Belize is at a pivotal moment in its digital transformation journey, as highlighted during the recent Digital Leadership Conference. With over 300,000 Belizeans online and 349,000 owning cellphones, the nation is increasingly connected. However, experts warn that embracing emerging technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and cybersecurity is crucial to avoid falling behind in the global tech race. Dr. Dionne Chamberlain of Chamberlain Consulting Limited emphasized the dual impact of AI, predicting it will eliminate 70 million jobs globally by 2026 but create 300 million new ones, resulting in a net gain of 90 million jobs. This underscores the urgent need for upskilling and adapting to technological advancements. Maynor Larrieu of Avant Garde noted that while Belize is in the early stages of AI adoption, the gap with more advanced countries is widening rapidly. The Business Process Outsourcing (BPO) sector, which employs over 20,000 Belizeans, is already feeling the effects of AI disruption. A recent study revealed that 78% of tier-one jobs in the sector, such as customer service, face high AI disruption risks. Christian Junior of Rhics UK stressed the importance of training to mitigate these risks, stating that effective upskilling can turn AI from a threat into an opportunity. Sonia Ceballos of Socias Limited highlighted AI’s potential to optimize repetitive tasks, particularly for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) operating on tight budgets. The conference’s key takeaway was clear: AI is not a passing trend but a transformative force. Businesses and workers must adapt to this new reality or risk being left behind in an increasingly digital world.