UNESCO Peru is hosting a series of discussions at the 2026 Lima International Book Fair to explore how artificial intelligence can support the preservation and revitalization of Indigenous languages while addressing the ethical, legal, and governance challenges that accompany these technologies. The initiative forms part of the International Decade of Indigenous Languages (2022–2032) and aims to bring together policymakers, researchers, Indigenous leaders, and technology experts to examine how AI can help protect linguistic and cultural heritage.
The programme includes panel discussions on the opportunities AI offers for documenting endangered languages, creating educational resources, improving translation tools, and increasing access to Indigenous knowledge in digital spaces. Alongside these conversations, UNESCO will present a publication highlighting the language, culture, and history of the Taushiro people—whose language is among the world's most critically endangered—as part of broader efforts to preserve Peru's linguistic diversity.
UNESCO also emphasizes that AI must be developed and deployed responsibly. While AI can accelerate language documentation and revitalization, it also raises concerns about data ownership, cultural representation, bias, and the protection of Indigenous knowledge. The organization advocates for Indigenous communities to play a leading role in decisions about how their languages and cultural data are collected, used, and governed, ensuring that technological innovation respects their rights and traditions.
The initiative reflects UNESCO's broader vision of using AI to promote cultural inclusion rather than homogenization. By combining emerging technologies with community-led language preservation efforts, Peru hopes to strengthen endangered Indigenous languages, expand educational opportunities, and safeguard cultural heritage for future generations. The dialogues underscore that AI's greatest contribution to language revitalization will come when technological innovation is guided by ethical governance and the active participation of Indigenous peoples.
