PORT-OF-SPAIN, TRINIDAD AND TOBAGO – The second edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Caribbean (SoDTIC) is set to convene from June 16-20, 2025, in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago. This pivotal in-person event aims to equip policymakers and key stakeholders across the region with critical knowledge and foster collaboration to navigate the evolving digital landscape. The initiative, co-organized by a formidable coalition of leading institutions, underscores the growing urgency for strategic digital advancement in the Caribbean.
A Premier Capacity-Building Initiative Returns
Building on the success of its inaugural Caribbean edition in 2024, the 2025 School of Digital Transformation and Innovation is designed to deepen engagement with regional policymakers, industry experts, and international organizations. The program is a collaborative effort spearheaded by the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC), CAF – Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), CETIC.br/NIC.br, The University of the West Indies (UWI), and significant members of the Internet Technical Community, including LACNIC, ICANN, the Internet Society, LACTLD, LAC-IX, ARIN, and RedCLARA. The school provides a focused environment for dialogue, capacity building, and the exchange of best practices, with a limited capacity to ensure in-depth interaction among participants.
Key Focus Areas for a Resilient Digital Future
This year’s program will place a strong emphasis on critical themes vital for the Caribbean’s sustainable development and resilience. Central to the discussions will be infrastructure resilience, addressing the region’s vulnerability to natural disasters and the need for robust, dependable digital networks. Meaningful connectivity will be explored beyond basic access, focusing on how to ensure the internet empowers individuals and communities economically and socially. Artificial intelligence (AI) will be a significant topic, with sessions dedicated to AI governance, ethical considerations, and its potential impact on various sectors. Furthermore, the school will delve into developing effective governance frameworks and innovative financial strategies essential for driving digital transformation initiatives across the diverse island nations.
Addressing Unique Caribbean Challenges
The Caribbean faces a distinct set of challenges in its digital journey. These include limited telecommunications infrastructure, the pervasive threat of natural disasters that can cripple essential services, significant financial constraints, and complex data governance and security concerns. Additionally, the region grapples with issues of digital inclusion, aiming to bridge the digital divide, and economic vulnerabilities that automation poses to sectors like tourism and business process outsourcing. The School of Digital Transformation and Innovation seeks to directly confront these distinct challenges, fostering tailored solutions and promoting regional cooperation to enhance the Caribbean’s digital economy and regulatory landscape.
Fostering Dialogue, Collaboration, and Innovation
The initiative’s objectives extend to advancing policy development, promoting digital inclusion, building resilient digital infrastructure, and strengthening regional cooperation. Through interactive lectures, panel discussions, case studies, and peer-learning exercises, participants will gain cutting-edge knowledge and tools to navigate the evolving digital ecosystem. Leaders at the event have emphasized the importance of this collective effort. Bernardo Requena from CAF highlighted the need for a “bold rethinking” of public value delivery in the digital age, while Dr. Kim Mallalieu of UWI stressed the pursuit of uniquely Caribbean solutions to leverage digital transformation for regional resilience. The news from this event signals a concerted effort by Caribbean nations to proactively shape their digital future through informed policy and collaborative action.
As the region continues its digital evolution, the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Caribbean stands as a crucial platform for dialogue, learning, and the co-creation of a resilient, equitable, and prosperous digital future for all its citizens. This news highlights the ongoing commitment to leveraging technology for development and overcoming specific regional hurdles.