Chile leads regional initiative on ethical Artificial Intelligence

The South American country is leading the Santiago Declaration to Promote Ethical Artificial Intelligence in Latin America and the Caribbean, which brings together 20 nations to find a common voice for AI regulation and governance in the region.

In a historic meeting at La Moneda Palace, 20 Latin American and Caribbean nations came together to sign the Santiago Declaration to Promote Ethical Artificial Intelligence.

Convened by Chile’s Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation Ministry, the meeting was a milestone for Latin America’s leadership in AI governance.

The agreement brought together ministers and those in charge of digital and AI policies from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Costa Rica, Cuba, Dominican Republic, Ecuador, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Jamaica, Mexico, Peru, Paraguay, St. Lucia, St. Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Uruguay and Venezuela.

At the helm of the initiative, Minister Aisén Etcheverry emphasized the importance of Latin America coming together as a bloc in global discussions on AI governance. The goal is to ensure that the region benefits from the power of AI and actively participates in decision-making and development.

Chile is a regional leader in Artificial Intelligence, positioning itself as an economy with high digital maturity according to the first edition of the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA). 

Prepared by Chile’s National Center for AI (CENIA) with support from the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), the ILIA highlighted Chile’s digital and data processing infrastructure and technological device availability.

Ethics at the heart of AI governance

The Santiago Declaration reflects UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence and establishes the fundamental principles that should guide public policy on AI. These include proportionality, security, fairness, non-discrimination, gender equality, accessibility, sustainability, privacy and data protection.

The initiative recognizes that rapid technological advances demand regulation sensitive to the specific needs and challenges of Latin America and the Caribbean. It also emphasizes the importance of multi-sector collaboration involving private companies, civil society, academia and other players in the AI life cycle.

Strengthening regional AI capabilities

In a significant step, meeting participants agreed to form a working group to create an Intergovernmental Council on Artificial Intelligence for Latin America and the Caribbean, led by Chile. The team will focus on strengthening regional AI capabilities.

The Santiago Declaration is an important milestone on the path to ethical AI governance in Latin America and the Caribbean, demonstrating the region’s commitment to shaping its digital future.

Latin America is positioning itself as a critical player in global conversations on ethical artificial intelligence, regulation and responsible use.