El Executive Secretary of ECLAC, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, opened the conference today (04.03.20225) «AI in Latin America and the Caribbean: challenges, strategies and governance for development«This event, promoted after the visit of Daniel Innerarity of the European University Institute to ECLAC in 2024, highlights artificial intelligence as a driver of transformation for the region.
Latin America faces three major obstacles: low productivity, high inequality and institutional weakness. During the “second lost decade” (2014-2023), growth was only 0,9%, affecting employment, tax revenue and investment in education and health. AI offers an opportunity to reverse this trend, although its uneven adoption could widen the digital divide.
To maximize the benefits of AI, ECLAC is promoting initiatives such as:
- eLAC Digital Agenda: regional cooperation on AI, cybersecurity and digital regulation.
- Technical assistance to governments for digital transformation.
- Latin American AI Index, together with the National AI Center of Chile.
- EU-Latin America Digital Alliance, promoting data governance and digital regulation.
According to ECLAC, AI generated an impact of $71.000 billion in 2023 and could reach $565.000 billion in 2030. However, 44% of jobs could be affected by automation.
Governance and international cooperation
Given the context raised by ECLAC, “Regulation is key to ensuring fair AI”. The European Union, through the AI Act of 2023, established a single regulatory framework for its 27 Member States, ensuring trustworthy and human rights-centred artificial intelligence. The European Union, through the AI Act 2023, established a single regulatory framework for its 27 countries, ensuring trustworthy and human rights-centered AI. EU Ambassador to Chile, Claudia Gintersdorfer, stressed that "Europe aims to lead the development of competitive and safe AI, which strengthens public health and access to information«. He also highlighted the creation of «AI gigafactories» and access to supercomputers to drive innovation.
In addition, the European Union promotes cooperation with Latin America through the Digital Alliance, led by Chile, Brazil and Uruguay, in the dialogue on AI. Priorities include sharing good practices, developing AI systems in multiple languages, and supporting initiatives such as the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA).
For its part, the UN promotes the Global Digital Compact, adopted in 2024, to ensure an inclusive digital economy and AI at the service of humanity. Amandeep Singh Gill, United Nations Special Envoy He emphasized (virtual message) that "Global cooperation is essential to define ethical frameworks and prevent AI from deepening existing inequalities«.
Organized into four panels and two keynote lectures, the two-day event can be viewed via the YouTube channel CEPAL YouTube.
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