In this panel we explore the challenges of designing and implementing AI projects for the public good in Latin America. We introduce a set of cases emerging from Brazil, Chile, Uruguay, Paraguay and Mexico, in different areas, and provide evidence of the challenges in terms of developing, co-producing and implementing machine learning projects. Then we explore what kind of capacities are needed to manage projects for the public good, particularly in the public sector, and reflect on the challenges for democracy ahead.

Format of the panel. The panelist will share concrete research projects and lessons learned from opportunities and challenges of diverse aspects. implementing machine learning for the public good. The second part will follow with a round table where panelists will discuss the present and future of the theme with questions from the audience. The objective of the session is to develop a constructive debate around lessons learned in Latin America that can be applicable to other developing regions in the world as well as to imagine prospects for the future.

Summary of panelist expertise and discussion (in alphabetical order)

Carla Bonina (panel chair) is Senior Lecturer (Associate Professor) in Entrepreneurship and Innovation, member of the Centre of Digital Economy at the University of Surrey Business School, and Principal Researcher at the Latin American Initiative of Open data (ILDA). A Fellow of the newly created Surrey Institute for People-Centred AI, Carla has 15 years of experience conducting research on digital innovation, entrepreneurship, and policy for sustainable development. She provides strategic advice on digital transformation and social innovation to governments, international organizations, and start‐ups, including the OECD, the World Bank, and Avina Americas among others. She is considered a Latin American expert. Carla holds a PhD in Management from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Carla will moderate the panel.

Fabrizio Scrollini is the executive director of the Open Data Latin American Initiative (ILDA), and member of the Open Data Network for Development (OD4D). He co-founded Abrelatam and the Open Data Regional Conference for Latin America and the Caribbean and is one the Lead Stewards of the International Charter of Open Data. He worked with governments, regulators and civil society at international and regional level on transparency, access to public information, open data projects and public sector reform. He holds a PhD in Government from the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE). Fabrizio will co- present the lessons learned from the project Empatia (https://www.empatia.la/en/home/), an Artificial Intelligence for Development project focusing on how to co-produce machine learning tools for the public sector.

Renata Avila is an international Human Rights lawyer and digital rights advocate. Throughout her career, Renata has successfully built a global network of networks advancing a decolonial, peoples-centric approach to open technologies and knowledge, as tools to advance rights and create stronger communities. Renata will present the work OKFN is leading with UNESCO on digital skills to design and implement projects in Latin America.