The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) presented the first Latin American AI Index in the region with a view to exploring its possibilities for the development of the region. According to ECLAC, the use of artificial intelligence can contribute to the restructuring of development patterns in Latin America and the Caribbean. The project is supported by the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
At ECLAC headquarters, the first Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA) was presented. This is an event headed by the Executive Secretary of the organization, José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, and the Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation of Chile, Aisén Etcheverry. In addition to representatives of international entities, the private sphere, and the academic field.
According to ECLAC, the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) has the potential to contribute to the restructuring of development patterns in Latin America and the Caribbean.
AI Can Contribute to the Development of Latin America
During the ILIA presentation, it was highlighted that Artificial Intelligence can play a fundamental role in transforming development approaches in Latin America and the Caribbean. Thus postulating a vision of AI with a view to achieving greater productivity, inclusion, and sustainability.
However, in order to take full advantage of the opportunities it offers and mitigate possible threats, the need for reflection, strategic planning, and regulation at the regional and global levels was emphasized. The authorities and experts highlighted these ideas during the inauguration of the first Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index at ECLAC.
The event was called AI for the sustainable evolution of Latin America. It took place at the facilities of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) in Santiago, Chile.
José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC, welcomed and stressed the importance of deliberately incorporating Artificial Intelligence into the productive development policies of the region and its territories.
In order to achieve the maximum potential of AI in Latin America, the need to create a favorable environment that includes digital infrastructure was highlighted. The availability of data, digital skills, and innovation and entrepreneurship capacities in the digital field are also necessary. A senior United Nations official praised the development of the ILIA by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA).
Despite Opportunities, AI Still Faces Ethical Issues
Despite the opportunities, it was highlighted that ethical issues in relation to AI must be addressed. This especially applies to the implementation of Artificial Intelligence, such as data privacy and biases in decisions based on intelligent algorithms. These issues are being addressed in the Digital Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean.
It is also expected that several of these issues will be addressed at the Ninth Ministerial Conference on the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean in 2024.
The event also included the participation of Ewout Sandker, Head of Cooperation of the Delegation of the European Union in Chile. Aisén Etcheverry, Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation of Chile, gave a talk on AI and scientific progress in Latin America.
Ewout Sandker highlighted the bi-regional cooperation in the field of Artificial Intelligence. Highlighting the European Union-Latin America and the Caribbean Digital Alliance as an essential result of the EU-CELAC Summit.
This alliance seeks to promote digital transformation with a people-centered approach and promote international standards that promote shared technological development in line with expected values.
By Audy Castaneda
