The session will examine how artificial intelligence can be translated into productivity gains in Latin America. Beyond technological development, the discussion will focus on the key mechanisms for AI adoption and diffusion at the firm level, particularly among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). It will explore the main barriers to AI adoption, their implications for productivity and employment, and the policy priorities needed to facilitate technology diffusion and ensure that the benefits of AI translate into stronger and more inclusive economic growth.

This high-level session will examine how the interplay between innovation, technology diffusion and entrepreneurial dynamism can serve as a key driver of productivity growth, competitiveness, and economic integration in the region. As recognised in the OECD AI Principles, AI can contribute to positive sustainable global economic activity, to increase innovation and productivity, and to help respond to key global challenges. The discussion will present key findings from recent OECD research, as well as concrete experiences in the application of AI and ICT within the logistic sector of advanced economies in this field, highlighting two significant trends: the potential of AI to contribute to trade facilitation, strengthen competitiveness and economic growth—including through innovation—and the role of industrial and trade policies in supporting technological renewal, improve insertion in regional and global value chains, and increasing economic resilience.

This session will focus on sharing visions, tools, and experiences to promote inclusive innovation and a digital transformation that serves people and local ecosystems. Despite the progress made in recent decades regarding digital advancement and poverty reduction, Latin America remains, on average, a highly unequal region with a low propensity for innovation. The rapid expansion of Artificial Intelligence and other emerging technologies represents a unique opportunity for the region, potentially allowing Latin America to step into a role as an innovative region by bringing solutions to market that simultaneously help bridge its social inclusion gaps and address quality job creation challenges. However, the hurdles are equally significant, particularly given the potential impact of new technologies in a context of broad socioeconomic disparities. These gaps could widen if policies aimed at maximising the benefits of digitalisation are not adopted. To this end, this session seeks to reflect on how innovation and AI can become engines of sustainable development for the region, generating local added value, innovation, and quality jobs, thereby fostering greater prosperity across Latin American countries.

This session will examine how artificial intelligence (AI) is reshaping the educational landscape and challenging traditional teaching methods. Unlike previous technological waves, the accessibility and versatility of AI have enabled its widespread adoption beyond institutional control. The discussion will focus on the key findings of the OECD Digital Education Outlook 2026, including the insights and recommendations for the effective adoption of AI in education derived from that report.

This Ministerial Session will examine the strategies needed for Latin America and the Caribbean to integrate AI as a catalyst for economic and social prosperity. Key resources from the OECD AI Policy Observatory will be presented to provide policy advice and data tailored to the region. Recognising that many countries in the region seek practical guidance on how to move from strategy to implementation, the session will place particular emphasis on concrete examples and real-world experiences. To this end the discussion will showcase relevant AI practices and policy approaches adopted by governments, as well as trends from analysis of AI-related incidents reported by the media. The dialogue will focus on (I) Leveraging the OECD AI Policy Navigator and the OECD AI Policy Toolkit as practical resources to support countries and regions in designing and implementing AI policies; and (II) The use of practical tools, such as the OECD AI Incident Monitor, to understand AI-related risks and guide policy efforts.

The agenda will be sent separately to the members of the Steering Group.