WILLEMSTAD - The Government of Curaçao, Ministry of Education, Science, Culture and Sports in collaboration with key national partners, including the UNESCO Chair on SIDS at the University of Curaçao hosted a Validation Session to study the landscape and identify AI readiness, ensuring alignment with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI. The session took take place on February 6th at University of Curaçao, bringing together government officials, private sector representatives, academia, and civil society to review and finalize Curaçao’s readiness to AI governance.
AI has emerged as a critical factor that provides opportunities as well as challenges for Small Islands like Curaçao. In collaboration with UNESCO, Curaçao is a pioneer in the Caribbean leading in the implementation of UNESCO’s AI Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM) to better understand the ability at national level for implementation of UNESCO’s AI Ethics Framework. It focuses on three key pillars:
1. Regulation – Establishing laws, policies, and ethical guidelines to govern AI use.
2. Institutional Framework – Defining the agencies responsible for AI governance, oversight, and coordination.
3. Capacity Development & Training – Ensuring AI literacy, skills development, research, and workforce adaptation.
The validation session served as a platform for stakeholders to provide feedback and inputs, ensuring that the RAM report is inclusive, contextually relevant, and fully represents Curaçao’s current landscape. Participants discussed regulatory approaches, AI’s role in economic transformation, and mechanisms to ensure ethical and responsible AI development and deployment in Curaçao.
“This validation session is a crucial step in finalizing a strategy that will not only foster AI innovation but also ensure that AI serves the best interests of our society, economy, and institutions,” said Sithree “Cey” van Heydoorn, Minister of Education, Science, Culture and Sports. “Aligning with UNESCO’s Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, allows Curaçao to demonstrate its commitment to responsible AI governance, transparency, and inclusivity.”
Countries such as Estonia, Singapore, and Chile, known for their successful AI policies, serve as benchmarks for Curaçao’s approach. “Observing high ethical standards for AI is key for any aspirations of speeding up our development as a country” said Dr. Guido Rojer, Jr., lead expert in the RAM consultations. “We often look at opportunities, but we must always be reminded of how fast gaps can emerge that exclude or harm those who are often marginalized. Understanding our position will allow us to be better prepared to spread the benefits equitably.”
The finalized report will be published following the validation session, after incorporating feedback from key stakeholders. It will serve as a map for AI regulation, institutional capacity-building, and workforce readiness, ensuring that Curaçao remains compliant to participate in the global digital economy while upholding the highest ethical standards in AI adoption.
