On April 18th, 2024, Bússola Tech hosted a landmark panel discussion titled "Latin American Context for the Application of Artificial Intelligence in Parliaments," marking a pivotal moment in the conversation about integrating Artificial Intelligence (AI) into parliamentary operations across Latin America. This panel was a part of the broader series titled "Artificial Intelligence in Parliaments: Dialogue with Secretaries-General/Clerks of Parliament."

The session was moderated by Luís Kimaid, the Executive-Director of Bússola Tech, and featured prominent participants from various governmental bodies:

• Mr. Antonio Zacarías Sánchez Oviedo, Secretary-General of the Cámara de Senadores of Paraguay,
• Mr. Marty Bickford, Vice-President of Xcential Legislative Technologies,
• Mr. Moises Benamor, Chief of Representative Institutions at the Organization of American States,
• Mr. Raúl Guzmán Uribe, Secretary-General of the Senado de Chile.

These participants brought a wealth of knowledge and diverse perspectives to the table, offering deep insights into the evolving landscape of parliamentary operations augmented by AI.

The discussion began with each panellist introducing their views on the promising initial AI applications for parliamentary operations. They highlighted specific potential for AI-driven initiatives within their institutions, reflecting on AI's potential to streamline processes, enhance responsiveness, and improve legislative functionality.

As the conversation progressed, the focus shifted to the preparation of parliamentary staff for the transition to a technologically enhanced work environment. The speakers shared their strategies for training and adapting their workforce to leverage AI tools effectively, underscoring the importance of change management and capacity building in the successful integration of AI technologies.

One of the critical topics explored was the procedural and administrative barriers to AI incorporation in legislative processes. The panellists discussed the challenges they face, including ethical considerations, data privacy, and the need for a cultural shift within parliamentary settings.

The dialogue also ventured into potential risks, threats, and misconceptions associated with AI in parliament. Strategies for mitigating these risks and ensuring the responsible use of AI were thoroughly examined, with an emphasis on data security, transparency, and ethical AI use.

The session concluded with a sense of optimism about AI's transformative potential in parliamentary contexts, balanced with a recognition of the careful stewardship needed to harness these technologies to strengthen democratic processes.

This enlightening discussion served as a reminder of the delicate balance between embracing technological advancements and maintaining the human essence of governance. It underscored the ongoing need for strategic planning, collaboration, and dialogue to navigate the complexities of modernising parliaments with AI and other emerging technologies.