The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Week 2024 is currently underway at the St. Kitts Marriott Resort under the theme, Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future.
This week-long initiative is aimed at emphasising the pivotal role of ICT in fostering deeper regional integration across the Caribbean, addressing the region’s digital future through innovation, inclusivity, and resilience.
The opening ceremony, on 30th September, featured remarks from prominent international and regional leaders, including keynote speaker Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), Grenada’s Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, Chairman of CARICOM, Hon. Konris Maynard, Minister with responsibility for Information, Communication and Technology and Senator Hassel Bacchus, Trinidad and Tobago’s Minister of Digital Transformation and President of the CTU General Conference of Ministers.
In her keynote address, Doreen Bogdan-Martin – the first woman to hold the position of ITU Secretary-General in its 157-year history – highlighted the transformative power of digital technologies and their profound impact on global development. Reflecting on the recent adoption of the Global Digital Compact at the United Nations, Bogdan-Martin emphasised its relevance for small island developing states (SIDS), such as those in the Caribbean. She noted that these nations face unique challenges, especially in building digital resilience in the face of climate-related disasters.
“Hurricane Beryl is a tragic reminder of this hard truth,” she said, underscoring the critical need for early warning systems and robust digital infrastructure in the Caribbean.
Bogdan-Martin outlined three key insights from discussions she had with global leaders, which are essential for the region’s digital transformation. The first insight focused on building resilience, particularly around securing connectivity. Bogdan-Martin emphasised the need to strengthen submarine cable infrastructure and enhance cybersecurity across the region. She highlighted ITU’s collaboration with the International Cable Protection Committee (ICPC) to improve submarine cable resilience, ensuring that the Caribbean remains connected even during disruptions. The ITU is also committed to fostering partnerships for broader connectivity, from subsea cables to satellites, to ensure that every citizen has access to reliable internet.
The second insight was centred on driving inclusion. Bogdan-Martin stressed that despite growth in internet usage, significant gaps remain in mobile broadband penetration, the urban-rural digital divide, and gender inequality in access to technology. She highlighted the ITU’s collaboration with UNICEF through the GIGA program, which aims to connect every school in the world to the internet, with a particular focus on the Eastern Caribbean
The final insight concerned the need to foster innovation, which Bogdan-Martin described as, “the glue holding everything together”. She highlighted the importance of artificial intelligence (AI) in shaping the region’s future, noting that AI can either help Caribbean nations leapfrog in development or exacerbate existing inequalities. To ensure that AI benefits all communities equitably, the ITU has launched initiatives such as the AI Skills Coalition and the upcoming International AI Standards Summit. These efforts aim to establish global standards, build trust, and create opportunities for innovation.
Meanwhile, Minister Maynard expressed immense pride in hosting the CTU ICT Week, which coincided with St. Kitts and Nevis’ 41st anniversary of independence. He emphasised that his country is positioning itself as a leader in the region’s ICT landscape. Maynard highlighted the theme of the event, Bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future, and underscored the importance of harnessing emerging technologies to enhance economic resilience, protect the environment, and empower citizens.
Maynard outlined the St. Kitts and Nevis government’s ambitious digital transformation programme, which includes modernising public services, enhancing connectivity, and promoting digital literacy.
A key initiative is the implementation of a National Electronic Identification System (EID) aimed at streamlining e-government services and bolstering cybersecurity. He stressed the need for regional and international cooperation through organisations like the CTU to achieve these ambitious goals and ensure that the Caribbean benefits from technological progress.
Grenada’s Prime Minister Mitchell, who is also CARICOM’sLead Head of Government for Science and Technology, officially opened the week-long session. He echoed the sentiments of his colleagues, emphasising that technology is ultimately a tool that must be wielded with purpose.
“The future of the Caribbean, its economies, its civilization, and its people depends on how we utilise these tools to bridge the gaps, foster inclusion, and build a resilient and prosperous region,” PM Mitchell said.
The week-long CTU ICT conference will continue to focus on addressing the challenges and opportunities presented by the digital age, with stakeholders from across the region and the world contributing their expertise. The event is expected to produce actionable outcomes that will help shape a more resilient, inclusive, and innovative Caribbean region for the future.
Photos: Doreen Bogdan-Martin, Secretary-General of the International Telecommunication Union (ITU)
Be the first to comment on "Caribbean CTU ICT Week focuses on bridging Technologies for a Sustainable and Inclusive Future"