Third Preparatory Webinar for the SIDS Global Business Network Forum 2024

Webinar: "Small Islands, Big Ideas: Digitalization, Technology & Innovation in Small Island Developing States"

Registration

Register here now.

Background

The next SIDS-GBN Forum will take place in 2024, the same year as the fourth International Conference on SIDS. At the fourth Conference, a new Programme of Action for SIDS will be adopted to guide a new agenda for sustainable development in SIDS. Both the Conference and the Forum have preparatory processes that are running up until the events take place.

This provides a unique opportunity to review the first decade of the SIDS-GBN and set the direction for its next decade. It also allows for the GBN to feed into discussions on the new SIDS agenda. The parallel processes also make it possible for the GBN to hear from the private sector on the new SIDS agenda. The outcomes of the SIDS-GBN Forum will also be brought into the SIDS4 Conference where it will guide discussions at the Private Sector Roundtable.

As part of the preparatory process of the SIDS-GBN Forum 2024, OHRLLS will organize a series of preparatory webinars and consultations to gather stakeholders to discuss priorities and thematic areas for the Forum.

Objectives

The objectives of the meetings are to:

• Inform the private sector on the SIDS4 process and the SIDS-GBN Forum 2024 process.
• Explore with the private sector how their priorities could align with the sustainable development of SIDS in the coming decade.
• Identify stakeholders’ priorities for thematic areas at the SIDS-GBN Forum 2024 and the private sector roundtable at SIDS4.
• Provide recommendations on how SIDS can better build public-private partnerships that contribute to their sustainable development and the new SIDS agenda.
• Share best practices of public-private partnerships that contribute to the sustainable development of SIDS and can be showcased at the SIDS4 Conference.

About webinar 3

Small Islands, Big Ideas: Digitialization, Technology and Innovation in Small Island Developing States

In a rapidly evolving global landscape, the fusion of digitalization, innovation, and technology has emerged as the driving force behind economic growth and societal transformation. In the heart of the digital revolution lies the services sector, eCommerce, and financial technology (FinTech) which offer great economic opportunity for SIDS. In addition, technology holds a potential for these domains to empower local communities including youth and women.

The third webinar seeks to explore digitalization, innovation, and technology within SIDS. As the world becomes more interconnected and digitally dependent, SIDS are positioned to harness the power of technology and services to overcome challenges and drive sustainable development.

The webinar will explore the role of public-private partnerships in this process, focusing on the following areas: 

• Digital Services: Digitization is changing the way we buy and sell. The session will look at how SIDS can tap into digital services such as eCommerce and FinTech and how public-private partnerships can support this process.
• Innovation Ecosystems: Fostering innovation is vital for progress. The webinar will explore the development of innovation ecosystems that encourage entrepreneurial spirit and technological advancements and the role of public-private partnerships. 
• Connectivity: Connectivity offers great opportunities to empower local communities, for example by tapping into the local culture and creative industries. The session will explore how technology can revolutionize industries and empower youths, such as young artists, via public-private partnerships.
• Infrastructure and Affordability: Digital infrastructure and affordability is key for businesses to go digital. The webinar will delve into the role of public-private partnerships in addressing infrastructure needs and enhancing affordability.

Programme

Concept note

Download the concept note here. 

Presentations

Mr. Bob Perpall, Executive Vice President, New Satellite Systems