TL;DR:
- Chile’s Ministry of Science and UNESCO collaborate to update the National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy.
- The update involves participatory workshops engaging stakeholders from public and private sectors, academia, and social organizations.
- The workshops’ outcomes will contribute to the updated policy, which will be presented at an upcoming AI Summit.
- The first workshop discussed challenges related to AI in education, digital literacy, and societal and economic aspects.
- The vision is to develop an inclusive society with ethical frameworks and a focus on the common good.
- Chile will be the first country in the region to adopt UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) for responsible AI implementation.
- RAM evaluates legal/regulatory, social/cultural, economic, scientific/educational, and technological/infrastructure dimensions.
- RAM aims to facilitate the ethical implementation of AI and aligns with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI.
- Chile’s use of RAM showcases its commitment to responsible AI development and sets an example for other nations.
- The participatory process will continue with additional workshops across different regions of the country.
Main AI News:
In a groundbreaking initiative, Chile’s Ministry of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, in collaboration with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), has embarked on a mission to update the nation’s National Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy. This momentous endeavor aims to ensure that Chile remains at the forefront of AI development while upholding ethical principles and promoting inclusive growth.
The policy update process is designed to be transparent and inclusive, involving a series of six participatory workshops held across different regions of the country. Representatives from the public and private sectors, academia, and social organizations will converge to contribute their insights and expertise. The outcomes of these workshops will serve as a cornerstone for the updated policy, which will be unveiled at the prestigious Artificial Intelligence Summit scheduled for October this year. This momentous event is jointly organized by the Ministry of Science, the UNESCO Montevideo Office, and CAF.
The inaugural workshop, aptly named “The Future of Artificial Intelligence in the State,” witnessed the active participation of approximately 30 individuals. Leading the session were Carolina Gainza, Subsecretary of Science, Technology, Knowledge, and Innovation, and Eleonora Lamm, Responsible for the Social and Human Sciences Sector at the UNESCO Montevideo Office. During the workshop, Subsecretary Gainza acknowledged the multifaceted challenges associated with AI, encompassing education, digital literacy, societal interactions, and economic considerations. Emphasizing the urgency of addressing these challenges, Gainza stressed that AI is already a pervasive force in our lives.
Deliberating on the vision for a desirable society, the workshop participants envisioned an inclusive future with robust ethical frameworks, a rights-based approach, and a focus on the common good. They recognized the importance of tailoring AI development to the local context, and this paramount consideration will be integrated into the updated National Artificial Intelligence Policy. Carolina Gainza, reflecting on the workshop’s objectives, shared her aspirations for fostering the development of AI in a manner that aligns with Chile’s unique needs.
Gabriela Ramos, the Assistant Director-General for Social and Human Sciences at UNESCO, emphasized the significance of equipping countries with the necessary human capacity, policies, and regulations to effectively navigate the challenges posed by AI. Ramos underscored the importance of ensuring that AI development remains centered around people’s well-being and their diverse interests.
A Novel Approach: Chile Adopts UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM)
Demonstrating its commitment to responsible AI implementation, Chile will become the first country in the region to employ UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM). This cutting-edge tool will facilitate the evaluation of the country’s preparedness for ethically implementing AI while complementing the ongoing update of the national AI policy.
RAM, developed by UNESCO, assesses a country’s readiness across five critical dimensions: Legal/Regulatory, Social/Cultural, Economic, Scientific/Educational, and Technological/Infrastructure. By highlighting institutional and regulatory changes, RAM aims to facilitate the implementation of UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, a landmark resolution adopted in 2021 by all 193 UNESCO Member States.
RAM’s utilization will play an integral role in this comprehensive process, providing a detailed assessment of Chile’s current standing in the field of AI. Through its meticulous analysis, RAM will identify areas of strength as well as gaps requiring further development for the responsible and ethical implementation of AI.
Chile’s proactive adoption of RAM sets a remarkable example for other nations, not only within the region but also across the globe. By championing responsible AI development, Chile aims to inspire and guide other countries in navigating the complex landscape of AI while upholding ethical principles.
The participatory momentum established in the inaugural workshop will persist throughout the update process. Five additional workshops will be held across different macrozones of the country, ensuring inclusivity and gathering the extensive knowledge and experiences of AI specialists. The upcoming workshop, scheduled for June 16th in Valparaíso, promises to further enrich the ongoing dialogue and shape the future of AI in Chile.
Chile’s journey to revolutionize its AI policy reflects a firm dedication to harnessing the power of technology for the betterment of society. By fostering collaboration between diverse stakeholders and embracing a forward-thinking approach, Chile aspires to create an AI ecosystem that harmoniously combines innovation, ethics, and inclusivity.
Conclusion:
Chile’s proactive approach to updating its AI policy in collaboration with UNESCO demonstrates the country’s commitment to responsible and inclusive AI development. By engaging various stakeholders and adopting the Readiness Assessment Methodology, Chile aims to create an AI ecosystem that prioritizes ethics, inclusivity, and societal well-being. This commitment positions Chile as a frontrunner in the market by ensuring a sustainable and responsible approach to AI adoption, setting an example for other countries to follow suit.
