CATIE Joins as a Founding Member of the Costa Rica Chapter of the Global Council for Responsible AI

• CATIE will contribute its expertise in education, research, and the use of AI for social good in Latin America and the Caribbean.

CATIE (Tropical Agricultural Research and Higher Education Center) has joined as a founding member of the Costa Rica Chapter of the Global Council for Responsible AI (GCRAI), an international alliance that promotes ethical, inclusive, and purpose-driven artificial intelligence.

This event brought together more than 120 people from various sectors in Costa Rica and was held in the Hall of Heads of State and Former Presidents at the Legislative Assembly on June 23. CATIE was represented by Alejandro Solís, Head of Partnership Management, and Adriana Escobedo, specialist in sustainable value chains and coordinator of the Master's in Sustainable Agribusiness and Market Management (GANEMOS), both selected through a prior application process.

The call aimed to establish a founding team committed to the Council's principles, with key positions such as Local Vice Presidency, and Directorships of Ethics, Education, Communication, Partnerships, and Innovation, among others. Although the full election of the team will take place in a virtual session, the event marked a concrete first step toward institutionalizing the chapter.

CATIE's involvement will focus on working groups directly aligned with its mission: Education and AI Talent Development, Research and Innovation, and the use of AI for Social Good. These commissions will enable CATIE to contribute its institutional experience in training, applied science, and sustainable solutions for rural territories across Latin America and the Caribbean.

“AI must not and cannot be used solely for efficiency. We need clear ethics, a shared vision, and collective commitment for it to become a real tool for transformation,” said Escobedo at the close of the event.

During the session, the global framework of the Council was presented, and Costa Rica's potential as a strategic leader in responsible AI use was emphasized — especially amid a global context of uncertainty, accelerated advances, and growing ethical challenges.

“Costa Rica has the potential to lead the design of solutions with global impact,” stated Jaime Figueres, Global Ambassador and Country Chair of the GCRAI, during his speech.

CATIE reaffirms its commitment to actively collaborate in this new chapter, convinced that only through purpose and responsibility can we design futures worth living.

“Partnerships in education, combined with the rollout of 5G connectivity in productive agro-landscapes, can make the use of artificial intelligence truly inclusive — bringing technological opportunities to those historically left behind,” concluded Solís.