Caribbean Ministers Join Regional Push for Ethical AI Governance
The 3rd Ministerial and High-Level Authorities Summit on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Latin America and the Caribbean took place on 25-26 June 2026 in the Dominican Republic. The event brought together ministers, policymakers, experts, academia, private sector leaders, civil society, and international partners to strengthen regional cooperation on responsible AI governance.
English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean nations sent strong delegations. Anguilla, Aruba, Barbados, Curaçao, Jamaica, and St. Vincent and the Grenadines all participated in the discussions. The summit was co-organized by the Government of the Dominican Republic, UNESCO, and the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF).
Focus on Public Policy and the UNESCO Recommendation
Conversations centered on accelerating development and implementation of public policies aligned with the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. Delegates aimed to ensure AI is developed and used responsibly, inclusively, and for the benefit of all. For IT professionals working with government clients, these policy directions shape compliance requirements and project scoping - topics central to AI for Government training efforts.
Discussions also covered regional capacity building, data governance, and the need for inclusive AI systems that reflect the diversity of Latin America and the Caribbean.
Key Outcomes: Declaration of Santo Domingo and Regional Roadmap
Participants adopted the Declaration of Santo Domingo, reaffirming the region's commitment to human-centered AI. The document sets shared principles for ethical AI development and use across member states.
A regional Roadmap for 2026-2027 was also endorsed. It outlines collaborative actions to advance ethical AI governance, including knowledge exchange, policy harmonization, and monitoring mechanisms. The roadmap gives IT and development professionals a concrete timeline for regulatory and technical shifts in the region.
Why this matters for IT and development professionals
Public-sector AI projects in the Caribbean and Latin America will increasingly need to meet ethical guidelines tied to the UNESCO recommendation. For developers, data scientists, and IT managers working on government contracts or regional initiatives, the roadmap signals upcoming changes in procurement standards, data handling rules, and impact assessment requirements. Staying ahead of these policies can reduce compliance friction and open opportunities in a growing market for responsible AI systems.
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