CTU ICT Week 2026 – French Guiana

September 20, 2026 - September 24, 2026
Venue: Mercure Cayenne Royal Amazonia Hotel, Cayenne, French Guiana

The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), in collaboration with the Collectivité Territoriale de Guyane, is pleased to host CTU ICT Week 2026 – French Guiana, from 20th– 24th September, 2026. 

As the CTU’s premier annual event, ICT Week provides a platform for regional and international stakeholders to exchange ideas, share best practices and shape digital policy and development across the Caribbean. 

The 2026 edition is particularly significant as it serves as a strategic prelude to the ITU Plenipotentiary Conference 2026 (PP-26), positioning the Caribbean to engage more effectively on the global ICT agenda. 

The theme, “Advancing Resilience, Inclusion, Cybersecurity and Innovation in Caribbean Digital Development”, reflects a forward-looking, balanced approach to the region’s digital transformation, integrating social, economic and technological priorities. 

It builds on current CTU themes while responding to emerging global challenges, including climate vulnerability, digital inequality, cybersecurity risks and the rapid evolution of digital technologies. 

The theme also envisions French Guiana as a model for digital transformation, showcasing its strategic potential within the Caribbean and wider global digital ecosystem. 

OBJECTIVES 

CTU ICT Week 2026 aims to: 

  • Manage and oversee the strategic and operational effectiveness of the CTU 
  • Advance regional dialogue and cooperation on digital transformation and ICT policy 
  • Support the development of inclusive, resilient and sustainable digital economies 
  • Promote strategic ICT leadership among Caribbean governments 
  • Provide a platform for sharing insights on emerging technologies and global trends 
  • Strengthen regional coordination and global positioning in preparation for PP-26 
  • Encourage innovation, entrepreneurship and investment in the ICT sector 

KEY HIGHLIGHTS 

  • Statutory CTU Meetings – Including the convening of Ministers responsible for ICT to guide the strategic direction of the CTU. 
  • 24th Strategic ICT Ministerial Seminar – A high-level forum to identify technological trends and where high level dialogue will take place on regional ICT priorities and policy strategies. 
  • Expert Presentations and Panel Discussions – Featuring global thought leaders and technical experts on critical topics such as: 
  1. Digital Resilience  
  1. Universal Meaningful Connectivity and Digital Inclusion 
  1. AI, Data Governance and Digital Policy Leadership 
  1. Digital Economy, Innovation and Investment 
  1. Digital Government and Public Service Transformation 
  1. Skills, Jobs and the Future Workforce 
  1. Regional Integration and Global Positioning 
  • Innovation and Networking Spaces – Showcasing the creative potential of Caribbean innovators and entrepreneurs. 
  • Women and Youth Participation – Activities designed to engage women, young people, civil society and other stakeholders in the digital development agenda. 

TARGET AUDIENCE 

  • Government Ministers and policymakers 
  • ICT regulators and public sector technocrats 
  • Private sector representatives and investors 
  • Regional and international development partners 
  • Academia and research institutions 
  • Civil society and youth networks 

SIGNIFICANCE 

CTU ICT Week 2026 is positioned to serve as a catalyst for regional digital transformation, reinforcing the critical role of ICT in shaping a prosperous and connected Caribbean. The event will contribute to shaping forward-looking policies that increase the region’s competitiveness and resilience in an evolving global digital landscape. 

The CTU, with its members and partners, aim to unlock the full potential of ICTs for innovation, economic growth and sustainable development throughout the Caribbean. 

REGISTER

CTU ICT Week 2026 – French Guiana

20th – 24th September 2026

Week at a Glance

Date Time Event
20 Sep 2026 18:00 Opening Ceremony (Sponsored Cocktail)
21 Sep 2026 09:00–17:00 24th Ministerial Strategic ICT Seminar
21 Sep 2026 12:00 Sponsored Lunch (Open)
21 Sep 2026 18:00 Open for Sponsor
22 Sep 2026 07:00 Amazon Sponsored Breakfast
22 Sep 2026 09:00–13:00 55th Executive Council Meeting
22 Sep 2026 09:00–13:00 CTU 4th CIYN Meeting
22 Sep 2026 09:00–13:00 Digital Futures Forum
22 Sep 2026 09:00–13:00 Commonwealth Connectivity Agenda (CCA) Workshop
22 Sep 2026 12:00 Sponsored Lunch (Open)
22 Sep 2026 14:00 Joint Meeting of 55th EC and 32nd GC (Open)
22 Sep 2026 18:00 Open for Sponsor
23 Sep 2026 07:00 French Guiana Sponsored Breakfast
23 Sep 2026 09:00–17:00 32nd General Conference of Ministers (GC32 Closed)
23 Sep 2026 09:00–17:00 2nd CTU Network of Women Leadership Seminar
23 Sep 2026 12:00 Sponsored Lunch (Open)
24 Sep 2026 07:00 Sponsored Breakfast (Open)
24 Sep 2026 09:00–13:00 12th Caribbean ICT Regulators Forum
24 Sep 2026 09:00–13:00 CTU ICT4PWDs Leadership Workshop
24 Sep 2026 12:00 Sponsored Lunch (Open)
24 Sep 2026 14:00 Tour of the European Space Agency’s Guiana Space Centre (CSG)
24 Sep 2026 18:00 Sponsored Closing Cocktail (Open)

Ella Link

EllaLink is a privately funded and independent company committed to providing products and services on a Carrier Neutral and Open Access basis.

The EllaLink submarine cable system is an advanced optical platform offering secure high-capacity connectivity on a unique low latency transatlantic route serving the growing needs of the Latin American and European markets.

The EllaLink network directly connects Brazil and Europe, linking the major hubs of São Paulo, Rio de Janeiro and Fortaleza with Lisbon, Madrid and Marseille.

The EllaLink submarine cable system has been built with state-of-the-art coherent technology initially offering 100Tbps of capacity over four direct fibre pairs between Europe and Brazil. Marguerite II, a pan-European equity fund active in the renewables, energy, transport and digital infrastructure sectors, is the main shareholder of EllaLink.