The inaugural Latin American AI Index has been unveiled at the headquarters of ECLAC (Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean), with top dignitaries in attendance.
The event, led by José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC, and Aisén Etcheverry, Minister of Science, Technology, Knowledge and Innovation for Chile, along with representatives from international organizations, the private sector and academia, marked a significant moment in the region’s journey towards harnessing Artificial Intelligence (AI) for development.
AI has the potential to play a pivotal role in reshaping development models across Latin America and the Caribbean, fostering greater productivity, inclusivity and sustainability. However, achieving these goals necessitates reflection, a strategic vision, regulation and robust regional and multilateral coordination. These were the key takeaways from the gathering of experts and authorities at the launch of the inaugural Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index at ECLAC.
The event, titled ‘AI for Sustainable Development in Latin America’, unfolded at the headquarters of ECLAC in Santiago, Chile. José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, the Executive Secretary of ECLAC, emphasized the imperative of explicitly and deliberately incorporating AI into the productive development policies of the region’s nations and their respective territories.
To fully unlock the potential of AI, the establishment of an enabling environment is essential. This entails the development of digital infrastructure, ensuring data availability, nurturing digital skills and innovation capacities and fostering digital entrepreneurship. These critical aspects were underscored by a senior United Nations official, who commended the Index’s creation by Chile’s National Center for Artificial Intelligence (CENIA).
