Google has announced three new AI initiatives in partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) during the World Bank and IDB Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., aimed at advancing AI adoption and digital transformation across Latin America. The region displays a high level of AI optimism, as highlighted in a Google-Ipsos report, with countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina showing significantly more excitement for AI than the Global North. These initiatives include the release of an AI Sprinters report to guide policymakers on responsible AI implementation, the launch of an AI Academy to train public servants, and a $5 million investment in shared digital public infrastructure, such as a secure digital identity system.

IdLAC: IdLAC is a secure digital identity system promoted by the Inter-American Development Bank across Latin America and the Caribbean. It enables cross-border recognition of digital credentials for services like travel entry, vaccine verification, and medical prescriptions. The initiative is being scaled through partnerships including Google.org funding via Co-Develop.
Google: Google is a leading technology company specializing in artificial intelligence technologies like Gemini, cloud computing, and digital tools. In partnership with the Inter-American Development Bank, it announced three new AI initiatives during the World Bank and IDB Spring Meetings to advance AI adoption in Latin American governments. These include commissioning a policymaking report, supporting AI training content, and providing philanthropic funding for digital infrastructure.
AI Academy: The AI Academy is a new online training program launched by the Inter-American Development Bank and Apolitical on the ImplementaLAC platform. It delivers free AI skills courses for government officials in Spanish, Portuguese, English, and other languages, using content from the Government AI Campus built with Google support. It prepares public servants to apply AI in delivering better community services.
Co-Develop: Co-Develop is a global nonprofit fund that assists countries in accelerating digital transformation through shared digital public infrastructure. Google.org announced philanthropic support to help Latin American governments adopt reusable technologies like digital ID and payment systems. This funding builds on efforts to scale regional digital solutions.
ImplementaLAC: ImplementaLAC is the Inter-American Development Bank’s digital platform for public sector capacity building in Latin America and the Caribbean. It hosts the newly launched AI Academy to provide AI training resources to government officials. The platform supports the implementation of digital transformation tools and knowledge sharing across the region.
Government AI Campus: Government AI Campus is a training resource for public sector AI applications, developed with Google’s support. Its content powers the new AI Academy on ImplementaLAC, offering practical guidance on AI use in governance. It focuses on equipping officials with skills to improve service delivery and efficiency.
Inter-American Development Bank: The Inter-American Development Bank is a multilateral institution supporting development projects in Latin America and the Caribbean through financing and technical assistance. It collaborated with Google on three new AI initiatives, including co-launching the AI Academy for public sector training and scaling digital identity systems. These efforts aim to enhance governmental efficiency and digital transformation in the region.
AI Works for Spanish Speaking Latin America: AI Works for Spanish Speaking Latin America is a research report newly commissioned by Google with Foresight consultancy. It serves as a practical guide for Latin American policymakers on responsible AI implementation, emphasizing pillars like workforce talent, infrastructure, technological innovation, and supportive regulations. The report was released to navigate AI adoption complexities and foster economic and social improvements.

AI Optimism: Latin American countries like Mexico, Brazil, and Argentina show notably higher excitement for AI compared to the Global North, per a recent Google-Ipsos report.
Government AI Use: Public agencies in Brazil use Gemini on Google Cloud for airport baggage screening, while Mexico’s federal auditor employs Google AI tools to expedite audits.
Announcement Context: The three initiatives were unveiled at the World Bank and IDB Spring Meetings in Washington, D.C., to guide AI and digital transformation in the region.