A Landmark Year for Data in Latin America
As 2025 begins, Latin America has emerged as a crucial player in global data governance and artificial intelligence (AI) discussions. In 2024, two significant events underscored the region’s commitment to leveraging data for societal impact: the United Nations World Data Forum in Medellín, Colombia—the first of its kind in Latin America—and the America Abierta Open Data Regional Conference in Brasília, Brazil.
Shared Opportunities and Challenges
Both the UN World Data Forum and the Americas OGP event showcased aligned priorities and pressing issues:
Gender-focused data initiatives to combat violence and inequality.
Climate resilience strategies, leveraging data for proactive responses to natural disasters and fostering sustainability.
Sustainable development insights, emphasizing the role of data in achieving global goals.
AI integration across sectors, driving equitable growth and innovation.
Multisectoral collaboration as a cornerstone for impactful development, highlighting the importance of public-private partnerships.
These discussions reaffirmed Latin America’s dedication to using comprehensive, ethical data to address societal challenges while unlocking opportunities for regional growth.
Addressing Regional Challenges
Conversations at both events spotlighted several regional challenges that pose significant obstacles to progress:
Democratic and Institutional Strain: Many countries in the region are grappling with political instability, democratic backsliding, and authoritarian tendencies — a phenomenon that is being felt globally, too. These challenges threaten not only governance but also the integrity of data systems, which are vital for ensuring transparency and accountability.
Human Rights and the Right to Truth: Data governance was highlighted as a tool to safeguard human rights, particularly the right to truth in the context of abuse, exploitation, and infringement of individual and collective rights and freedoms. For example, as conflict continues in Europe, the Middle East, and Africa, robust data policies can help document abuses, preserve historical records, and support transitional justice mechanisms.
Socioeconomic Disparities: Persistent inequality in data access and usage exacerbates existing divides. Many communities lack the infrastructure or skills necessary to leverage data, leaving them underrepresented in decision-making processes.
Ethical data policies emerged as essential for fostering innovation, maintaining societal stability, and ensuring inclusive growth across the region.
Aligning with Global Goals
This year’s milestones align with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). With six years left to meet the original targets, participants called for renewed efforts and redefined objectives to address emerging challenges effectively. As The Blue Owl Group, we see an opportunity to assist countries in advancing the 2030 Agenda and shaping future objectives. Our global network of experts enables us to analyze the global status while identifying regional challenges and crafting market-specific policies. By considering regulatory progress and comparing international best practices, we can drive tailored and impactful solutions.
A Collaborative Future
Latin America’s focus on data governance, AI, and multisectoral cooperation signals a promising trajectory. From eradicating gender-based violence to mitigating climate risks, the region is poised to lead global efforts toward sustainable, inclusive development. The Blue Owl Group is interested in exploring opportunities to collaborate with multilateral organizations such as the IDB, World Bank, OAS, and CAF to evaluate the achievements of the 2030 Agenda and establish baselines for defining future goals. This aligns with our ongoing work in AI regulation, combating disinformation, and focused tracks like climate change, reinforcing our dedication to supporting evidence-based and ethical policymaking across the region.
