Colombia Seeks Alliance With Microsoft to Train Young People and Adults in AI

Colombian Vice President Jose Manuel Restrepo met with Microsoft's Global Affairs president to discuss a potential partnership aimed at training young people and adults in artificial intelligence (AI). President Abelardo de la Espriella shared his vision for Colombia's role in the international arena as technology advances, emphasizing the desire to participate in technological transformation and train young people in AI, robotics, data science, agribusiness, engineering, and new economies.

Before presenting this idea at the UN, Restrepo proposed a pilot cooperation program to Microsoft, with a focus on AI training and quantum computing development.

According to Restrepo, Colombia currently ranks second in Latin America for AI use and first in the region for growth in adoption. Microsoft's Global Affairs president expressed her support for the proposal, and the meeting marked the beginning of discussions for the pilot program, which would initially take place in Colombia. Restrepo highlighted artificial intelligence's growing importance in the country, citing figures from a Microsoft annual report.

De la Espriella's administration has made AI development and adoption one of its technological priorities. The Colombian president also announced that David Velez, founder of Nubank, would serve as his main ad honorem adviser on AI, helping to lead the government's AI strategy and develop plans to reduce state operating costs, eliminate unnecessary bureaucracy, and modernize public administration.

Velez's role will include building a smaller, more efficient, and modern state, as well as implementing changes to education and social policies.