Against a backdrop of 1,500+ submissions drawn from 461 countries across the globe, a small Caribbean innovation leader has defied expectations and secured a place among the world’s most impactful digital inclusion initiatives. Island Innovators, a Grenada-based organization focused on unlocking regional tech potential, has claimed one of only 15 finalist spots in the Digital Inclusion category of the 2026 Digital@UNGA Awards, ranking in the top 1% of all nominated projects and putting the Caribbean firmly on the map of global innovation. The honor will be formally recognized during the 81st session of the United Nations General Assembly, hosted in New York, where the organization will be celebrated for its work advancing equitable digital transformation across small island developing states.
To carry the voice of both his organization and the entire Caribbean region to the UNGA stage, Island Innovators has selected Joshua Andall, Grenada’s current Caricom Youth Ambassador, to collect the award on its behalf. Andall’s participation extends far beyond the awards ceremony: he will also serve as an official delegate to the 14th International Youth Conference (IYC14), running from 2 to 25 September, where he will deliver a two-minute plenary address centered on artificial intelligence and global governance from a marginalized regional perspective.
In comments ahead of the conference, Andall outlined the focus of his upcoming intervention, noting that his remarks will center the unique perspectives of young people and developing nations when examining how AI is reshaping global systems of governance. For Island Innovators, this high-profile recognition and platform represents far more than an industry honor—it is a pivotal step in establishing Grenada and the broader Caribbean as active players in the emerging space of tech-diplomacy (often shortened to “techplomacy”), which leverages local innovation, cross-regional partnerships, and Caribbean-specific expertise to align domestic development priorities with global digital opportunities.
Brendan Heyck, co-founder of Island Innovators alongside Fayeann Lawrence, emphasized that regional talent must claim a seat at the table when global technology infrastructure is being designed, rather than remaining passive observers to decisions that will shape their future. “Being selected as a finalist from more than 1,500 submissions is meaningful recognition of the work we do, but this moment is about far more than acknowledgement,” Heyck explained. “It is about turning global conversations into tangible action and real opportunity for Grenada and the entire Caribbean. By supporting Joshua to attend, we ensure that a talented, ambitious Caribbean voice is front and center in discussions that will determine how technology and AI shape our collective future, and the future of generations to come.”
Founded to bridge the gap between regional professionals and global opportunities, Island Innovators works directly to connect established leaders, startup founders, and industry experts with high-impact openings, while accelerating inclusive economic development across the Caribbean. This latest UNGA recognition comes on the heels of the organization’s recently concluded Gold Economy Digital and Tech Leadership Assembly, held 1 September in Grenada. The summit brought together 30 strategic leaders from Grenada, Barbados, St. Lucia, and the United States to move beyond abstract discussion of digital innovation and outline concrete, actionable steps to advance the sector across the region.