Parliamentarians discussed the role of national legislatures in transforming digital economies in the Caribbean in a meeting organized by ParlAmericas and the House Democracy Partnership
Today, ParlAmericas and the U.S. Congress House Democracy Partnership (HDP) concluded a two-day parliamentary exchange in Miami, United States, organized with the support of the National Democratic Institute (NDI), International Republican Institute (IRI), U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM), and Florida International University (FIU). The meeting focused on strategies to enhance digital transformations in the Caribbean through sharing of global good practices. It brought together parliamentarians from the Caribbean and the United States, as well as technical experts from various private sector companies, civil society and international organizations.
Over the course of the two days, participants discussed the evolving challenges and opportunities related to digital economies in the region, recognizing the need to continually update legislative and policy frameworks.
Opening remarks were provided by Derek Luyten, Executive Director, House Democracy Partnership; Alisha Todd, Director General, ParlAmericas; and Shlomi Dinar, Dean at FIU’s Green School of International and Public Affairs. Subsequent panel discussions highlighted the role of parliamentarians in advancing digital economies, bridging the digital divide, and supporting digital transformation of government services, as well as strategies to harness the digital economy to build climate resilience and leave no one behind. A welcome reception hosted by FIU concluded the day’s activities at which remarks were delivered by Dean Shlomi Dinar, Representative Mario Diaz-Balart (United States), and Representative Barbara Lee (United States).
The second day of the meetings allowed for continued exchange among parliamentarians focusing on artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, leveraging the private sector and financial technology for digital economic growth, opportunities and challenges for employment in the digital economy, as well as interactive learning to troubleshoot regulatory challenges, implementation and coordination between government ministries and the legislative branch.
The meeting was made possible with the support of USAID, FIU and the Government of Canada through Global Affairs Canada.
