Artificial intelligence is increasingly shaping how societies access information and how governments deliver public services, making responsible and people-centred use of these technologies a growing priority. To help governments adopt artificial intelligence in ways that build trust, ensure safety, and deliver public value, the United Nations Development Programme launched the global AI Sprint initiative in 2025, providing practical tools, expert support, and methodologies for responsible AI governance.
As part of this initiative, Guatemala was selected to participate in the AI Landscape Assessment, an ongoing process designed to map the country’s current artificial intelligence capabilities, identify gaps and opportunities, and inform the development of a future National Artificial Intelligence Strategy. The assessment supports Guatemala’s broader digital transformation agenda and aims to ensure that emerging technologies are used in ways that promote inclusion, transparency, and sustainable development.
The assessment was launched in October 2025 by the Presidential Commission for Open and Electronic Government with support from UNDP, under a joint programme financed by the Joint SDG Fund and supported by the European Union and multiple UN Member States. Its purpose is to establish a clear evidence base that allows policymakers to better understand Guatemala’s current AI maturity, priorities, and institutional readiness.
Designed as a participatory process, the AI Landscape Assessment brings together government institutions, civil society, academia, and the private sector to jointly explore how artificial intelligence can modernize public services, strengthen citizen trust, and improve governance. Through consultations and collaborative discussions, the process ensures that technical findings are grounded in real-world needs and local realities.
Initial findings indicate that Guatemala is currently in the opportunistic phase of AI development, with an overall maturity score of 2.0 out of 5.0. While there are emerging efforts to use artificial intelligence within government and across the ecosystem, these initiatives remain fragmented and have not yet been scaled or coordinated at the national level. Public policy frameworks, institutional capacity, and enabling conditions are still at an early stage of development.
The assessment highlights significant gaps in regulation and ethical governance, as Guatemala currently lacks comprehensive frameworks to guide the responsible use of artificial intelligence. The broader AI ecosystem shows potential but remains constrained by limited investment, insufficient computing infrastructure, and uneven access to advanced technologies. Although digital connectivity is relatively strong, local capacity to support large-scale AI workloads remains low.
Data governance and talent development emerge as critical challenges. While access to open data has improved, the absence of strong standards, interoperability mechanisms, and coordinated data-sharing practices limits effective use. At the same time, a shortage of advanced data science and machine learning skills restricts Guatemala’s ability to develop, oversee, and strategically deploy AI solutions, increasing dependence on external systems.
The AI Landscape Assessment serves as a foundation for future action rather than a final outcome. In 2026, Guatemala is expected to begin co-creating a National Artificial Intelligence Strategy, supported by an implementation roadmap and monitoring mechanisms to ensure accountability and sustainability. This next phase will involve expanded stakeholder participation and alignment with national institutions and international partners.
This work contributes to Guatemala’s broader efforts to modernize public services through inclusive and transparent digital solutions. Implemented through a joint programme led by national authorities and supported by UNDP, UNESCO, and UNICEF, the initiative aims to ensure that digital transformation and artificial intelligence serve people’s needs and support progress toward the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development.
