CIGF to play crucial role in shaping equitable digital future – SG

As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence continue to develop, the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF) will play a major role in ensuring that the development and use of the Internet proceeds in an equitable manner. This is according to Secretary General at the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), Rodney Taylor.

Taylor made these remarks on Wednesday at the Pegasus Hotel where several dignitaries, government officials among others all gathered for the Launch of this year’s CIGF, one of the longest running Internet Governance Forum in the world.
He highlighted that that the forum over the next few years will play an important role in engaging various stakeholders on the development and adaptation of polices that will address some of the challenges that may arise due to digital transformation.
“Looking ahead to the next ten years, the evolution of the CIGF has been critical as we navigate an increasingly complex digital landscape. As emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence continue to develop, the CIGF will need to adopt its policies and frameworks to address the ethical, legal and societal implications of these advancements. This will require ongoing research, dialogue and the involvement of a broad range of stakeholders” he stated.
In light of this transformation Taylor reaffirmed the CTU’s commitment towards developing more complex polices to protect all Caribbean citizens from the plethora of threats that present themselves on the internet.
“Another key area of focus will be the strengthening of cybersecurity measures to protect our citizens and institutions from the growing threat of cybercrime. The CIGF will need to enhance regional cooperation and capacity building in this domain, ensuring that our policies are robust and responsive to the rapidly changing threat landscape” he stated.
Moreover, the Secretary General also emphasised the major role that the organisation will play in fostering digital inclusion among member states.
“As we move forward, this CIGF must continue to champion digital inclusion, ensuring that all citizens, regardless of age, gender, or socioeconomic status, have access to the Internet and the opportunities it offers. This will involve not only expanding infrastructure, but also addressing the affordability and accessibility of digital services” he stated.
In addition to policy development and global stakeholders’ efforts, the CIGF has been a catalyst for capacity building across the region. Through its various initiatives, the Forum has equipped Caribbean nationals with the skills and knowledge necessary to navigate the complexities of the digital age. This focus of education and capacity building has not only strengthened the region’s digital economy, but has also paved the way for innovation allowing Caribbean citizens to harness the power of the Internet for economic and social development.
Meanwhile, the CIGF is a regional forum initiated by the CTU and the Caribbean Community Secretariat in 2005 to coordinate a regional approach to Internet Governance which has since met annually and has delivered significant and pioneering benefits to the region including formulation of a Caribbean Internet Governance Policy Framework; the proliferation of Internet exchange points (IXPs)among others.