OAS-Hosted VII Meeting of Ministers of Science and Technology Adopts Groundbreaking Declaration and Launches AI Governance Initiative

Press Release

OAS-Hosted VII Meeting of Ministers of Science and Technology Adopts Groundbreaking Declaration and Launches AI Governance Initiative

After two days of robust discussion, Ministers and high-level authorities of science and technology of the Americas, convened by the Organization of American States (OAS) adopted a Declaration and Plan of Action focused on the safe, secure, and trustworthy development and deployment of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in the Americas.

Under the theme "Towards the Safe, Secure, and Trustworthy Development and Deployment of AI in the Americas: The Importance of Governance, Regulatory, and Institutional Frameworks," the Authorities highlighted the critical need for sound governance and institutional frameworks to ensure the effective, efficient, and responsible deployment of this transformative technology.

Over 150 participants, including AI experts, executives from leading technology firms, academia, and ministers, presented a variety of perspectives and good practices to help Member States shape their own AI policies, programs, and practices.

In addressing the meeting, Executive Secretary for Integral Development, Kim Osborne, stated that "the Declaration and its accompanying Plan of Action are designed to not only foster cooperation and joint action between and among OAS Member States and industry partners, but also seeks to ensure that regional frameworks reflect the realities and values of Member States, such that policies and practices remain relevant, effective, and dependable."

For the first time in its history, the meeting convened leaders in the fields of work related to the four pillars of the OAS -democracy, human rights, integral development, and multidimensional security-, recognizing the cross-cutting nature of AI and its potential impact on all sectors of society. The intent is to develop a holistic approach which capitalizes on the institutional synergies that exist within the context of the OAS.

New initiative on AI Governance Launched at OAS Meeting of Ministers of Science and Technology

The OAS, in partnership with the U.S. Department of State - Permanent Mission to the OAS launched a new project to develop a safe, secure, and trustworthy AI policy framework for the Americas. This initiative addresses the need for inclusive and culturally sensitive AI policies tailored to the diverse realities of OAS Member States.

Deputy Chief of the Permanent Mission of the United States to the OAS, Thomas Hastings stated "This initiative is not only timely, given the issues being considered and discussed during this week's Meeting of Ministers and High Authorities of Science and Technology, but it is also essential - because it is essential that our region navigate the complexities and opportunities presented by AI technologies."

During the signing ceremony, Executive Secretary for Integral Development, Kim Osborne, highlighted that "a centerpiece of this initiative is the creation of a model regulatory framework, that builds on a long OAS tradition that has proven invaluable to Member States, offering frameworks that can be adapted and adopted to each country's unique national context."

By prioritizing safety, transparency, and equity, the project seeks to mitigate risks such as bias and privacy violations while fostering public trust and accelerating responsible innovation. It unites governments, private sector stakeholders, and academic institutions to create a robust ecosystem for AI governance across the hemisphere.

Additional information on the meeting, including the agenda, is available here.

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Reference: E-100/24