Puerto Rico to host FOPREL’s 32nd extraordinary meeting

Region’s legislative leaders to focus on AI, food security & climate change

By THE STAR STAFF

From Wednesday to Friday, San Juan will welcome members of the Forum of Presidents of Legislative Powers (FOPREL by its acronym in Spanish) for the organization’s 32nd extraordinary meeting. The event aims to strengthen collaborative agreements among legislators from Central America, the Caribbean basin, Mexico, and other regions.

The announcement was made by Carlos “Johnny” Méndez Nuñez, speaker of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives and FOPREL vice president.

“Puerto Rico will become the focal point for many legislatures in the Americas [this] week as we host FOPREL’s extraordinary meeting -- a gathering designed to consolidate cooperation agreements, create new opportunities for socioeconomic development, and evaluate mechanisms to address issues that affect us all,” Méndez said in a written statement Monday.

Key topics on the agenda include the use of artificial intelligence (AI) algorithms in justice and security systems, as well as food supply chain security -- an emerging challenge in the 21st century that has become a national security concern in the United States and its territories, including Puerto Rico. Méndez, who will assume the presidency of FOPREL in 2026, emphasized the importance of the discussions.

FOPREL has been working on AI-related issues for several years. During its April meeting on AI regulatory development, members reviewed legislative progress, including bills introduced in Puerto Rico. Rep. José Aponte Hernández has filed legislation to establish a regulatory framework for AI use in political campaigns and academia, while Rep. José “Che” Pérez Cordero has led a task force on implementing AI in justice systems.

Other topics include combating synthetic illegal drugs and addressing climate change. Presidents of parliaments from Belize, Costa Rica, El Salvador, Guatemala, Honduras, Nicaragua, Panama, the Dominican Republic and Mexico will also attend a special session of the Puerto Rico House of Representatives on Thursday commemorating its 125th anniversary.