solutions globally.
PhET Interactive Simulations: Facilitating the integration of immersive technologies into Senegal’s national STEM curriculum.
PocketLab: Offering innovative tools for STEM education tailored to developing regions.
Sendev Hub: Collaborating to develop AI agents and solutions for economic development in Senegal.
These partnerships enable DEC to activate development programs, secure funding, and deliver impactful projects in regions like Francophone West Africa.
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Distributed Consulting Network
DEC operates a decentralized model, with its headquarters in Somone, Senegal, and offices in North America, Europe, and India.
This model connects local expertise with global knowledge, allowing DEC to design solutions tailored to local realities while contributing to global best practices.
DEC collaborates with HBCUs (Historically Black Colleges and Universities) through initiatives such as the HBCU Affordable Learning Summit and partnerships with the Southern University System, ensuring a robust pipeline of expertise and institutional support.
4. Research and Development
DEC leads research initiatives in AI for STEM education, economic development, and digital library systems, driven by Professor Diack’s research group at Southern University.
The AI Scholars Research Network, initiated by DEC, brings together doctoral students and researchers from partner institutions like DAUST and Southern University to innovate AI solutions.
DEC’s AI Solutions for Economic Development Award, part of the annual IA4DDIE conference, recognizes groundbreaking AI innovations and fosters collaboration among global experts.
5. Training and Professional Development
DEC partners with governments, ministries, and institutions to design professional development pathways and certifications, ensuring workforce readiness.
The DEC Training Portal (decformation.online) provides accessible, high-quality training programs, including those designed for low-bandwidth environments.
DEC’s work with CDSI and Aissatou Cissé focuses on promoting JEDI principles by empowering disabled communities in Senegal through training and advocacy.
6. Annual International Conference
DEC organizes the IA4DDIE Conference (Intelligence Artificielle pour le Développement Durable et l’Innovation Économique), an international event co-sponsored by strategic partners like Southern University and DAUST.
Conference tracks include AI for Education, Energy, Agriculture, and Health, each led by global experts from DEC’s network.
The conference serves as a platform for showcasing research, fostering partnerships, and advancing global conversations on AI for sustainable development.
DEC Distributed Model vs. Classical Consulting Models
The DEC Distributed Consulting Model offers a range of significant merits that distinguish it from classical consulting frameworks. At its core, this model capitalizes on the strength of global collaboration, connecting world-class experts, organizations, and institutions to address complex challenges in digital transformation and economic development. Unlike traditional models that often operate in silos or rely solely on local expertise, DEC’s approach integrates distributed networks of specialists and strategic partnerships to bring innovative solutions that are both globally informed and locally tailored.
One of the key advantages of this model is its focus on capacity building and empowerment. DEC not only provides consulting services but also enables knowledge transfer and professional development for its network of collaborators. By fostering expertise among local stakeholders and aligning with global standards, DEC ensures that its solutions are sustainable and adaptable to the unique needs of the communities it serves.
Additionally, the model’s emphasis on JEDI principles (Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion) ensures that all initiatives prioritize inclusivity, accessibility, and ethical considerations. This commitment to social equity makes DEC a trusted partner for organizations seeking to implement transformative technologies like AI in a way that benefits everyone, including marginalized communities.
The DEC model also excels in scalability and innovation. By forming strategic alliances with organizations such as MERLOT, SkillsCommons, CDSI, and academic institutions like the 105 HBCUs and universities in West Africa, DEC expands its reach and impact. These partnerships not only enhance the model's effectiveness but also facilitate the sharing of best practices and resources across regions. This interconnected approach supports the development of critical infrastructure, such as AI-driven educational systems and digital libraries, that can be replicated in diverse settings.
Finally, DEC’s inclusion of an annual international conference (IA4DDIE) and research-driven initiatives adds further depth to the model. These events and activities bring together thought leaders, practitioners, and scholars from around the globe to exchange ideas, present cutting-edge research, and collaborate on actionable solutions. This ensures that DEC remains at the forefront of innovation while continually expanding its influence and capacity to drive meaningful change.
In summary, the DEC Distributed Consulting Model is a comprehensive, ethical, and forward-thinking framework that unites expertise, partnerships, and advocacy to create lasting impact. It is a model uniquely equipped to address the demands of the digital age and foster sustainable economic development worldwide.
Holistic Mission for Sustainable Transformation
The DEC Distributed Consulting Model culminates in a mission deeply rooted in global collaboration, ethical innovation, and sustainable development. This mission aligns with UNESCO's AI for Good vision and builds upon DEC's research and development agenda and advocacy for AI solutions and agents aimed at economic development. The core pillars of this mission include:
Inclusive and Sustainable Development: Ensuring AI solutions serve marginalized and underserved communities worldwide, bridging digital divides, fostering economic growth, and promoting social equity.
Equitable AI Standards: Championing the adoption of JEDI principles to guide the design, deployment, and governance of AI and digital systems, advancing global fairness and inclusivity.
Empowering Skills and Capacity Building: Providing access to AI literacy, digital tools, and professional development opportunities through DECFormation.online and strategic training initiatives for diverse communities.
Advancing AI Governance and Ethical Standards: Collaborating with strategic partners to create policies and frameworks that ensure AI systems are transparent, safe, and beneficial for all stakeholders.
Advocacy for AI in Economic Development: Through its annual international conference IA4DDIE, DEC promotes innovative AI research and solutions that address critical needs in fields such as education, agriculture, energy, and health. The conference includes the DEC Global AI Award, which recognizes excellence in developing impactful AI systems and solutions.
Driving Research and Development: DEC’s R&D agenda focuses
DEC’s R&D agenda emphasizes creating AI infrastructure, solutions, and agents that directly address economic development challenges in sectors such as agriculture, energy, education, and healthcare. This agenda leverages DEC’s global network of strategic partners and researchers to innovate and implement cutting-edge AI technologies tailored to the realities of local and regional needs. Advocacy plays a central role in DEC’s mission, driven by initiatives such as the annual IA4DDIE international conference, which provides a platform for thought leadership, knowledge exchange, and solution-oriented discussions on the role of AI in sustainable development.
Additionally, DEC’s Global AI Award, presented during the conference, highlights and rewards pioneering AI research and solutions for economic development, reinforcing DEC’s commitment to fostering innovation and empowering changemakers worldwide. As a partner in the UN AI for Good initiative by the UN AI Foundation, DEC integrates this global vision into its activities, ensuring alignment with international goals for ethical and inclusive AI development. This holistic approach not only addresses critical needs but also positions DEC as a leader in advancing sustainable digital transformation globally.
Professor Moustapha Diack: A Portrait of Leadership and Impact
Professor Moustapha Diack’s journey reflects a remarkable blend of academic excellence, global leadership, and a steadfast commitment to advancing education and digital transformation. Born in Kaolack, Senegal, with familial ties to Bambougaré Keur Massamba near Sokone, Diack’s heritage grounds his vision in the values of community and collective growth.
As a distinguished member of the Senegalese diaspora in North America, Professor Diack has played a pivotal role in bridging global expertise with Senegalese and African development. His tenure as Vice President for eLearning Services within the Southern University System (SUS), the only HBCU system in the United States, highlighted his capacity to lead innovative digital education initiatives. During his time at SUS, he:
Spearheaded the creation of affordable learning solutions for 18 HBCUs through partnerships like HBCUALS.org.
Represented Africa on platforms such as MERLOT, SkillsCommons, and the Online Learning Consortium, fostering knowledge sharing and collaboration.
As an Ambassador for Senegalese Universities, including UNCHK and Bambey, Professor Diack has been instrumental in building critical eLearning ecosystems. His efforts include:
Training faculty on learning design, delivery, and quality assurance.
Establishing partnerships between African universities and international institutions.
Driving projects that integrate immersive technology and open education practices into national curriculums.
Professor Diack’s distributed consulting approach reflects his life’s work: leveraging his extensive network of global experts, strategic partners, and innovative technologies to create scalable, ethical solutions for economic development. His advocacy for JEDI principles ensures that every initiative is inclusive and aligned with social and cultural values. Under his leadership, DEC continues to thrive as a beacon of digital transformation, advancing education and AI solutions across continents.
Professor Moustapha Diack, visionary leader and pioneer of the DEC Distributed Consulting Model. Recognizing Aida and Seyna for contributions in brainstorming and launching DEC.
Dec is headquartered in Somone, West Africa Senegal and has offices in Europe, North America and India.