The rapid rise of artificial intelligence (AI) has had a huge impact on all professions, leaving no sector untouched anywhere in the world. Every day, we witness how the fast pace of AI is influencing all realms of professional life. Within the fields of translation, interpreting, and terminology, much time has been devoted to analysing how AI might be integrated to elevate professional practices.
In the face of the multitude of challenges posed by AI, in 2023 the FIT’s Latin America Regional Centre (FIT LatAm) launched an initiative to define shared criteria and take a stance on the inevitable links between AI and our professions that are already in place. At the 5th International Congress held by Colegio de Traductores e Intérpretes de Chile (COTICH) in Viña del Mar in July 2023, FIT LatAm presented a document to the annual general meeting detailing several considerations about the ramifications of AI on our profession. This document, entitled ‘Viña del Mar Declaration on Artificial Intelligence, Translation, Interpretation, and Terminology’, was the focus of a productive dialogue among all FIT LatAm member associations, with the aim of harmonising our views and reaching a consensus that represented and aligned with our Regional Centre’s guiding principles, as outlined in our bylaws.
Following months of dedicated work, and under the guidance and supervision of FIT LatAm’s Board Member for Academic Affairs, Cristián Araya Medel, all feedback from member associations was collected, reviewed, and integrated into the final document, which gained unanimous support from all active members. The document was formally presented at the 2024 annual general meeting on 23 May in Lima, Peru, with FIT President Alison Rodríguez in attendance.
This Declaration crystallises the collective effort of a regional bloc of associations coming together for a common good. It also serves as a testament to the commitment towards integration on a continent that raises its voice to advocate for our professions.
Cristián Araya Medel (COTICH)
FIT LatAm’s Board Member for Academic Affairs (2022–2025)
