Mauritius, 1 August 2026 – Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean regions concluded the 3rd Small Island Developing States Internet Governance Forum (SIDS IGF) in Mauritius, reaffirming their commitment to strengthening digital resilience, improving Internet governance, advancing secure digital transformation and deepening cooperation among island nations.
Held under the theme, “Navigating the Digital Tide: Resilience, Security and Innovations in SIDS,” the Forum was hosted for the first time in the Indian Ocean by the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) in partnership with the Dynamic Coalition of SIDS in the Internet Economy and the Halley Movement.
Opening the Forum, Hon. Lutchmanah Raj Pentiah, Minister of Public Service and Administrative Reforms of Mauritius, emphasized the opportunities presented by technology, digital transformation and regional cooperation among Small Island Developing States.
“Modern technology has fundamentally changed the meaning of distance by allowing countries separated by oceans to collaborate continuously. Rather than defining themselves by their small size, SIDS should define themselves by their ability to cooperate across borders.”
Nigel Cassimire, Deputy Secretary-General of the CTU, reflected on the opportunities and challenges facing Small Island Developing States in an increasingly digital world.
“The digital economy presents tremendous possibilities for economic diversification, entrepreneurship, education, innovation, public service delivery, and greater participation in global markets. But it introduces new risks and governance challenges that no country can effectively address in isolation. These realities demand our collaboration and coordinated action. And they require stronger SIDS engagement in regional and global Internet governance processes.”
Mahendranath Busgopaul, Secretary-General of the Halley Movement and Mauritius IGF, described the event as a historic milestone for island nations and reaffirmed the importance of sustainable and collaborative digital development.
“Small island developing states exist on the absolute frontlines of global climate change, and increasingly on the frontiers of complex cyber threats. For us, development cannot be a race to leapfrog into digitalization. It must be a careful, sustainable journey that protects our economies, our environments, and our people. Our digital future must be built with resilience, sustainability, and responsibility at its core.”
Throughout the two-day Forum, participants explored a wide range of issues affecting island nations, including cybersecurity, digital public infrastructure, artificial intelligence, online trust and safety, climate resilience and sustainable development.
Participants examined ways in which SIDS can leverage emerging technologies to accelerate development while maintaining sovereignty, security and public trust. Discussions also emphasized that technology alone is not enough, and that strong institutions, effective policies and governance frameworks remain essential for successful and sustainable digital transformation.
A recurring theme throughout the Forum was the importance of regional collaboration. Representatives from the Caribbean, Pacific and Indian Ocean regions called for stronger South-South cooperation through the exchange of expertise, knowledge, cybersecurity practices, digital infrastructure strategies and capacity-building initiatives.
The Forum also placed significant emphasis on youth participation in digital governance. Participants stressed that young people must be given meaningful opportunities to contribute to digital policy discussions and help shape the future they will inherit. Speakers highlighted the value of youth leadership, digital literacy and inclusive participation in ensuring that digital ecosystems reflect the priorities and aspirations of younger generations.
Participants welcomed the establishment of the Internet Governance Forum as a permanent United Nations platform and stressed the importance of ensuring that the priorities and experiences of SIDS are reflected in global discussions on Internet governance, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity and digital inclusion. Discussions also highlighted the importance of strengthening SIDS representation in international organizations and global policy processes so that island states can amplify their collective voice and influence on issues that directly affect their development and resilience.
As the Forum concluded, participants underscored a shared belief that Small Island Developing States must not merely adapt to the challenges of the digital age but increasingly help to shape its future through cooperation, innovation and collective action.
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