The UNESCO Caribbean Artificial Intelligence (AI) Policy Roadmap received formal endorsement from CARICOM's technology council on July 7, 2026, a move that signals a unified regional approach to AI governance at a time when small states risk being sidelined in global digital rule-making.
The Roadmap, launched in 2024, was presented 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). It draws on the UNESCO Recommendation on the Ethics of AI and was shaped by consultations with more than 1,000 stakeholders across the English- and Dutch-speaking Caribbean.
A shared vision for AI governance
COTED-ICT members endorsed the Roadmap, sending what UNESCO described as a strong signal of regional collaboration. The framework aims to help Caribbean nations develop AI policies that are inclusive, trustworthy, and aligned with sustainable development-rather than simply adopting technologies built elsewhere.
"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," said Eric Falt, Regional Director and Representative of UNESCO. "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."
CARICOM's strategic imperative
The endorsement reflects growing urgency within CARICOM to take control of digital policy. Prime Minister of Grenada Dickon Mitchell, who leads the bloc's science and technology portfolio, stressed that digital transformation is no longer optional for small states.
"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. We must act collectively and strategically to ensure that our region is not left at the margins," Mitchell said. "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."
From roadmap to implementation
UNESCO is already working with member states to move from policy to practice. Its Readiness Assessment Methodology has been completed or is underway in several Caribbean countries, helping governments identify policy gaps, strengthen institutional capacity, and set priorities for ethical AI governance.
For professionals tasked with turning these frameworks into operational systems, building the right skills is critical. An AI Learning Path for Policy Makers provides training in governance, ethics, and policy analysis that aligns with the region's emerging needs.
Why this matters for IT and development professionals
The Roadmap's endorsement signals that Caribbean governments will soon need technical talent to implement AI governance frameworks. IT architects, developers, and data engineers should expect growing demand for skills in AI auditing, bias detection, and data governance. Professionals who understand both the policy rationale and the technical architecture of ethical AI will be positioned to lead regional projects and shape how AI is built and deployed across the Caribbean.
Your membership also unlocks:
