Internet governance: Roadmap for the future, Caribbean forum to host hybrid event

The digital age is upon us, and with it comes the need for robust governance, especially in the realm of the internet.

The Caribbean region, with its diverse cultures and economies, is no exception.

Recognising this, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) and the Caribbean Community (Caricom) secretariat initiated the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF) in 2005.

This forum has since become a cornerstone for the region, addressing pivotal issues and fostering growth in Caribbean influence in international internet governance (IG) circles.

A glimpse into the past

The CIGF's inception was primarily to co-ordinate a regional approach to IG in line with the proceedings of the UN's World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS).

Over the years, the forum has achieved significant milestones, including formulating a Caribbean Internet Governance Policy Framework and establishing internet exchange points (IXPs) across the region. Its efforts in capacity-building and best practices have also been noteworthy.

Notably, the CIGF holds the distinction of being the first and longest-running internet governance forum, globally.

Youth: The changemakers of tomorrow

Spawned by the CIGF because the youth are our collective future, the Caribbean Youth Internet Governance Forum (CYIGF) is a multi-stakeholder event designed by the youth, for the youth. Its primary aim is to bridge the representation and participation gap of the youth in regional IG initiatives.

The CYIGF offers a platform for young voices to be heard, encouraging them to become integral members of the IG community.

With presentations and panels covering topics like digital inclusion and artificial intelligence, the CYIGF elicits youthful perspectives to shape the future of regional IG.'

Objectives:

Scheduled from August 22-24, the 19th CIGF and 2nd CYIGF will be in-person events with remote participation available to significantly extend the reach of the events across the region. These events are set to address some of the most pressing topics in the digital realm.

Accelerating digital transformation: A significant focus will be on accelerating digital transformation, especially in light of the challenges and opportunities presented by the covid19 pandemic.

The CIGF will address the various work streams of IG and will prioritise these policies and initiatives that will facilitate rapid digital transformation.

Strengthening the Caribbean vision: The event will finalise Issue 4.0 of the Caribbean Internet Governance Policy Framework, documenting the updated regional vision and approaches for sustainable, regionally harmonised IG consensus and approaches.

Empowering the youth: The 2nd CYIGF will, in particular, emphasise youth representation in IG, highlighting their important role as future changemakers.

It will also amplify the voices of Caribbean youth and develop their capacity in IG.

Enhancing regional inclusion and connectivity: Digital inclusion, a topic of paramount importance, will be discussed and the ways in which the region can ensure that all its citizens have equitable access. The CIGF will delve into the importance of IXPs and their role in enhancing regional connectivity.

Other hot button issues: will explore the implications of artificial intelligence, a technology that's reshaping industries and societies.

Building capacity: Both events aim to bolster national and regional capacity in IG, which will result in more effective Caribbean representation at regional and global IG fora.

The CIGF/CYIGF is being supported by several internet organisations with operations in the Caribbean.

The forums are open to a diverse audience, including academia, civil society, government policymakers, IT managers, internet users, service providers, telecommunications operators, international organisations and ICT regulators. And of course, individuals and the youth are particularly encouraged to attend.

Participants are encouraged to register at www.ctu.int and be a part of this transformative journey!

Keron Rose is a digital strategist who works with Caribbean entrepreneurs to build their digital presence and monetise their platforms.

Learn more at KeronRose.com or listen to the Digipreneur FM podcast on Apple Podcast, Spotify or Google Podcasts.