PORT OF SPAIN, Trinidad, CMC—Delegates attending a two-day conference on developing pathways for becoming Small Island Digital States have reached a consensus on the crucial elements defining digital infrastructure readiness in Small Island Developing States (SIDS).
More than 100 representatives from more than 20 Caribbean SIDS also agreed during their two-day meeting on the pathways for becoming Small Island Digital States at the conference organized by the Trinidad and Tobago government, the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the Development Bank for Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).
The European Union (EU), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), the United Nations Capital Development Fund (UNCDF), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), and the global non-profit fund Co-Develop supported the event.
The conference here was a lead-up to the May 27-30 fourth International Conference on SIDS, which will be held in Antigua next month. It served as a platform to foster dialogue and collaboration across five critical pillars for inclusive and sustainable digital success: infrastructure, government, cybersecurity and regulation, economy, and people.
Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Digital Transformation, Hassel Bacchus, said, “Creating a vibrant and healthy digital ecosystem requires digital solid infrastructure, clear rules and regulations, secure cybersecurity measures, and the active participation of everyone involved.
“From improving connectivity to adopting digital government practices and fostering digital innovation, these efforts benefit individuals, businesses, and the region. We are excited about the outcome of the conference and the collaboration and building of a path for digital transformation to empower small island developing states in the Caribbean to succeed in a digital world,” he added.
These include ensuring robust broadband, mobile internet, and electricity access alongside universal digital technology access, setting the stage for concerted efforts to fortify digital infrastructure, and enabling sustainable development in the digital era.
IDB’s general manager, Caribbean Country Office, Anton Edmunds, said the Washington-based financial institution was delighted to have collaborated in hosting this high-level digitalization conference.
“Our shared goal is propelling our Caribbean countries towards becoming Small Island DIGITAL States. Digital transformation is not an option; it is a critical catalyst for sustained economic and social development. As we crafted the ONE Caribbean framework, we discovered its seamless alignment with the strategic priorities of each nation”.
CAF’s Private Sector Vice President, Antonio Silveira, said, “As CAF continues to channel increased development financing to the Caribbean, we are firmly committed to supporting the region’s digital transformation agenda through access to technical assistance and grant funding, investments, knowledge exchange, and capacity building opportunities.
“The digital transition is not only about embracing the latest technological trends but also about leveraging the potential of digitalization to foster regional integration, inclusive growth, and improved quality of life for communities across the region.”
The UNDP Resident Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curacao, Sint Maarten, and Ugo Blanco said the SIDS 2.0 vision and what has been accomplished over the last few days could not be achieved by individual islands alone.
“We must come together as a region so the Caribbean has a clear vision, with specific targets that can support policymakers and development partners to identify priorities, mobilize resources, and measure progress towards the common goal of creating equitable and resilient societies that leverage technology for the greater good,” said Blanco.
Among the key initiatives taken at the meeting is the announcement of a Digital Support facility for the Caribbean being undertaken by UNDP in collaboration with the Ministry of Digital Transformation here.
The Digital Support Facility will be housed within the UNDP Digital 4 Development Hub and will provide technical assistance for countries in the region, including support for resource mobilization through partnerships.
As a follow-up to the conference, the Facility is offering support to Caribbean countries to develop Digital Action Plans to implement the SIDS 2.0 vision so Caribbean SIDS becomes Small Island DIGITAL States
The IDB has also confirmed its commitment to Digital Transformation efforts across the region, having already mobilized approximately US$480 million in the last decade in financial support for the Caribbean in this area.
Furthermore, the recently launched ONE Caribbean framework highlights the importance of digital transformation in securing better economic outcomes and service delivery in the region.
For its part, CAF announced its commitment of up to US75 million in grants and investments to support the digitalization initiatives of Caribbean SIDS.
In addition, CAF reaffirmed that it would join forces with other development partners to scale up financing and strengthen donor coordination. For example, CAF’s partnership with the European Union will mobilize an additional three million Euro(one Euro = US$1.29 cents) grant to support digitalization in Trinidad and Tobago.
CAF said it is also ready to work with all countries in the Caribbean to fast-track the national and regional digital transformation agenda.
Co-Develop has committed one million US dollars to four Caribbean countries to enable deployments of shared digital public infrastructure within one year to support a more inclusive and thriving society. At the same time, the EU has confirmed its commitment to continue to support the Caribbean region’s digital development through the EU-LAC Digital Alliance and welcomed the SIDS 2.0 Conference as an important milestone towards further regional coordination and a harmonized approach to the digital challenges.
and then 