AI FOR THE GOOD OF ALL BRAZILIAN PERSPECTIVES ON THE FUTURE OF AI

AI for the Good of All: Brazilian Perspectives

Opening Remarks and Introduction

• Excellency distinguished delegates are welcomed to the AI Impact Summit, emphasizing the commitment to AI adoption that serves society and strengthens public institutions. The focus is on promoting inclusive and sustainable development.

• Minister Luciana Santos is introduced to make her statement regarding Brazil's approach to artificial intelligence.

Overview of Brazil's AI Plan (PEBIA)

• Minister Santos expresses gratitude towards the Ministry of Foreign Affairs for organizing the event and acknowledges fellow ministers, including President Lula da Silva. She introduces Brazil's AI plan, PEBIA, launched in 2024.

• PEBIA aims to promote AI development with a public investment of R$ 23 billion (approximately $4.5 billion) by 2028, focusing on addressing national challenges across economic, environmental, and cultural sectors.

Key Objectives and Structure of PEBIA

• The plan is structured around five key axes comprising 54 actions:

• Axis One: Infrastructure and development of AI.

• Axis Two: Dissemination, training, and capacity building in AI.

• Axis Three: Improvement of public services through AI.

• Axis Four: Innovation in business using AI.

• Axis Five: Support for regulatory processes and governance related to AI.

Progress and Achievements

• Since its launch, PEBIA has secured R$ billions in public investments (about 30% of total planned). Notable achievements include:

• Acquisition of an exaflop-capacity supercomputer.

• Creation of over 73,000 new undergraduate positions in IA-related fields.

• Establishment of a Transparency Center for algorithms.

Digital Sovereignty and Future Vision

• Emphasizing digital sovereignty as crucial for Brazil’s autonomy in technology regulation while protecting national data under Brazilian jurisdiction. President Lula highlighted that control over algorithms equates to power dynamics rather than innovation.

• The vision includes leveraging Brazil’s clean energy matrix to address socio-economic inequalities sustainably while transitioning from fragmented programs to long-term funding models aimed at technological maturation over decades.

Strategic Initiatives for Technological Autonomy

• Focus on developing a resilient digital ecosystem through national data sovereignty initiatives like semiconductor dominance while enhancing government cloud infrastructure capabilities. Prioritization includes fostering high-tech startups and supporting high-risk innovative projects within Brazil’s tech landscape.

• Investment strategies aim at retaining talent in critical areas such as hardware engineering while promoting open innovation systems alongside strategic international cooperation with BRICS nations for enhanced regional connectivity through initiatives like submarine cable construction among member countries.

AI and Digital Infrastructure in Brazil

Opening Remarks

• Minister Luciana Santos expresses gratitude towards the Brazilian citizens, emphasizing collective benefits.

• Frederico de Siqueira Filho greets attendees, including government officials, Indian entrepreneurs, and media representatives.

The Role of Artificial Intelligence

• AI is influencing various sectors such as personal decisions, corporate strategies, public policies, and economic organization.

• To harness AI effectively for inclusive growth, Brazil needs a robust foundation of connectivity and processing capabilities.

Infrastructure Needs

• Rapid social and economic changes necessitate enhanced telecommunications infrastructure to support digital commerce and technological inclusion.

• Under President Lula's leadership, Brazil is investing in digital infrastructure to ensure technological autonomy aligned with local markets.

Connectivity Initiatives

• 70% of Brazilians now have access to 5G coverage ahead of the 2027 target; efforts are ongoing to expand both 5G and complete 4G networks in rural areas.

• A $4 billion investment plan aims at enhancing digital inclusion through high-speed internet access for over 138,000 public schools.

Addressing Inequalities

• Strategies include deploying infovias (information highways), satellite solutions, frequency auctions, and a national digital inclusion plan.

• The "Norte Conectado" project will lay down 14,000 km of underwater fiber optic cables benefiting remote communities while preserving environmental integrity.

Data Center Development

• Brazil ranks among the largest data center markets in Latin America with significant revenue growth projected for the coming years.

• A national policy on data centers aims to enhance legal security for investments while promoting sustainable energy practices.

International Connectivity Strategy

• New submarine cable policies will position Brazil as an international digital hub by improving global data traffic routes.

Economic Impact of Telecommunications

• In 2025 alone, foreign direct investment in telecommunications exceeded $5.5 billion; this sector is crucial for job creation within technology fields.

Vision for Responsible AI

• Emphasizes that responsible AI development requires strong infrastructure alongside effective digital inclusion strategies and international cooperation.

Government Initiatives in AI for Public Services

Overview of Brazilian Government's AI Initiatives

• The Brazilian government is focusing on promoting artificial intelligence (AI) to enhance public services, addressing challenges faced by Global South countries.

• Strategic cooperation among Global South nations is essential for building local capacities and infrastructures to tackle unique challenges.

• The Ministry of Management, Innovation, and Public Services emphasizes the role of digital transformation and AI in creating a more inclusive and responsible state.

Current State of AI Implementation

• As of 2025, over 182 AI solutions were identified across 58 federal government agencies without centralized coordination.

• Key barriers include a lack of technical capacity and financial resources; ethical guidelines must be integrated from the development stage to mitigate risks associated with AI deployment.

Data Infrastructure Development

• President Lula emphasized the need for a national data infrastructure to promote strategic data use and interoperability within federal governance.

• Examples include initiatives in territorial, environmental, health, and education data ecosystems aimed at improving service delivery through structured data integration.

Ethical Considerations in AI Usage

• Ensuring that AI systems are free from biases and human rights violations requires careful structuring of data inputs reflecting linguistic, cultural, and geographical diversity.

• A robust governance framework is necessary to prevent negative impacts on public service delivery; human oversight is critical in decision-making processes.

Training and Capacity Building

• The Ministry has launched training programs for civil servants covering eight different profiles related to AI usage, offering over 200 hours of learning opportunities.

• Tools such as ethical impact self-assessment frameworks have been developed alongside best practice guides for responsible generative AI use.

Collaborative Projects in AI Development

• Highlighted projects include the Northeast Artificial Intelligence Center—a collaborative initiative involving public-private partnerships aimed at socio-economic development through strategic sectors like health and education.

• Another project focuses on enhancing public service quality through innovative applications of AI while ensuring ethical standards are met.

Intelligent Solutions for Sustainable Development

Projects Utilizing Artificial Intelligence

• The Ideia Terra Brasil project aims to leverage artificial intelligence for the integration and intelligence of land, environmental, and climate data. This initiative seeks to combat legal deforestation, reduce land regularization time, and improve access to credit for small producers.

Emphasizing Human-Centric AI

• There is a strong emphasis on ensuring that technological revolutions driven by artificial intelligence prioritize human needs and planetary health. Urgent action is required to democratize benefits while mitigating risks associated with the digital era. Choices made today will shape future outcomes.

• The commitment from Brazil is clear: AI should not be used for exclusion or domination but as a tool to enhance living conditions, address climate crises, and reduce inequalities. This reflects a broader ethical stance towards technology's role in society.

Education as a Foundation for Technological Advancement

• Mr. Camilo Santana, Minister of Education, highlights Brazil's investment in initiatives aimed at creating a more just and inclusive future through education powered by AI. The Brazilian Plan for Artificial Intelligence emphasizes responsible development aligned with sustainable growth goals.

• The Ministry of Education recognizes quality education as essential; without it, AI could exacerbate societal divisions rather than bridge them. Conversely, excellent education can harness AI's potential positively.

Infrastructure and Data Sharing in Education

• Implementation of the National Education Data Infrastructure aims to facilitate real-time data sharing across educational networks throughout Brazil’s states and municipalities, enhancing educational policies through technology integration.

• A framework has been developed for the responsible use of AI in education to ensure safe practices that respect human dignity while promoting equity among students and educators alike. This includes protecting privacy rights within educational contexts.

Bridging Digital Divide Through Connectivity Initiatives

• The National Connected Schools Strategy aims to universalize access to quality internet across public schools in basic education; this initiative has significantly increased connected schools from 40% to 70% over three years, ensuring technological innovations reach classrooms effectively.

• New programs are being launched such as MEC Enem, which provides free resources for students preparing for higher education entrance exams; upcoming tools like MEC Livros and MEC Idiomas aim further at democratizing knowledge access amidst existing inequalities in Brazil’s population.

Early Childhood Monitoring Application

Overview of the Application

• The application facilitates direct communication with mothers by integrating an information system, allowing tracking of children's vaccination, daycare availability, and access to government programs.

Impact of Mobile Phone Restrictions in Schools

• A law restricting mobile phone use in Brazilian schools has been enacted under President Lula's administration, aimed at protecting students and fostering a more conducive learning environment. Early results indicate positive outcomes such as improved school organization and favorable conditions for student development.

Education as a Transformative Tool

• Emphasizes that education is crucial for uniting Brazil with a strong purpose to transform lives. It asserts that tools must ensure access, retention, and opportunities across all life spheres from basic education to higher education. Innovation should be responsible and ethical to prepare children for the future while upholding human values.

Health Revolution in Brazil

Digital Transformation in Health

• The health sector in Brazil is undergoing a digital revolution led by President Lula, focusing on artificial intelligence (AI) that supports democracy and social cohesion while enhancing national sovereignty. This aligns with the Brazilian AI Plan emphasizing health as a central theme.

Universal Health System (SUS)

• Brazil boasts the SUS (Unified Health System), which provides universal public health coverage, including extensive vaccination programs and primary care services. In 2025 alone, SUS conducted over 3 billion exams/consultations and performed more than 14 million surgeries. Additionally, around 60 million Brazilians have private insurance contributing to high-tech private service networks.

Challenges Facing Brazilian Healthcare

Diverse Health Issues

• The country faces dual challenges: tropical diseases alongside high mortality rates from cardiovascular diseases and cancers typical of northern hemisphere countries due to aging populations and climate crises impacting global health systems. The Brazilian genome is notably diverse, necessitating robust data systems for healthcare research and technology development.

Innovative Healthcare Solutions

National Data Interoperability Platform

• A national interoperability platform has been established to securely access clinical data across public/private sectors in Brazil through an app called "Meu SUS Digital," achieving significant user engagement with millions accessing their electronic medical records via this platform since its launch in 2025.

Telehealth Expansion

• As part of improving specialized care access nationwide, telehealth services have expanded significantly; over 600 thousand teleconsultations were conducted reaching half of Brazilian cities by 2005—demonstrating effective outreach especially among vulnerable populations through partnerships like the Super Center Brasil de Diagnóstico do Câncer which drastically reduced biopsy wait times from six months to fifteen days using telediagnosis methods.

Future Directions in Healthcare Technology

Intelligent Hospital Network Development

• Plans are underway to create a network of intelligent hospitals throughout Brazil utilizing advanced AI technologies funded by Banco dos Brics aimed at providing high precision medicine accessible regardless of economic status—ensuring innovative healthcare solutions reach all citizens effectively amidst ongoing climate change adaptations outlined during COP30 discussions on health system resilience strategies against environmental impacts on public health initiatives.

Health Innovations and AI Governance

Key Health Initiatives

• The speaker outlines several health initiatives, including monitoring and predicting infectious diseases and high-risk pregnancies.

• Emphasis on personalizing cancer treatment through algorithms based on Brazilian population data.

• Discussion of fraud control in medication access programs and expediting product registrations by Brazil's regulatory agency, Anvisa.

• Management of waiting lists for medical services such as exams, consultations, specialized surgeries, teleconsultations, and robotic tele-surgery.

• Introduction of tools to accelerate diagnosis in imaging tests is highlighted as essential for improving healthcare quality.

Brazil's Role in Global Health

• Brazil aims to be a model for collaboration between government, science, and industry in digital health innovation.

• Historical context provided regarding the concentration of technological power affecting global dynamics since the 1970s.

The Impact of Artificial Intelligence

• AI is identified as a transformative force that will reshape human relations and global geopolitics; its governance is crucial to avoid past mistakes.

• The importance of political choices in shaping technology’s impact is emphasized; technology itself is not neutral.

Economic Development Through AI

• AI presents opportunities for economic growth but also risks exacerbating inequalities; it should focus on public interest objectives like poverty reduction.

• The UN is viewed as the most legitimate forum for establishing global governance norms around AI to prevent monopolization.

Inclusivity in AI Governance

• Recognition of Brazil's scientific representation at the UN panel on AI highlights efforts towards inclusive governance reflecting diverse national realities.

• Brazil advocates for shared solutions to avoid normative fragmentation while promoting sustainability and human rights within AI development.

Brazil's AI Development and International Cooperation

Overview of Brazil's AI Strategy

• The Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan outlines clear guidelines for technology development, with projected investments amounting to billions of reais by 2028.

• A regulatory framework is being discussed in Congress to establish shared responsibility in the development and use of AI systems, aiming to promote rights and protect the creative industry.

International Collaborations

• Brazil is engaging in international agreements on AI with various countries, including the UAE, Chile, Ecuador, and China.

• Digital dialogues are ongoing with the European Union regarding AI matters, emphasizing the need for regional growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.

Cultural Relevance and Sovereignty

• The launch of Latan GPT represents a collaborative effort between Chile and Brazil to create an open-source language model that reflects cultural diversity.

• Emphasizes the importance of developing solutions that cater to local interests amidst global challenges related to data militarization and resource management.

Vision for Future Cooperation

• Advocates for a sovereign digital governance approach that ensures equitable benefits from AI advancements for all humanity.