Georgetown, Guyana, 22nd July 2024 – The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) in collaboration with the Government of Guyana, is pleased to announce the hosting of the 20th Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF) and the 3rd Caribbean Youth Internet Governance Forum (CYIGF). These events will take place at the Pegasus Hotel in Georgetown, Guyana from 21st – 23rd August 2024, with the theme Reflections, Priorities and Projections re Caribbean Internet & Digital Governance.
The CIGF, renowned as the longest-running Internet Governance Forum in the world, returns to Guyana, the site of its inaugural event in 2005, for its 20th edition. This year’s dynamic forum features a blend of in-person and virtual participation and aims to further solidify the Caribbean’s role in shaping global Internet governance policies as part of the CTU’s efforts to support regional digital transformation.
Primary focus of the CIGF is to address Internet governance policies and initiatives for priority attention and regional consensus to facilitate accelerated digital transformation in the Caribbean. It will also feature an array of distinguished speakers, including key figures from the global Internet governance community, government officials and industry leaders. Attendees can look forward to receiving updates from national, regional and global IG fora; engaging capacity building sessions led by the Global Forum on Cyber Expertise (GFCE); and insightful panel discussions on topics such as digital inclusion, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence and much more.
Running concurrently with the CIGF, the 3rd CYIGF is designed to amplify the voices of Caribbean youth in the Internet governance conversation and ensure they are heard. This unique platform allows young leaders to engage with their peers, share idea and contribute to critical topics such as securing their digital future, bridging the digital divide, overcoming challenges, advancing monetisation for Caribbean content creators and boosting business efficiency through the use of artificial intelligence (AI).
As of July 2024, the CYIGF has been recognised as a National and Regional IGF initiative (NRI) by the United Nations Internet Governance Forum. NRIs are platforms established to discuss, develop, and influence policies and practices related to Internet governance at various levels with a focus on local/regional priorities.
“We are at a critical juncture in the digital evolution of the Caribbean,” said Rodney Taylor, Secretary-General of the CTU. “The 20th CIGF and 3rd CYIGF represent an important opportunity for all stakeholders across the region to come together, share knowledge, and collaboratively chart a course towards a secure, inclusive and innovative digital Caribbean.”
Guyana is pleased to partner with the Caribbean Telecommunications Union to host this historic 20th edition of the Caribbean Internet Governance Forum. The Forum comes at a time when Guyana is experiencing tremendous growth in the ICT sector and is actively pursuing policies aimed at accelerating broadband penetration. We expect the outputs of the 20th IGF to contribute to accelerating national and regional efforts at achieving universal meaningful connectivity,” stated Prime Minister of Guyana Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips MSS.
The CTU/ARIN/LACNIC/ Policy Forum is also co-located with the CIGF and CYIGF. This forum will feature keynote speakers, interactive discussions and case studies on international Internet public policy topics relevant to the Caribbean.
The CTU invites participation from government representatives, industry professionals, academics, youth and anyone interested in the future of Internet Governance in the Caribbean. Please register as soon as possible for the CIGF and CYIGF events.
We look forward to your valuable contributions to moving IG forward in a manner that will help shape the Digital Future of the Caribbean!
