Suriname has embarked on an ambitious digital transformation journey with the inaugural Suriname Silicon Valley (SSV) Summit, convened on Tuesday at the Royal Torarica Ballroom. President Jennifer Simons delivered a keynote address emphasizing that digitalization should serve as a means to tangible outcomes—job creation, enhanced efficiency, and improved public services—rather than an end in itself.
The summit, orchestrated by the Father Mother Figure (FMF) Foundation, brought together government representatives, private sector leaders, and academic institutions to address the nation’s technological lag. The event was structured around four core thematic tracks: Talent and Skills Development, Cybersecurity, Business-IT Alignment, and Governance, complemented by hands-on workshops designed to translate theory into practice.
President Simons endorsed the initiative, noting its alignment with both global digital trends and national government strategies aimed at modernizing public services and optimizing organizational processes. ‘Digitalization must be rational, timely, and future-oriented,’ Simons stated. She urged young professionals and entrepreneurs to actively leverage the opportunities presented by such platforms.
Henk Redmond, founder of FMF and chief architect of the summit, outlined a decentralized vision for the Suriname Silicon Valley. Instead of a single geographic hub, the initiative will establish multiple innovation centers across various districts to ensure broader accessibility. ‘Proximity to communities is essential to ensure easy access to these hubs,’ Redmond explained. The model integrates living, learning, and working within cohesive environments to stimulate growth in the ICT sector.
Practical outcomes from the summit included the development of solution frameworks for pressing challenges, such as building a robust ICT ecosystem, establishing special economic zones, and designing fiscal incentives to attract investment. Additionally, the event facilitated direct connections between employers and job seekers, with several companies offering on-the-spot recruitment opportunities. Emphasis was placed on reducing barriers for marginalized groups through apprenticeships and business coaching for nascent entrepreneurs.
President Simons highlighted the critical role of civic engagement in national development, asserting that progress stems not solely from government but from citizens and civil society organizations. She concluded by expressing gratitude to all participants and voicing optimism that the collaborations forged would catalyze sustainable growth in Suriname’s digital economy.