As artificial intelligence (AI) rapidly reshapes economies and societies worldwide, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU), in partnership with the University of the West Indies (UWI), St Augustine and the AI Innovation Centre, will host the inaugural Caribbean AI Forum 2026 (CAIF 2026) from July 23-24 2026 under the theme, “AI for Caribbean Transformation: Governance, Innovation and Resilience for a Shared Digital Future.” The Forum will be held at the University Inn Conference Centre, The UWI, St Augustine and Trinidad and Tobago.

For the Caribbean, AI presents significant opportunities to improve public services, strengthen disaster resilience, drive innovation, build digital skills and enhance regional competitiveness. However, achieving these benefits requires coordinated policies, strong governance and regional collaboration. However, CAIF 2026 will bring together Ministers, policymakers, information and communications technology (ICT) regulators, development partners, private sector leaders, academia, civil society and youth to advance a coordinated regional approach to AI and its role in accelerating the Caribbean’s digital transformation. In July 2025, the CTU established the Caribbean AI Task Force (CAITF) to guide the development of ethical, inclusive and responsible AI across the region. At CAIF 2026, the CTU will officially launch the CAITF Final Report, providing a strategic roadmap for harmonised AI governance, regional cooperation and practical implementation across the Caribbean. The Forum aims to: launch the CAITF Final Report and its regional recommendations; promote harmonised AI governance and implementation partnerships; facilitate multi-stakeholder dialogue and showcase Caribbean AI innovation; and establish the Caribbean AI Forum as a recurring regional platform for collaboration and knowledge exchange. The two-day programme will feature keynote addresses, ministerial discussions, expert panels and innovation showcases focused on AI governance, digital infrastructure, responsible AI, capacity building and emerging technologies. The CTU envisions CAIF as a platform that will strengthen regional cooperation and position the Caribbean as a proactive, responsible and collaborative participant in the global AI ecosystem. Governments, regulators, technology companies, entrepreneurs, development partners, researchers, civil society organisations and youth are invited to participate and contribute to shaping a responsible, inclusive and Caribbean-centred AI future.