In an increasingly interconnected and digital world, governments face new challenges and opportunities through the incorporation of advanced technologies such as artificial intelligence and the digitalisation of processes. This transformation not only improves public management and services, but also redefines diplomatic relations through cyberdiplomacy, allowing States, international organisations and civil society actors to agree on the governance of the digital world and its regulations. The countries of the region must adapt to these new realities to ensure inclusive, sustainable and equitable development. Digitalisation implies reviewing and transforming administrative and management processes, improving efficiency, reducing costs and making public and private services more accessible to citizens, although the digital divide remains a challenge that must be addressed.

It is imperative that States collaborate on cybersecurity, data privacy and regulation of digital commerce, and jointly address transnational threats such as cybercrime. To ensure inclusive and equitable governance in the digital era, it is essential to create policies that foster digital literacy, invest in technological infrastructure and promote the participation of all sectors of society in the digital economy.

In this context, the Latin American and Caribbean Economic System (SELA) announces the international event entitled Digital governance and cyberdiplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean: Challenges and opportunities, to be held in the city of Asunción, Paraguay, with the objective of promoting dialogue and regional cooperation in digital governance and cybersecurity in conjunction with CAF. The focus will be on four key issues on which SELA has been working and which are relevant for the development and modernisation of States and economies in Latin America and the Caribbean: governance, cyberdiplomacy, the development of artificial intelligence for economic growth, and digitalisation processes in States and economies.

The event will feature keynote speeches, presentations by international experts in digital governance, cyberdiplomacy, artificial intelligence and digitalisation, panel discussions for the exchange of ideas and experiences between representatives of governments, the private sector and academia, practical workshops to develop concrete skills and strategies, and networking opportunities to establish contacts and strategic alliances.

The thematic axes that will guide the discussions throughout the event are listed below:

• Cyberdiplomacy and its role in cybersecurity and the development of the digital economy: best practices and strategies for international cooperation in the regulation of cyberspace and protection against cyber threats, as well as in the processes by which the development of the digital economy is fostered.
• Infrastructure needed for artificial intelligence: participants will discuss the development of the infrastructure needed to develop artificial intelligence in various sectors, including the economy, education, health and the environment, and how these technologies can transform the competitiveness and sustainability of countries.
• Economic recovery in the digital sector: participants will explore how digitalisation and the adoption of advanced technologies can boost economic recovery in Latin America and the Caribbean, focusing on economic integration and trade facilitation.
• Digital transformation and sustainable development: this axis will focus on how digitalisation can contribute to economically and environmentally sustainable development, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda.
• Technological innovation and competitiveness: ways to foster technological innovation and the role of States in these processes that seek to increase the region’s competitiveness in the global market will be discussed.
• Technology infrastructure and connectivity: the development and improvement of the technology infrastructure needed to support digitalisation across the region will be explored.
• Digital economy and e-commerce: participants will explore how to boost e-commerce and the digital economy as potential drivers of economic development in the region.
• Resilience and technological adaptation: strategies will be discussed to ensure the resilience and adaptability of technological systems in the face of threats and rapid change, ensuring the continuity and security of digital services.

To foster regional dialogue and cooperation on digital governance and cybersecurity through the exchange of ideas and experiences among participants.

• Promote the development of artificial intelligence for economic growth, as a tool to boost economic development in the region, highlighting its practical applications and benefits.
• Improve digitalisation processes in States and their economies by sharing strategies and best practices for the digitalisation of administrative and management processes, with the aim of improving the efficiency and accessibility of public and private services.
• Establish standards and regulations through cyberdiplomacy to generate international agreements and regulations on cybersecurity, data privacy and digital commerce, ensuring a safe and reliable cyberspace.

The event Digital governance and cyberdiplomacy in Latin America and the Caribbean: Challenges and opportunities, organised by SELA and CAF, will be held in Asunción, Paraguay, on 4 October 2024.

Modality: Hybrid (face-to-face-virtual). Registration form available through the following link: https://bit.ly/3S1QL3n

Convening: government officials, private sector representatives, academics and others interested in the topics of governance, cyberdiplomacy, artificial intelligence and digitalisation of processes.

Language: Spanish.