The UNESCO Office for the Caribbean was pleased to present the UNESCO Caribbean Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Roadmap at the 126th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development – Information and Communication Technologies (COTED-ICT), a principal organ of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) that advances the regional Single Market and Economy and promotes regional cooperation on trade, ICT, and sustainable development.
During the meeting, members of COTED-ICT endorsed the Roadmap, sending a significant and strong signal of the region’s shared approach to AI. Launched in 2024, the Roadmap provides a regional framework for AI policy development and collaboration. It is grounded in the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI, and is also informed by consultations that took place with more than 1,000 stakeholders across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.
UNESCO’s commitment though, extends beyond the Roadmap as it is already working with Member States and regional partners to help translate principles into practice. This includes UNESCO’s Readiness Assessment Methodology, with work completed or underway in several countries across the region, helping identify policy gaps, strengthen institutional capacity, and establish practical priorities for ethical and inclusive AI governance in the Caribbean.
The Caribbean should not simply consume AI technologies developed elsewhere, but should help shape how AI is governed, used and directed toward the public good. AI will shape the future of the Caribbean. Together, we can ensure that it does so in ways that protect rights, advance inclusion, strengthen resilience and expand opportunity for every citizen, in every island and territory.
Eric Falt, Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO
For CARICOM, digital transformation is no longer optional. The rules governing digital trade, AI, and data are evolving rapidly, often without the meaningful participation of Small States. Wwe must act collectively and strategically to ensure that our region is not left at the margins. AI is accelerating our transition to a more connected, data-driven world. It presents a unique opportunity for CARICOM countries to leapfrog traditional development pathways, foster innovation, and create high-quality jobs, while also demanding careful stewardship to ensure inclusion, trust, and ethical use.
The Hon. Dickon Mitchell, Prime Minister of Grenada and Lead Head of Government with responsibility for Science and Technology in the CARICOM Quasi Cabinet
The endorsement of the UNESCO Caribbean Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Roadmap marks an important step toward strengthening regional collaboration and supporting the development of AI policies that are inclusive, trustworthy, and aligned with sustainable development.
READ MORE: https://www.unesco.org/en/articles/unescos-caribbean-ai-roadmap-wins-regional-backing?hub=701
