High-Level Side Event: Digital Transformation for Resilience in the Eastern Caribbean: from crises to opportunities

A group of women dancing — Caption: The road to digital transformation in the Eastern Caribbean may be winding, but the destination is clear: a more resilient and prosperous future. Join us on May 29th to explore how technology can unlock opportunity in the region.

Photo: © SIDS4

The Eastern Caribbean can build resilience and unlock prosperity through digital transformation – join a high-level discussion at the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States.

Location

Saint John's

Room 9, SIDS4 Main Conference Venue: American University of Antigua

Antigua & Barbuda

29 May 2024 | 8:00am - 9:30am

About the event

The Eastern Caribbean faces a unique set of challenges, from the ever-present threat of natural disasters to economic vulnerabilities. But there's a powerful solution on the horizon: digital transformation.

This high-level side event, held during the 4th International Conference on Small Island Developing States (SIDS), will be a forum to explore how digital technologies can build resilience and unlock prosperity for the region.

Why Attend?

Learn from the Experts: Gain insights from government officials, UN leaders, and private sector innovators about the latest strategies for accelerating digital transformation in the Eastern Caribbean.
Best Practices for SIDS: Discover best practices for SIDS countries to leverage technology effectively in critical areas like public services, climate change adaptation, and financial inclusion.
Collaboration & Resources: Explore opportunities to collaborate with regional stakeholders and discover how to secure resources to support your digital transformation journey.

Event Details

Date: Wednesday, May 29th, 2024
Time: 8:00 AM - 9:30 AM Eastern Caribbean Time (ECT)
Location: Room 9, American University of Antigua (SIDS4 Conference Venue)

Join the conversation and be part of the solution!

Who Should Attend

Ministers and Permanent Secretaries from relevant government ministries
Private sector representatives
Civil society organizations
Development partners
International financial institutions
Anyone interested in advancing digital transformation in the Eastern Caribbean

Event Conveners

This panel discussion is convened by the UN Sub-regional team (UNST) for Barbados and Eastern Caribbean in partnership with the Government of Antigua and Barbuda.

Time	Event
9.00am - 9.15am	Call to Order and Welcome by Moderator, Anna Paolini, Director and Representative, UNESCO Caribbean
	Opening Remarks - Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and introduction of Keynote Speaker
	Keynote speech from H.E. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Corporate Governance and Public-Private Partnerships, Antigua and Barbuda
	Fostering an Enabling Environment for Digital Transformation Moderator: Anna Paolini, Director and Representative, UNESCO Caribbean

9.15am - 10.30am	Video showcasing beneficiaries from UN support in the sub-region towards Digital Transformation
	Moderator introduces Panel
	Conversational-style panel discussion featuring:
	- Hon. Melford Nicolas, Minister of Information, Communication and Technologies, Utilities and Energy, Government of Antigua and Barbuda
	- H.E. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Home Affairs, Public Administration, Information and Disaster Management and Minister for Infrastructure and Physical Development, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation Government of Grenada
	- Michelle Muschett, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Director of the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
	- Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunications Union.
	- Natalie Abrahams, Chief Executive Officer, Digicel (Barbados).
	Q&A, and other interventions.
	Closing

Time

Event

9.00am - 9.15am

Call to Order and Welcome by Moderator, Anna Paolini, Director and Representative, UNESCO Caribbean

Opening Remarks - Didier Trebucq, UN Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean and introduction of Keynote Speaker

Keynote speech from H.E. Prime Minister Gaston Browne, Prime Minister and Minister of Finance and Corporate Governance and Public-Private Partnerships, Antigua and Barbuda

Fostering an Enabling Environment for Digital Transformation

Moderator: Anna Paolini, Director and Representative, UNESCO Caribbean

9.15am - 10.30am

Video showcasing beneficiaries from UN support in the sub-region towards Digital Transformation

Moderator introduces Panel

Conversational-style panel discussion featuring:

- Hon. Melford Nicolas, Minister of Information, Communication and Technologies, Utilities and Energy, Government of Antigua and Barbuda

- H.E. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister and Minister for National Security, Home Affairs, Public Administration, Information and Disaster Management and Minister for Infrastructure and Physical Development, Public Utilities, Civil Aviation and Transportation Government of Grenada

- Michelle Muschett, UN Assistant Secretary-General, Director of the Regional Bureau for Latin America and the Caribbean of the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).

- Dr. Cosmas Zavazava, Director of Telecommunication Development Bureau, International Telecommunications Union.

- Natalie Abrahams, Chief Executive Officer, Digicel (Barbados).

Q&A, and other interventions.

Closing