CARICOM and USAID Unveil Cyber Resilience Strategy 2030 to Bolster Caribbean Cybersecurity
This article by Geeta Pillai originally appeared on BNN on March 5, 2024.
On March 5, 2024, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat and the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) announced the launch of the Cyber Resilience Strategy 2030 Project. This initiative seeks to enhance cybersecurity capacity across CARICOM States, marking a significant step towards mitigating digital threats in the region.
Strategic Foundation for Cybersecurity
The Cyber Resilience Strategy 2030 Project, approved by CARICOM's Council for Trade and Economic Development in 2019, underscores the importance of a unified approach to cybersecurity. With the guidance of expert advisors from Cambridge Global Advisors (CGA), the project focuses on developing a strategy that strengthens resilience at both individual and collective levels. This dual approach is essential for enabling CARICOM states to not only fortify their cyber defenses but also benefit from pooled regional knowledge and resources against external attacks. Learn more about the partnership.
Collaborative Efforts and Methodologies
Under the direction of the Cyber Resilience Strategy 2030 Project Steering Committee, chaired by the CARICOM Secretariat, the project will leverage existing regional cybersecurity efforts. The committee, comprising technical and governmental personnel from CARICOM Member States and Associate Members, officials from the CARICOM Implementation Agency for Crime and Security (IMPACS), and the Caribbean Disaster Emergency Management Agency (CDEMA), alongside an independent expert, will oversee the implementation. Through interviews with cybersecurity practitioners across various sectors and extensive research, CGA aims to identify regional cyber vulnerabilities and develop a comprehensive strategy for CARICOM.
Empowering CARICOM's Digital Future
The Cyber Resilience Strategy 2030 Project is poised to address legislative gaps, assess infrastructure, and proactively enhance regional cyber resilience. This approach will empower CARICOM to adapt to evolving threats, promoting the development of a robust cyber workforce. Joseph Cox, CARICOM Assistant Secretary-General, emphasized the strategy's critical role in securing the stability of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) against cyber threats. Similarly, Nicole D. Theriot, United States Ambassador to Guyana and CARICOM, highlighted the importance of investing in cyber resilience to foster trust within the digital ecosystem and safeguard the Caribbean's digital future.
This landmark initiative not only signifies a pivotal moment in the fight against cyber threats in the Caribbean but also sets a precedent for international cooperation and innovation in cybersecurity. As the project unfolds, it will undoubtedly shape the region's approach to digital defense, enhancing collaboration and strategic partnerships in the face of an ever-evolving digital landscape.