Policymakers Across Latin America and the Caribbean Tackle Cybersecurity in the Age of AI
In a pivotal step toward strengthening digital resilience in Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC), regional leaders convened virtually for the webinar "Navigating the Intersection of Cybersecurity and AI: A Policy Dialogue for Latin America and the Caribbean." Hosted by the Organization of American States' Inter-American Committee against Terrorism (OAS CICTE), with support from the GCSCC and the World Economic Forum, the event addressed the pressing need for integrated policy approaches that align artificial intelligence (AI) innovation with robust cybersecurity safeguards.
With over 3000 registrations and 1000 on the day attendees the event brought together government officials, policy experts, and cybersecurity professionals from across the region to explore cutting-edge research and practical tools for AI-enhanced security strategies.
The webinar centred on three resources aimed at equipping policymakers with actionable insights and frameworks:
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The GCSCC’s new National AI Cybersecurity Readiness Metric,
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The 'AI and Cybersecurity: Balancing Risks and Rewards' report, and
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The 'Unpacking Cyber Resilience' report.
Both reports were developed collaboratively by the Global Cyber Security Capacity Centre (GCSCC) and the World Economic Forum’s Centre on Cybersecurity, reflecting a global effort to align AI innovation with cybersecurity priorities. These resources aim to help national governments in LAC craft integrated strategies that balance the transformative potential of AI with necessary safeguards against evolving cyber threats.
The agenda kicked off with an overview of current cybersecurity and AI policy efforts in the region, highlighting key challenges and emerging opportunities. Policymakers received a comprehensive summary of initiatives already underway, which laid the foundation for deep dives into the flagship reports.
The session on "Unpacking Cyber Resilience" provided case studies and best practices directly relevant to LAC contexts, emphasising resilience-building as a cornerstone of national and regional cybersecurity strategies.
In the presentation of "AI and Cybersecurity: Balancing Risks and Rewards," experts outlined the dual-use nature of AI technologies, urging vigilance and strategic foresight to ensure that AI capabilities are not weaponised by malicious actors.
The GCSCC’s National AI Cybersecurity Readiness Metric also took centre stage, offering participants early insights and lessons from its pilot phase. This innovative tool is designed to help governments assess their national preparedness to secure AI systems, making it a key asset for guiding policy development and capacity building.
Importantly, the webinar provided a unique platform for AI and cybersecurity policymakers across LAC to engage directly with cutting-edge research, exchange best practices, and discuss region-specific challenges. Through open dialogue, participants explored opportunities for policy harmonisation and regional cooperation, acknowledging that effective cybersecurity in the age of AI requires collective action.
The event concluded with a forward-looking discussion among regional cybersecurity leaders, reinforcing a shared commitment to leveraging AI for enhanced national security while mitigating the complex risks it introduces.
