Costa Rica and the IDB Lead Regional Dialogue on the Challenges of Artificial Intelligence in Government

• Delegations from more than twenty countries analyze regulatory frameworks, governance, and the impact of technological change on state modernization.

SAN JOSÉ- Costa Rica is positioning itself as a benchmark for the digital agenda in Latin America and the Caribbean by hosting, on December 4 and 5, the first Regional Public Policy Dialogue on Artificial Intelligence, an event organized by the Government of Costa Rica and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

Authorities from more than twenty countries, along with international experts, academics, and business leaders, are participating in a high-level forum to discuss how artificial intelligence (AI) is transforming public management and what frameworks are needed to ensure its safe, ethical use aligned with citizen well-being.

The goal of the meeting is to advance a regional roadmap for the responsible adoption of AI in the public sector, focusing on transparency, ethical data use, and reducing structural gaps.

Delegations are working in technical groups organized by subregions-Southern Cone, Andean Region, Central America, Dominican Republic, Mexico, and the Caribbean-to align priorities, share lessons learned, and define joint actions.

For Costa Rica, leading this regional dialogue is an opportunity to reaffirm that artificial intelligence must always serve people. In line with MICITT's National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, we promote AI that modernizes the State, fosters local development, strengthens transparency, and reduces gaps-all within solid governance frameworks and a shared ethical vision. This space allows us to move forward with our sister countries on a common roadmap for responsible, safe, and citizen-oriented use, said Paula Bogantes Zamora, Minister of Science, Innovation, Technology, and Telecommunications.

AI as an Opportunity to Modernize the State
During the meeting, participants analyze concrete AI applications in areas such as health, justice, public safety, and administrative services, as well as the risks associated with its use in public environments. The IDB and partner organizations-such as the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), IDB Lab (the innovation and venture capital arm of the IDB Group), and ALETI-present international experiences, regulatory criteria, and tools to strengthen algorithmic governance in the region.

Artificial intelligence is already improving the lives of thousands of people in Latin America and the Caribbean. It can reduce wait times in public services, support medical diagnoses, and simplify procedures that used to take hours. That's why regional spaces like this are so important: they allow us to learn from each other, align standards, and ensure technology is used to reduce inequalities and improve social well-being. For the IDB, the priority is that AI be adopted responsibly, protecting rights and strengthening the State's capacity to better serve its people, said Francisco Javier Urra, IDB Group Representative in Costa Rica.

A Space That Sets the Course for the Region
The Regional Dialogue reinforces countries' interest in consolidating adaptive, evidence-based public policies for incorporating AI into state management. The event highlights the importance of Latin America moving forward in a coordinated way toward common standards that enable innovation, rights protection, and institutional strengthening.

Our countries face the challenge of serving a growing population with increasing needs and limited financial resources. The more than 100 AI projects supported by the IDB Group show that AI increases public officials' productivity, improves the quality of services citizens receive, and enhances transparency in public management. That's why we will stand alongside all Latin American and Caribbean countries that want to implement AI policies and initiatives that strengthen our region's human capital, said Emilio Pineda, Manager of Institutions for Development at the IDB.

The discussion continues throughout the day with technical sessions, presentations from various organizations, and meetings among authorities responsible for national AI strategies.