Based on Brasil's priorities at the G20, the document brings together guidelines for drawing up public policies on artificial intelligence. Drafted by experts, it should guide the Brazilian international action on technology regulation, focused on promoting inclusive and sustainable development.
![Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva received a proposal for a National Artificial Intelligence Plan drawn up by scientists, during the opening ceremony of the 5th National Conference on Science, Technology, and Innovation [Conferência Nacional de Ciência, Tecnologia e Inovação /CNCTI] in Brasilia. Image: Ricardo Stuckert / PR](https://www.g20.org/en/news/brasil-launches-a-usd-4-billion-plan-for-ai-and-prepares-global-action/@@images/image-1920-c66051436d311693798607ad64845772.jpeg)
Under the slogan "AI for the Good of All", Brasil is launching the proposal for the Brazilian Artificial Intelligence Plan and plans to invest around USD 4 billion. The agenda is one of the presidency's priorities at the G20, striving to position the country regarding the subject, and to boost local public policies for regulating technology, projecting international action towards inclusive and sustainable development.
The document was drawn up by experts and scientists from 117 public, private, and civil society organizations in Brasil, and was launched on Tuesday, July 30, in Brasilia. Next, it will be taken to the United Nations General Assembly, in September. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva pledged to present the proposal to ministers of State next week, "to present the artificial intelligence policy proposal and make decisions to make it happen". "We want artificial intelligence to create jobs in the country and qualify students," he added.
"We are living through a significant moment in this country. The document on AI that you've given me today, created by Brazilian scientists, is a milestone for our nation. Brasil needs to learn how to soar," stated Lula.
The President stressed the urgency of regulating digital platforms since they are responsible for managing the data of thousands of Brazilian citizens. "We must dare to make things happen; we must create a structure so that all the data in this country is available to the entire Brazilian society. We have to carry the pride of those who don't want to be superior, just equal," emphasized Lula.
S&T towards inclusive development
The plan includes 54 measures that will have an immediate impact over the next four years, with implementation by various ministries such as Health, Education, Environment, Agriculture, Trade, and Investment, among others. It focuses on promoting infrastructure for AI development, dissemination, training, and professional qualification, improving public services, fostering business innovation, and enhancing regulatory and governance processes in the sector. It aligns with Brasil's priorities, which are being discussed among the world's largest economies, particularly in promoting inclusive development.
"Through technology, we want to ensure benefits to our country and our people, and this is only possible if public authorities, civil society, and the private sector work together. We are debating a strategy for S&T and we are going to feed off this over the next 10 years. The AI plan is the first result of this," emphasized Luciana Santos, Brasil's minister of Science and Technology, stressing the need for science and technology to understand peoples and their realities within their territories.
Santos also highlighted Brasil's efforts to improve the use of new technologies to combat inequalities and boost environmental protection and the energy and ecological transition. "This plan is bold and viable, robust and feasible, carried out with public investment with sovereignty and autonomy to make our country's intelligence count," concluded the minister.
Leading role in the debate for the Global South
In 2023, in a bilateral meeting with António Guterres, Secretary General of the United Nations, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva was asked to lead the process of mobilizing the countries of the Global South for debates on AI. According to Guterres, developing economies would be excluded from debates on regulating this technology, at the risk of not having their demands considered.
The issue has been included among the priorities of the G20 Digital Economy working group. Representatives of G20 member countries will meet in September in Maceió, the capital of the state of Alagoas. The Sherpas are expected to issue a statement on the subject, reiterating their commitment to cooperation in regulating artificial intelligence.
