United Nations
Second Edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Caribbean
Work area(s)
Event information
Date
Event type
Participation
The Second Edition of the School of Digital Transformation and Innovation in the Caribbean, to be held from June 16–20, 2025 in Port-of-Spain, Trinidad and Tobago, is a flagship regional initiative aimed at empowering mid-to-senior level policymakers and stakeholders with advanced knowledge and tools for digital transformation. Building on the success of its 2024 edition, this year’s School will focus on meaningful connectivity, AI governance, and infrastructure resilience, addressing the unique challenges faced by Caribbean Small Island Developing States. Organized by ECLAC in partnership with CAF, CETIC.br, the Internet technical community, CTU, and UWI, the program will include interactive lectures, panels, and case studies across six thematic pillars, fostering collaboration, policy innovation, and digital inclusion in the region’s evolving digital landscape.
Practical information
The program is co-organized by prominent institutions, including:
• ECLAC: ECLAC: The United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean in collaboration with the initiative of the Digital Alliance EULAC initiative.
• CAF: Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean
• CETIC.br: Centro Regional de Estudos para o Desenvolvimento da Sociedade da Informação
• Internet Technical Community: LACNIC, ICANN, Internet Society, LACTLD, LAC-IX, LACNOG, Red CLARA • CTU: The Caribbean Telecommunications Union • UWI: The University of the West Indies 2.
The Caribbean faces distinct challenges and opportunities in digital transformation. Small Island Developing States (SIDS) in the region grapple with issues such as:
• Limited telecommunications infrastructure
• Exposure to natural disasters
• Financial constraints
• Data governance and security concerns
To address these challenges, the 2025 School will provide a dedicated space for regional dialogue, capacity building, and collaboration. By focusing on meaningful connectivity, resilient digital infrastructure, and AI governance, the program aims to enhance the Caribbean’s digital economy and regulatory landscape.
Objectives
The 2025 edition of the school seeks to:
• Advance Policy Development: Foster discussions on regulatory and policy frameworks for the Caribbean.
• Foster Digital Inclusion: Ensure that digital transformation efforts are equitable and inclusive, bridging the digital divide in underserved communities.
• Develop Resilient Digital Infrastructure: Address the region’s vulnerabilities by promoting robust and sustainable digital infrastructure solutions.
• Promote Ethical AI and Data Governance: Support discussions on responsible AI adoption, ethical considerations, and data protection frameworks.
• Strengthen Regional Cooperation: Promote cross-sectoral collaboration to drive digital transformation.
• Build Technical and Strategic Capacities: Equip policymakers and stakeholders with tools to navigate the evolving digital landscape.
Thematic Pillars and Key Topics
The program is structured around six key thematic pillars, each addressing critical aspects of digital transformation:
1. Internet: operations, actors and current challenges
2. Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Digital Innovation
3. Meaningful Connectivity
4. Infrastructure Resilience and Regulation
5. Measurement and Visualization of Digital Development Progress for Policy Development.
Methodology
The school will use an interactive and practical approach to learning:
• Lectures and Workshops: Expert-led sessions on key thematic areas.
• Panel Discussions and Debates: Dialogues featuring policymakers, industry leaders, and researchers.
• Case studies presentation from participants: Showcasing existing digital initiatives.
