Against a backdrop of growing global climate and geopolitical uncertainty, small island developing states across the Caribbean are increasingly prioritizing the protection of critical digital infrastructure. This week, a two-day regional workshop focused on boosting Caribbean digital resilience kicked off in Belize, hosted by the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (UN ECLAC), with official representation from Antigua and Barbuda’s Ministry of Information Communication Technologies, Utilities and Energy.
Desiree Zachariah, who leads the Business and Data Analytics Unit within the ministry’s eGovernment Department, emphasized that Antigua and Barbuda has long acknowledged the non-negotiable need for robust, secure digital systems to support national operations. For the small island nation, which faces unique vulnerabilities to natural disasters that can cripple local infrastructure, this Belize-based gathering (held June 2–3) offers a rare collaborative platform to engage with cross-regional stakeholders and chart a path forward for rolling out data embassies.
Unlike traditional data storage solutions, data embassies are purpose-built, off-site secure storage facilities designed to help countries safeguard critical national data from catastrophic loss. In the event of a national crisis—whether a hurricane, cyberattack, or infrastructure failure—data embassies ensure that core government services and digital operations can continue uninterrupted, eliminating the risk of total service disruption. A functional data ecosystem also relies on strong supporting legislative foundations, including clearly defined hosting agreements between partner nations, targeted investments in advanced cybersecurity infrastructure, and reliable high-speed network connectivity to keep systems accessible.
Over the course of the workshop, participating delegates and stakeholders will dive into layered discussions evaluating the short-term, medium-term, and long-term advantages of deploying data embassies across the region. Attendees will also explore opportunities for public-private partnerships to fund, build, and maintain these critical facilities, with the ultimate goal of fostering coordinated, cross-sector collaboration between governments, private tech firms, and regional institutions. The workshop’s core mission is to build a holistic, region-wide approach to digital resilience that addresses the unique vulnerabilities of Caribbean nations and creates more secure digital futures for all participating states.