China, LAC experts call for wider access to AI

Officials and scholars from China, Latin America and the Caribbean are calling for developing countries to have greater access to artificial intelligence and other emerging technologies, warning that the digital divide could deepen existing inequalities.

The issue featured prominently at the third China-Latin American and Caribbean States Roundtable on Human Rights in Lima, Peru, which brought together nearly 200 participants under the theme “Multilateralism and Human Rights.”

Discussions focused on development, technology and the role of international cooperation in addressing challenges facing countries in the Global South.

Former Peruvian Prime Minister Eduardo Melchor Arana Ysa warned that advances in artificial intelligence could further widen the gap between developed and developing economies unless access to technology is broadened.

He argued that Latin America and the Caribbean should strengthen their own technological capabilities while maintaining cooperation with a range of international partners.

Chinese Ambassador to Peru Song Yang said China wants to expand technology cooperation with countries across the region, including using AI in areas such as public safety and meteorological early-warning systems.

He also highlighted China's proposal for a World AI Cooperation Organization, which Beijing says could give developing countries a greater role in shaping the future of artificial intelligence.

Participants also discussed poverty reduction, development and differing approaches to human rights, with several speakers arguing that access to science and technology is becoming increasingly important to economic and social development.

The forum comes amid growing debate across Latin America and the Caribbean over how smaller economies can adopt AI while developing the skills, infrastructure and safeguards needed to prevent them from falling further behind larger economies.

The roundtable was hosted by the China Society for Human Rights Studies, Renmin University of China and Peru's National University of San Marcos.