UNESCO has launched a major initiative to expand institutional expertise in artificial intelligence ethics and regulation across Ecuador and the broader Latin American region. The effort is led jointly by UNESCO’s offices in Quito and Chile, with strategic support from its headquarters in Paris. The program aims to help countries navigate the rapid rise of AI technologies through a human-rights–centered, responsible, and inclusive governance approach.
The initiative includes two specialized training courses designed for government officials, regulators, electoral authorities, and telecommunications institutions. The first course, focused on AI regulation from a Latin American perspective, brought together senior officials to understand emerging governance challenges, ethical principles, and the regional implications of AI deployment. The second course provides hybrid training on the ethical use of AI, supporting institutions in applying UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology to evaluate their preparedness for safe and ethical AI adoption.
By implementing these courses, UNESCO seeks to strengthen the institutional structures needed to govern AI responsibly. The program encourages countries to align with UNESCO’s global “Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence,” which emphasizes transparency, accountability, data protection, and respect for fundamental rights. It also aims to support the creation of regulatory frameworks that safeguard individuals while enabling innovation.
Overall, this initiative marks a crucial step toward fostering ethical, inclusive, and well-regulated AI ecosystems in Latin America. As AI systems become increasingly integrated into public services, governance, and democratic processes, building local expertise is essential. UNESCO’s efforts are expected to help the region address risks such as bias, misuse, and lack of oversight, while ensuring that AI technologies contribute positively to social and economic development.
