Suriname shared its first experiences with the updated Readiness Assessment Methodology (RAM 2.0) during the 4th UNESCO Global Forum on the Ethics of Artificial Intelligence in Riyadh. The study maps the extent to which the country is prepared for the responsible application and regulation of artificial intelligence.
Minister Andrew Baasaron of Economische Zaken, Ondernemerschap en Technologische Innovatie (EZOTI) participated in the international forum in Saudi Arabia from September 14 to 17, 2026, at UNESCO’s invitation. Suriname is among the first countries in the world to take part in RAM 2.0 and, according to the ministry, is the first country in the region to work with the updated methodology.
With the assessment, Suriname aims to determine which legal, social, economic, educational and technical conditions are needed to apply artificial intelligence in a responsible and future-oriented manner. This includes examining the potential of AI for economic growth, entrepreneurship and improving services to citizens.
Minister Baasaron took part in the High-Level Ministerial Dialogue on September 16, titled A New Phase of AI Readiness: Evidence from RAM and the Road Ahead. During this meeting, UNESCO introduced RAM 2.0 worldwide. Baasaron shared Suriname’s first experiences with representatives from, among others, the Comoros and Somalia.
The minister also took part on September 14 in a closed ministerial programme on international cooperation in the field of artificial intelligence.
Preparation of national AI strategy
The Surinamese delegation also used the forum to prepare for the phase following the completion of the assessment. Within the UNESCO AI Ethics Action Cohort, Suriname is participating in a programme concerning the new AI Environment and Ecosystems Toolkit.
During the forum, knowledge was exchanged on how other countries translate the results of AI readiness assessments into policy, institutional measures and concrete projects.
Talks were also held with UNESCO and the regional office for the Caribbean. These discussions addressed further support in completing RAM 2.0 and translating the results into concrete policy measures.
The development of national AI policy and its alignment with international guidelines and best practices were also discussed.
The results of RAM 2.0 must ultimately form an important basis for Suriname’s national AI strategy. This strategy is being prepared with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The ministry intends to begin a workshop in November 2026 to develop the strategy. The findings from RAM 2.0 will be used to determine priorities, risks and points of attention for the national AI agenda.
71 organisations involved
The Readiness Assessment Methodology examines, among other things, how well a country is prepared legally, socially, economically, educationally and technologically for the development, application and governance of artificial intelligence.
In Suriname, the process is overseen by a national steering committee, with support from UNESCO. A total of 71 institutions from government, the private sector, education and civil society have been identified as stakeholders.
Through participation in RAM 2.0, Suriname aims, according to the ministry, to work towards its own national approach to artificial intelligence, linking responsible use, innovation and economic development.
