Co-funded by
the European Union

Funded by the European Union. Views and opinions expressed are however those of the author(s) only and do not necessarily reflect those of the European Union or the European Education and Culture Executive Agency (EACEA). Neither the European Union nor EACEA can be held responsible for them.

Erasmus+ Ethical AI Project

Academic Convergence Network in Artificial Intelligence

"Shared knowledge with responsible AI"

An Erasmus+ funded academic network fostering ethical AI governance, research collaboration, and talent formation across Ibero-America.

What is CONVERGE-IA?

CONVERGE-IA is an academic network that brings together universities, research centers, and institutions across Ibero-America to promote the ethical development and governance of artificial intelligence.

Co-funded by the Erasmus+ programme of the European Union, the network focuses on building regional capabilities for responsible AI through collaboration, training, and applied research.

Our goal is to strengthen multistakeholder alliances between academia, government, industry, and civil society to ensure AI serves communities with transparency, fairness, and respect for human rights.

Our Mission

"To foster a collaborative ecosystem of academic institutions committed to the ethical governance of artificial intelligence, ensuring technology serves human well-being and regional development."

Why an AI Academic Network?

Artificial intelligence is profoundly transforming our societies. Academia has a fundamental role to play.

Emerging Risks

Without clear ethical frameworks, AI can amplify biases, violate rights, and deepen existing inequalities.

Digital Divide

Latin America requires developing its own capabilities to avoid depending on external solutions that ignore its context.

Role of Academia

Universities are privileged spaces for critical reflection, independent research, and talent formation.

Regional Cooperation

No institution can address these challenges alone. Collaboration multiplies capabilities and impact.

Public Policies

Academia must inform and participate in the design of evidence-based AI regulations and policies.

Human Impact

AI must serve people and communities, respecting their dignity, rights, and cultural diversity.

Guiding Principles

The values that guide all our actions and decisions

Ethics

Commitment to moral principles that guarantee the responsible and beneficial development of AI.

Inclusion

Ensure that the benefits of AI reach all people, without discrimination or exclusion.

Transparency

Explainable, auditable, and understandable AI systems to generate trust and accountability.

Human-Centered AI

Our Partners

The consortium of institutions driving the network

UCR

University of Costa Rica

Coordinator

Costa Rica

UH

Hispanoamericana University

Costa Rica

UNED

State Distance University

Costa Rica

Pixel

Pixel

Italy

Sapienza

Università La Sapienza

Italy

UNIFÉ

Univ. Femenina del Sagrado Corazón

Peru

UMCH

Univ. Marcelino Champagnat

Peru

Alqueria

Associació Empresarial l'Alqueria

Spain

UV

University of Valencia

Spain

Ready to be part of the change?

Join a community of institutions committed to the ethical and responsible development of artificial intelligence in our region.

Sobre CONVERGE-IA

About the Network

International context, conceptual foundations, and the strategic role of Latin America in the ethical governance of artificial intelligence.

International Background

UNESCO adopted in 2021 the first Recommendation on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence, establishing universal principles for the development and use of AI.

The OECD has promoted principles of trustworthy AI, while the Ibero-American Charter on AI adapts these frameworks to the Latin American regional context.

UNESCO

Recomendación sobre Ética de la IA (2021) - Marco universal para una IA centrada en las personas.

OCDE

Principios de IA Confiable - Directrices para sistemas de IA responsables y transparentes.

Carta Iberoamericana de IA

Adaptación regional de principios éticos para el contexto iberoamericano.

El Rol de América Latina

Oportunidad de definir marcos regulatorios propios que reflejen valores y necesidades regionales.

Potencial para desarrollar soluciones de IA que aborden problemáticas locales específicas.

Necesidad de formar talento humano capacitado en desarrollo y gobernanza ética de IA.

Importancia de preservar diversidad cultural y lingüística en sistemas de IA.

Construcción de ecosistemas de innovación inclusivos y socialmente responsables.

Fortalecimiento de la cooperación Sur-Sur en investigación y desarrollo tecnológico.

Universidad y Sociedad

Un compromiso histórico

"Las universidades tienen la responsabilidad de liderar la reflexión ética sobre las tecnologías emergentes y formar ciudadanos capaces de participar en las decisiones que afectan el futuro de sus comunidades."

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Investigadores

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Instituciones

The Role of Academia

Higher education institutions are privileged spaces to address the ethical challenges of artificial intelligence from multiple perspectives.

They have the capacity to convene diverse actors and foster the interdisciplinary dialogue necessary for effective governance.

Evolution of the Ethical Framework

Key milestones in international AI governance

2019

OECD Principles

First international principles for trustworthy AI.

2021

UNESCO Recommendation

First global normative instrument on AI ethics.

2023

Ibero-American Charter

Regional consensus on AI centered on human rights.

2024

CONVERGE-IA

Foundation of the pioneering academic network in the region.

Linkage with Public Policies

CONVERGE-IA maintains an active dialogue with national AI governance initiatives, such as the National Artificial Intelligence Strategy of Costa Rica (ENIA-CR), contributing technical and academic inputs.

Esta articulación permite que los avances académicos informen las políticas públicas, mientras que las necesidades gubernamentales orientan la investigación aplicada de la red.

Asesoría Técnica Investigación Aplicada Formación

Want to know our objectives?

Nuestra Agenda

Objectives and Action Areas

The strategic commitments and lines of work that guide CONVERGE-IA activities.

Strategic Objectives

Academic Exchange

Facilitate the mobility of researchers, teachers, and students between member institutions to strengthen shared capabilities.

Training in Ethical AI

Develop curricular programs and educational resources on AI ethics adapted to the Latin American context.

Applied Research

Promote joint projects that address local problems using AI in a responsible and sustainable manner.

Governance and Policies

Contribute with evidence and technical recommendations to the formulation of public policies on AI in the region.

Multistakeholder Alliances

Establish collaboration bridges between academia, government, industry, and civil society.

Trust Ecosystem

Promote a culture of technological development that prioritizes human rights and social well-being.

Action Areas

Four fundamental pillars that structure the network's work

Teaching and Training

Area 1

Integration of AI ethics in university curricula.

Open courses and resources for teachers.

Applied Research

Area 2

Interdisciplinary collaborative projects.

Publication of regional case studies.

Ethics and Governance

Area 3

Technical advice to governments and organizations.

AI policy observatory.

Regional Cooperation

Area 4

Network of laboratories and shared infrastructure.

Annual events and conferences.

Explore our resources

Access our library of publications, guides, and educational materials produced by the network.

Membresía

Unirse a la Red

Complete el formulario para solicitar membresía institucional o individual en CONVERGE-IA.

Formulario de Solicitud

Persona de contacto

Áreas de interés

¿Tiene preguntas? Escríbanos a membresia@converge-ia.org

Digital Library

Resource Repository

Materials, guides, tools, and reference documents for the ethical development of artificial intelligence.

Governance Framework 📋

Comprehensive AI Ethical Governance Framework

Reference document establishing principles, decision-making structure, and institutional responsibilities.

Coming soon
Practical Guide 📘

Guide for Ethical Evaluation of Algorithms

Step-by-step tool to evaluate AI systems focusing on bias, transparency, and human rights.

Coming soon
Training 🎓

Module: Fundamentals of Ethical AI

Self-directed course for teachers and managers on principles of ethics in AI development.

Coming soon
Tool 🛠️

CONVERGE-AI Audit Kit

Digital tool to audit and document compliance with ethical principles in AI systems.

Coming soon
Case Study 📍

AI in Education: Critical Analysis of Regional Experience

Analysis of cases of AI implementation in Latin American higher education institutions.

Coming soon
Governance Framework ⚖️

Institutional Policy for Responsible AI Development

Adaptable template for institutions to develop internal AI policies aligned with CONVERGE-IA.

Coming soon

Resources Coming Soon

Resources, documents, and tools are currently being developed. They will be available for download once published. Join the network to be notified.

Lines of Work

Projects and Calls

Active initiatives where you can participate and contribute to the ethical development of artificial intelligence.

IN PROGRESS Erasmus+ KA2

Teacher Training in Ethical AI

Development and implementation of training courses for university teachers on integrating ethical competencies in AI teaching. Includes active methodologies, case studies, and open resources.

Training Higher Education Ibero-America

Coordinator: Universidad de Costa Rica | Participants: 0 institutions

OPEN CALL Dates TBD

Collaborative Research Network: AI and Human Rights

Seeking research teams for projects focused on impact analysis of AI systems on human rights. Funding available for applied research.

Research Human Rights Funded

Duration: TBD | Eligible: Universities and R&D Centers in Ibero-America

IN PROGRESS Regional Initiative

AI Governance Observatory in Latin America

Monitoring and analysis of regulatory frameworks, policies, and AI governance practices in Ibero-American countries. Generation of annual reports and dialogue spaces.

Governance Public Policies Sustained

Coordinator: CONVERGE-IA | Participants: Multisectoral

COMING SOON Launch TBD

Innovation Program: Responsible AI in Public Sectors

Pilot initiative to co-create and validate ethical AI solutions in collaboration with public agencies. Emphasis on health, education, and justice.

Innovation Public Sector Upcoming

Modality: Co-creation | Spots: TBD

Institutional Support

AI Governance

Comprehensive support for your institution to develop and implement ethical AI governance frameworks.

Why structured governance?

Without clear governance frameworks, institutions face risks of malpractice, regulatory non-compliance, and loss of trust. CONVERGE-IA offers specialized support to build governance systems adapted to your context.

  • Reduces ethical-legal risks
  • Strengthens internal and external trust
  • Aligns with emerging regulations

Our Support Process

Four structured phases to implement ethical AI governance in your institution

1

Diagnosis

Comprehensive assessment of institutional capabilities, existing policies, and specific AI needs.

~2-3 weeks

2

Participatory Design

Co-creation of the governance framework with internal stakeholders (academics, managers, researchers).

~4-6 weeks

3

Implementation

Launch of the framework, training of key teams, and establishment of processes.

~3-4 months

4

Continuous Monitoring

Tracking, impact assessment, and continuous improvement of the implemented framework.

Sustained

Who is this support for?

Universities

Institutions interested in integrating ethical governance in AI research and teaching.

Research Centers

Units that develop AI technologies and need specific governance frameworks.

Public Agencies

Government institutions implementing responsible AI solutions.

Does your institution need AI governance?

Request a free initial consultation with our specialized team to learn how we can support your institution.

Personalized Support

Request Information on AI Governance

Tell us about your institution and your specific needs. Our team will provide personalized advice to implement an ethical AI governance framework.

Consultation Form

Complete this form and an AI governance specialist will contact you within 5 business days.

1 Institutional Information

2 Contact Person

3 Current Situation of your Institution

4 Specific Needs

Quick Response

We will contact you within 5 business days to discuss your needs.

Expert Advice

Specialized team in ethical AI governance with international experience.

Personalized Solution

Framework adapted to your institutional context and specific needs.

Contribute Content

Suggest Documents, News, and Information

Do you have a relevant document, important news, or valuable resource to share with the CONVERGE-IA community? Suggest it here. Our editorial team will review and publish it if it meets our standards.

Send Content Suggestion

Complete the form and our team will review your contribution. Selected content will be published in the CONVERGE-IA repository with corresponding credits.

1 Contributor Information

2 Content Type

3 Content Details

Editorial Process

1

Receipt

Your suggestion is received by our editorial team.

2

Review

Relevance, quality, and alignment with CONVERGE-IA are validated (3-7 days).

3

Decision

We notify you if it was accepted and when it will be published.

4

Publication

Your content is published with credits in the repository.

Acceptance Criteria

  • Content relevant to ethical AI governance
  • Updated and reliable information
  • Clear and professional language
  • Copyrights respected
  • Regional orientation (preferably Ibero-American)
  • Avoids direct commercial promotion
Get in Touch

Contact

We are here to answer your questions, receive proposals, and facilitate your connection with the network.

Institutional Email

For general inquiries, membership, and support:

ethicalai_ue_ciodd@ucr.ac.cr

Website

Check information, resources, and updates:

www.ethicalaiucr.info

Social Media

Social media channels coming soon. Stay tuned for updates.

Send us a Message

Legal Notice - Erasmus+ Project

The support of the European Union for the production of this communication does not constitute an endorsement of its content, which reflects only the opinion of the authors. The Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.

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