More than 20 countries from Latin America and the Caribbean have strengthened their commitment to responsible artificial intelligence by advancing a shared regional roadmap for ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI development. During UNESCO's Third Ministerial Summit on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in the Dominican Republic, government leaders, international organizations, academics, and industry representatives agreed to deepen regional cooperation and align AI policies with UNESCO's global Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
The updated 2026–2027 roadmap focuses on five strategic priorities: AI governance and regulation, talent development and the future of work, protection of vulnerable groups, sustainable infrastructure and environmental responsibility, and regional collaboration. Participating countries also endorsed the Santo Domingo Declaration, reaffirming their commitment to ensuring AI serves the public good while respecting human rights, transparency, and accountability.
UNESCO emphasized that the roadmap aims to help countries develop AI policies tailored to regional needs rather than relying solely on external frameworks. The initiative encourages knowledge sharing, stronger institutional capacity, and coordinated action to address challenges such as digital inequality, data governance, and responsible AI deployment. The effort builds on earlier regional agreements reached in Santiago (2023) and Montevideo (2024).
The regional initiative reflects Latin America and the Caribbean's ambition to become an active participant in shaping global AI governance. By promoting ethical, inclusive, and human-centered AI, UNESCO and its partners hope to ensure that AI contributes to sustainable development, economic growth, and social inclusion while safeguarding fundamental rights across the region.
