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As part of its participation in the Congreso Futuro 2025, UNESCO is organising two side events in Chile. The first, “Protecting Our Ocean: Driving Action to Promote Sustainable Development”, is being co-organised with the Ocean Culture Working Group (GT COCEAN) of Chile’s National Oceanographic Committee (CONA).

This event, scheduled for 14 January 2025 at 3:30 PM in the Cámara Room of the CEINA Centre, aims to highlight Chile’s leadership in ocean protection. The country has expanded its marine protected areas and played an active role in international forums, such as the signing of the Agreement on Biodiversity Beyond National Jurisdiction (BBNJ), a landmark global treaty to preserve 30% of international waters.

The event will feature panels involving national and international experts, focusing on blue economy, marine conservation, and ocean literacy. These discussions align with the goals of the United Nations Decade of Ocean Science for Sustainable Development (2021–2030). The aim is to raise public awareness about the importance of the ocean, strengthen international cooperation, and encourage the involvement of younger generations in marine conservation efforts.

The second side event, “Shaping the Future: How Can AI Be a Force for Educational Transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean?”, is being organised in collaboration with Chile’s Ministry of Education. It will take place on 15 January at 3:00 PM in Room 1 of the CEINA Centre. This discussion, held as part of International Education Day, will explore the impact of artificial intelligence (AI) on education in the region and examine how this technology can contribute to achieving Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4), which seeks to promote inclusive, quality education for all.

Key topics will include personalised learning, bridging digital divides, and equipping educators with the skills to use AI-based tools effectively. The role of young people in shaping the future of education and incorporating their perspectives into the development of inclusive strategies will also be addressed. With contributions from experts, educators, and young activists, the event will aim to identify successful, ethical, and scalable applications of AI in education.

In addition, on Monday, 13 January, at 3:00 PM, UNESCO’s Assistant Director-General for Natural Sciences, Lidia Brito, will deliver a talk at the CEINA Cultural Centre. The event will also be streamed live via . Her presentation will focus on equity, sustainability, and inclusion, inviting reflection on the key areas where society must make progress to build a fairer and more balanced future. She will emphasise the importance of science and international cooperation as essential pillars for addressing current and future challenges.

Esther Kuisch Laroche, Director of UNESCO’s Regional Office for Latin America and the Caribbean, highlighted the significance of the topics to be discussed:

“Public policies, such as those for the conservation of marine resources, are fundamental pillars for building a more sustainable future, and Chile is taking an important leadership role in this area. At UNESCO, we are committed to fostering international cooperation for sustainable development, including the ethical development of artificial intelligence, which already has a profound impact on our societies. Integrating new technologies into education to ensure that everyone, regardless of their background, has access to tools for learning and development is a major challenge. Spaces for dialogue and exchange like this, bringing together participants from governments, academia, civil society, and international organisations, reflect our belief that partnerships are essential for tackling current and future challenges,” she emphasised.

The Congreso Futuro is a platform for dialogue and reflection on the social, cultural, and political challenges that society will face in the near future. This event, organised by the Senate of Chile through the Commission for the Challenges of the Future, the Chamber of Deputies, the Fundación Encuentros del Futuro, the Chilean Academy of Sciences, and universities across the country, will take place from 13 to 18 January at the CEINA Cultural Centre in Santiago and in other regions of Chile.

This edition will feature over 120 presentations on topics such as technology, education, mental health, artificial intelligence, and climate change. There will also be interactive activities, including workshops, an innovation fair, immersive experiences in virtual and augmented reality, artistic exhibitions, and the First World Summit of Philosophers.