(yes this text was generated with AI)
Artificial intelligence is no longer a distant technology trend—it is actively reshaping public services, education, creative industries, security, and climate resilience across the globe. For the Caribbean, AI offers a massive opportunity to accelerate economic growth, streamline public services, and build climate resilience. However, without proactive, regional collaboration, our island nations risk being left behind as passive “standards-takers” in a global AI landscape.
To address these critical challenges and opportunities, the Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) is hosting a landmark event: the Inaugural Caribbean Artificial Intelligence Forum (CAIF 2026).
Whether you are a policymaker, business leader, educator, researcher, technology enthusiast, or student, here is everything you need to know about this flagship regional event and why you should attend.
Event Details at a Glance
- Dates: July 23 – 24, 2026
- Time: 9:00 AM – 5:30 PM (AST)
- Format: Hybrid (In-person & Virtual options available)
- Venue: The University Inn Conference Centre, UWI, St. Augustine, Trinidad and Tobago
- Theme: AI for Caribbean Transformation: Governance, Innovation and Resilience for a Shared Digital Future
- Host: Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) in partnership with UWI
What Makes CAIF 2026 a Must-Attend Event?
1. Launch of the Caribbean AI Task Force (CAITF) Final Report
The forum marks the official unveiling of the CAITF Final Report, establishing a strategic roadmap toward harmonized regional AI policy, ethical governance, and data sovereignty across CARICOM countries.
2. High-Impact Sessions & Thought Leadership
Over two packed days, regional and international leaders will tackle the most pressing topics at the intersection of technology, law, and society:
- Governance & Regional Harmonization: Building shared frameworks that protect sovereignty while enabling regional scale.
- Data Sovereignty & Cybersecurity: Safeguarding Caribbean data infrastructure and preparing local cybersecurity measures for the AI era.
- Ethics, Human Rights, & Inclusion: Developing human-centric safeguards against algorithmic bias to protect vulnerable communities.
- Creatives, Culture, & IP: Addressing copyright, protecting creators’ rights, and unlocking new digital economies for young creators.
- Women in AI: Highlighting women leaders in technology and opening funding and mentorship pathways for women-led startups.
- Youth Cybersecurity Debate: Dynamic debate on mandatory cyber insurance vs. state regulation in driving AI security standards.
3. Diverse, Cross-Sector Networking
CAIF 2026 brings together policy leaders, private sector innovators, development partners (DFIs), academics, civil society champions, and youth innovators under one roof. It is a rare opportunity to connect directly with decision-makers who are actively building the Caribbean’s digital economy.
Who Should Attend?
- Governments & Regulators: Shape harmonized policies, standard frameworks, and public sector AI integration.
- Tech Founders & Industry Leaders: Discover opportunities for regional expansion, investment, and infrastructure partnerships.
- Academics & Researchers: Present and gain insights into AI literacy, regional dataset development, and applied research.
- Creatives & Cultural Entrepreneurs: Learn how to leverage and protect intellectual property in an AI-driven market.
- Students & Youth Innovators: Participate in discussions, debate key digital policies, and explore careers in emerging technologies.
How to Register
Participation is open both in-person in Trinidad and Tobago and virtually online.
Ready to join the movement?
Reserve your spot by registering directly on the Official CTU AI Forum Event Page.
Be part of the conversation shaping a secure, ethical, and Caribbean-centered digital future.