Young people represent a sizeable and vital population in Small Island Developing States (SIDS). For them, digital technologies are more than just tools; they are gateways to new horizons. Digital is creating fresh opportunities, opening doors to unconventional careers, and redefining how knowledge is acquired and shared. Young people are using digital to start new businesses, explore new opportunities, learn new knowledge and skills, and to build global connections. However, young people are also cautious about digital – and they recognise risks and issues posed by digital channels, tools, and technologies.

‘How Digital is Transforming the Lives of Young People in SIDS’ explores these opportunities and challenges by hearing from young people – in their own words. Through a bespoke survey chatbot, running on messaging platforms most used by young people living in SIDS, more than 5,000 respondents from over 30 countries discuss how they’re using digital to transform their lives and livelihoods. And the barriers and challenges that they are facing on their digital journeys. Young people in SIDS are increasingly becoming digital advocates, ambassadors, and leaders. From a growing community of female data scientists in the Maldives, to educators lowering the barriers to the Fourth Industrial Revolution in Timor-Leste, and how young people are using approaches such as gamification to improve financial literacy amongst their peers in Trinidad and Tobago. The digital future in SIDS is only just beginning.