Suriname is assessing its AI readiness with UNESCO RAM 2.0 as it prepares for a national strategy on responsible artificial intelligence...
Suriname is assessing its readiness for responsible artificial intelligence use through UNESCO’s updated Readiness Assessment Methodology, known as RAM 2.0. The process is expected to help shape a national AI strategy, while also identifying gaps that Suriname must address before AI can be developed and used responsibly.
Suriname Begins UNESCO RAM 2.0 Assessment
Suriname recently shared its early experience with RAM 2.0 during the fourth UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh. The event took place from September 14 to 17, with Minister Andrew Baasaron of Economic Affairs, Entrepreneurship and Technological Innovation representing Suriname.
According to UNESCO, Suriname is among the first countries to use RAM 2.0. It is also the first country in the English and Dutch speaking Caribbean to apply the updated methodology.
During a ministerial dialogue on September 16, Baasaron explained Suriname’s initial experience with the assessment process.
What RAM 2.0 Examines
RAM 2.0 looks beyond technology. For Suriname, the assessment examines the legal, social, economic, educational and technical conditions needed for responsible AI adoption.
The methodology considers areas such as regulations, governance, digital skills, infrastructure and safeguards for citizens. UNESCO says RAM 2.0 places greater attention on identifying capacity gaps and turning assessment findings into practical national AI governance.
For Suriname, 71 institutions from government, businesses, education and civil society have been identified as stakeholders. Earlier preparation involved 106 participants from 67 institutions across 10 sectors.
The assessment uses surveys, interviews and sector consultations to gather information from different parts of Suriname.
Suriname Works Toward a National AI Strategy
The assessment is expected to provide important information for Suriname’s national AI strategy. With support from the Inter American Development Bank, Suriname is already preparing the strategy.
A workshop is scheduled to begin in November to develop the strategy’s initial outlines. This next stage could be important because identifying problems is only the beginning.
The assessment may reveal weaknesses in regulation, expertise, infrastructure and oversight. However, Suriname will still need practical policies and institutions to address those gaps.
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From AI Assessment to Action
Suriname is also studying how other countries moved forward after completing readiness assessments. This reflects a wider challenge highlighted by UNESCO: many governments pay attention to AI ethics, but institutional capacity to implement policies and measure progress can remain limited.
Suriname is also participating in the UNESCO AI Ethics Action Cohort and working with the new AI Environment and Ecosystems Toolkit.
The approach places AI within a wider framework involving human rights, privacy, safety and sustainability, alongside economic opportunities.
For Suriname, the coming months will show whether RAM 2.0 becomes more than an assessment. Its long term impact will depend on whether the findings lead to concrete rules, stronger institutions and practical safeguards for the responsible development and use of AI in the country.
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