Artificial Intelligence is transforming our societies, economies, and institutions. AI is not just the future—it is already shaping the present. However, the full potential of the fast evolving digital tools and resources in the Caribbean has yet to be fully harnessed.

To address this, the CARICOM Secretariat has fully endorsed the UNDP’s interventions to strengthen the capacities of public servants across the region. AI holds immense promise for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), offering innovative ways to address long-standing challenges such as limited institutional capacity, scarce resources, and heightened vulnerability. The CARICOM Secretariat, as a central regional institution, plays a critical role in fostering a trusted ecosystem for AI in public administration. By enabling collaboration and knowledge-sharing among countries, the region can build on shared strengths and competitive advantages.

Dr. Armstrong Alexis, Deputy Secretary-General of CARICOM, is championing this vision:
“Together, we can amplify awareness whilst at the same time modernize our way of doing business by adopting AI. Understanding both the opportunities and risks of AI will go a long way in shaping a more informed and inclusive citizen experience. The Secretariat is pleased to join this journey alongside UNDP and other valued partners, and we remain committed to advancing this important conversation beyond the impactful AI for SIDS 2.0 series.”

Ugo Blanco, UNDP Resident Representative for Trinidad and Tobago, Aruba, Curaçao, and Sint Maarten, added “AI must serve people, not replace them. Our ambition is to ensure that Artificial Intelligence helps governments deliver more responsive, inclusive, and citizen-centered services. By putting people at the heart of digital transformation, we can unlock innovation and resilience for a be more sustainable and equitable Caribbean.”

A significant number of CARICOM officials, including the Deputy Secretary General, participated in the recent AI for SIDS 2.0 session, organized by UNDP in partnership with the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO), the Ministry of Digital Transformation of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago (MDT), the Association of Caribbean States (ACS), the Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and CARICOM itself.

AI for SIDS 2.0 is a four-part online forum series designed to help government officials explore AI’s role in accelerating sustainable development and resilience in the Caribbean. The series convenes government representatives, digital transformation experts, AI professionals, public sector innovators, policymakers, and academics to explore the ethical and effective use of AI for the public good—promoting cost and time efficiencies, strengthening civil service capacity, and improving service delivery while fostering inclusion, sustainability, and better citizen experiences.

For more information about this and future session on AI for SIDS 2.0,  visit AI for SIDS 2.0: The Caribbean Forum | United Nations Development Programme