The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), together with other United Nations agencies, is advancing the development of a methodological framework designed to strengthen artificial intelligence governance and support the formulation of national AI agendas across Caribbean countries.

As part of this effort, a series of technical meetings and regional consultations were held in Georgetown, Guyana, on 6 and 7 May. The sessions provided an opportunity to present progress made so far, gather feedback from key stakeholders and validate various components of the methodology currently under development.

Representatives from the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), the University of the West Indies (UWI), United Nations agencies and other institutions linked to the region's digital ecosystem took part in the two-day event.

Progress and opportunities for regional cooperation

The initiative forms part of ECLAC’s broader efforts under the Digital Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean (eLAC)to support countries in building the capabilities needed to harness the opportunities presented by digital transformation.

According to the Latin American Artificial Intelligence Index (ILIA), countries across the Caribbean and Central America have made significant progress in areas such as digital infrastructure, the development of specialised talent, research and the design of national artificial intelligence strategies. These advances in capacity-building create new opportunities to deepen regional cooperation and promote joint initiatives in areas of shared interest.

Against this backdrop, artificial intelligence is increasingly seen as a tool with the potential to help address some of the region’s longstanding development challenges. However, ECLAC has warned that the success of national AI strategies will depend on effective implementation mechanisms, adequate financing, and robust monitoring and evaluation systems capable of turning policy priorities into tangible results.