The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) hosted the 19th edition of its Caribbean Internet Governance Forum (CIGF) and its Caribbean Youth Internet Governance Forum (CYIGF) from Tuesday-Thursday, at the CTU headquarters in Port of Spain and virtually.

This year's theme was Evolving Caribbean Internet Governance Priorities for Sustainable Development. A release from CTU said the vital components of internet governance, which were brought into sharp focus by the lessons learned during the global pandemic, were discussed.

It said a major objective of this forum is to approve a significant update of the policy framework to take account of technical and service developments in the interim. It was last issued in 2016.

The release said the CGIF played a pivotal role in shaping a regional approach to internet governance, catalysing achievements such as the Caribbean Internet Governance Policy Framework and increasing internet exchange points and has increased Caribbean influence on the global stage of internet governance. The CIGF, CTU said, also holds the distinction of being the world's longest continuously-running internet governance forum.

This is the second CYIGF and this year, the focus was to empower the youth of the Caribbean to become the torchbearers of tomorrow's digital world. The CTU said it was designed by youth, for youth and aims to close the gaps in youth representation and participation in regional internet governance initiatives. The CTU said it also offers an opportunity for youths to have their voices heard, engage with thought leaders and champion digital inclusion and innovation.

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