Artificial intelligence is becoming part of everyday life, from how people access information to how public services are delivered. To ensure these technologies are used in ways that benefit people and build public trust, governments need clear guidance, strong coordination, and the right skills and systems in place.
In 2025, UNDP’s Digital, AI and Innovation Hub launched the AI Sprint, a global initiative designed to support governments in using artificial intelligence in a responsible, safe, and people-centred way. Through the AI Sprint, countries gain access to practical methods, expert support, and tools to strengthen trust, security, and the responsible use of AI.
As part of this initiative, Guatemala was selected to advance the responsible use of artificial intelligence through the AI Landscape Assessment (AILA). This ongoing assessment helps map the country’s current AI capabilities, identify gaps and opportunities in the AI ecosystem, and inform the development of a future National Artificial Intelligence Strategy.
The first step: understanding where Guatemala stands in its AI development
In October 2025, the Presidential Commission for Open and Electronic Government (GAE), with support from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), launched the AI Landscape Assessment in Guatemala. This effort forms part of the joint programme “Enabling digital transformation and improving public service delivery at scale in Guatemala,” financed by the Joint SDG Fund and supported by the European Union and 16 UN Member States.
The assessment aims to lay the groundwork for a future National AI Strategy by helping the country better understand its current situation and priorities.
AILA is designed as a participatory assessment. Rather than relying only on technical studies, it brings together voices from government, civil society, academia, and the private sector. The shared goal is to explore how artificial intelligence can help modernize public services, strengthen citizen trust, and support more inclusive, transparent, and sustainable development in Guatemala.
A collaborative, multi-stakeholder process
As part of the assessment, consultation spaces were organized to encourage dialogue, co-creation and practical input from different sectors.
On 9 September, a specialized dialogue brought together 10 experts with extensive experience in digital transformation and artificial intelligence. The discussions focused on how artificial intelligence is currently used in government, the wider AI ecosystem, including skills and digital infrastructure, and the rules, safeguards, and ethical considerations needed to ensure AI is used responsibly.
On 10 September, a national workshop brought together 56 representatives from 35 institutions, including public institutions, technology and finance companies, civil society organizations, and academic institutions. Participants shared hands-on perspectives based on their experience with digital transformation, AI use, and technology governance, helping ensure the assessment reflects real needs and realities.
Results of the AI Landscape Assessment in Guatemala
The AI Landscape Assessment uses a methodology developed by UNDP’s Digital, AI, and Innovation Hub that combines data analysis with participatory consultations.
Initial results indicate that Guatemala is in phase two of five, the opportunistic phase, with an overall score of 2.0 out of 5.0. This indicates limited development in public policies and basic enabling conditions. While there are efforts to use artificial intelligence, these remain isolated and have not yet been implemented in a coordinated, nationwide way.
Early findings indicate significant gaps in Guatemala's development and governance of artificial intelligence. In the areas of regulation and ethics, the country is assessed at a basic level due to the absence of clear regulatory and governance frameworks. The AI ecosystem is at an opportunistic stage, with weaknesses in talent, investment, and infrastructure. The use of AI in government is also assessed as opportunistic, with challenges in scaling solutions due to dispersed governance, limited institutional capacity, and fragmented data management systems.
Key findings from AILA for Guatemala
1. AI enabling environment: early progress, but highly fragmented
There is growing political interest and openness to discussing artificial intelligence. However, the absence of a formal National AI Strategy and structured funding has led to scattered efforts, weak coordination between institutions and limited ability to scale pilot initiatives. A key gap is the lack of financial incentives for private innovation and academic research, as well as the absence of regulatory sandboxes that would allow safe testing and learning.
2. Ecosystem for AI: strong connectivity, limited computing capacity
Guatemala benefits from solid digital connectivity, including wide 4G coverage and access to cloud services. However, the country lacks advanced computing infrastructure and government support for its development. Local capacity for AI workloads remains low, costs are high and access is uneven across regions. Despite Guatemala’s strong renewable energy potential, energy efficiency and clean energy use in AI infrastructure are not yet prioritized.
3. Data: growing access, weak governance
While progress has been made through open data portals, Guatemala does not yet have a strong data governance framework. Binding quality standards, consistent documentation and effective data sharing between institutions, academia and the private sector remain limited.
4. Talent: the most critical bottleneck
There is a significant shortage of advanced data science and machine learning skills, compounded by limited incentives to attract and retain talent. Although basic digital skills and AI use are present, they do not yet translate into the local development, oversight, or strategic use of AI solutions, increasing reliance on external systems.
5. Main recommendations for Guatemala
The assessment points to several priority actions, including the need to define a National AI Strategy with clear leadership, governance and sustainable funding; establish regulatory, ethical and security frameworks for responsible AI use; promote investment, incentives and safe testing environments; strengthen data governance and interoperability; invest in talent and institutional capacity; and develop sustainable digital and computing infrastructure that supports energy efficiency and territorial coverage.
Activating the national AI roadmap: from vision to implementation
The AI Landscape Assessment represents an important starting point rather than a final outcome. It helps Guatemala understand where the country stands today and provides a shared evidence base for future decisions.
In 2026, work will move forward on the co-creation of a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, supported by an implementation roadmap and monitoring mechanisms to track progress and ensure sustainability. This process will involve expanded participation and align with efforts led by UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF, as well as national institutions, including the National Secretariat of Science and Technology (SENACYT), particularly around ethical standards and AI readiness.
Supporting digital transformation in Guatemala
This work is carried out under the joint programme “Enabling digital transformation and improving public service delivery at scale in Guatemala,” led by the Presidential Commission for Open and Electronic Government and implemented by UNDP, UNESCO, UNICEF, and national institutions.
The programme supports Guatemala’s efforts to modernize public services through digital solutions that are inclusive, transparent, and focused on people’s needs, contributing to the achievement of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
Original publication: https://www.undp.org/es/guatemala/blog/guatemala-avanza-hacia-un-uso-inclusivo-responsable-y-transformador-de-la-inteligencia-artificial
Note:
All joint programmes of the Joint SDG Fund are led by UN Resident Coordinators and implemented by the agencies, funds, and programmes of the United Nations development system. With sincere appreciation for the contributions from the European Union and Governments of Belgium, Denmark, Germany, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Monaco, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, the Republic of Korea, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Spain, Sweden, and Switzerland for a transformative movement towards achieving the SDGs by 2030.
