A greater emphasis on technology and innovation can help Caribbean countries achieve their Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), according to the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC).

ECLAC Executive Secretary Alicia Bárcena spoke of the need for “new digital ecosystems” in the region during a summit organised by the United Nations Regional Economic Commissions last week.

New and emerging technology such as genetics, robotics, renewable energies and Artifical Intelligence have the power to transform life in the Caribbean, according to Bárcena. However she warned that to fully capitalise on its potential, technology must be incorporated into the educational system.

“[emerging technologies] represent an opportunity, but only if our societies, if our educational systems and the way in which we forge a new social compact between governments, the private sector, academia and young people change the paradigm through which we address technological problems,” she said.

“We must think about whether our educational systems are ready for the challenges of the future. We want to help young people understand new technologies, because many of the jobs that exist today will not exist in the future.”