Page 1 - ITU’s contribution to the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS

Contribution to the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for SIDS

Accelerating sustainable and
inclusive digital transformation in SIDS:

A 10-step plan for SIDS

Turbo-charging the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) is crucial for addressing the significant
vulnerability and unique development challenges faced by SIDS, such as climate change, high exposure to disasters
and natural hazards, economic instability, and limited access to resources and heavy reliance on external markets and
dependence on external debt.
The landmark Fourth International SIDS Conference (SIDS4) seized a once-in-a-decade opportunity to chart new
pathways and build partnerships to unlock the full potential of these nations. The Pact of the Future and the Global
Digital Compact, adopted by world leaders in September 2024, reaffirmed the commitment of the international
community to take bold, ambitious, accelerated, just and transformative actions to implement the 2030 Agenda, achieve
SDGs and leave no one behind.
In collaboration with UN sister agencies, funds and programmes, ITU is committed to supporting SIDS in making
decisive progress to achieve inclusive and meaningful digital transformation and accelerate resilient prosperity in SIDS
in the next decade.
Based on the ITU Kigali Action Plan and the mandate of the ITU Telecommunication Development Bureau, here are
the key action areas in which ITU can support SIDS in accelerating the implementation of the Antigua and Barbuda
Agenda for SIDS (ABAS):

STEP 1 – BUILD STRONG INSTITUTIONS

Strengthen institutional capabilities and arrangements. Foster agile, collaborative and anticipatory governance of digital and
emerging technologies and evidence-based decision-making. Enhance engagement with state and non-state actors through
whole-of-government and whole-of-society approaches and public sector innovation. Integrate strategic planning and
foresight in policy and decision-making to identify emerging policy issues and weigh policy options. Craft cross-sectoral regu-
latory and governance approaches and enhance policy design and implementation, and regulatory enforcement.

STEP 2 – PRIORITIZE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION POLICIES

Mainstream sustainable, inclusive, human-centred and risk-informed to digital transformation, through sound policies
for digital governance, emerging technologies and digital market competition. Develop frameworks for sandboxing and
ensuring transparency and the ethical use of data and emerging technologies (e.g. in AI, deep learning, big data), and engage
businesses in incorporating user protections, accessibility and diversity considerations in all digital products and initiatives.
Create legal and regulatory frameworks and mechanisms to augment the collection and recycling of e-waste to facilitate sus-
tainable digital transformation and the retention of valuable materials.

STEP 3 – FAST-TRACK DIGITAL ECONOMY AGENDAS
Build cross-sectoral, forward-thinking national digital economy strategies. Create policy, financial and economic incentives to
enhance digital entrepreneurship and the creation of decent jobs and livelihoods as a driver for reducing brain drain. Create
multistakeholder ecosystem initiatives, build implementation synergies, pool resources and coordinate efforts across the
ecosystem (e.g. across government, financiers and among private sector actors) to leverage digital solutions for structural
transformation and economic resilience.