Digital transformation for a productive, inclusive, and sustainable development for Latin America and the Caribbean
WHAT IS?
The Digital Agenda for Latin America and the Caribbean (eLAC) is a strategy that advocates for the use of digital technologies as instruments for sustainable development. Its mission is to promote the development of the digital ecosystem in Latin America and the Caribbean through a process of regional integration and cooperation, strengthening digital policies that foster knowledge, inclusion and equity, innovation, and environmental sustainability.
HISTORY
In 1999, the United Nations Economic and Social Council decided to focus the high-level meetings of 2000 on development and international cooperation in the era of information technology. In response, the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, convened by Brazil and ECLAC, approved the Florianópolis Declaration in July 2000, promoting the use of ICTs for development in the region.
Within the framework of the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) with stages in Geneva 2003 and Tunis 2005, authorities from Latin America and the Caribbean intensified their efforts to develop a regional perspective on information societies. Meetings between 2001 and 2003 highlighted the importance of collaboration, and the Connectivity Agenda for the Americas and the Quito Action Plan in 2002 emphasized the need for realistic national programs and strategies. The Bavaro Declaration in 2003 identified key features and marked a milestone by officially including Internet governance and open-source software in the WSIS process.
In 2005, the Rio Commitment was adopted during preparations for the second phase of the WSIS, establishing the Action Plan for the Information Society in Latin America and the Caribbean, known as eLAC2007. This marked the beginning of a series of action plans, including eLAC2010 and eLAC2015.
In 2013, the fourth ministerial conference in Montevideo approved the Montevideo Declaration and the Work Plan 2013-2015. The fifth Ministerial Conference in Mexico City in 2015 approved the Mexico Declaration and the eLAC2018 Digital Agenda.
In 2018, the sixth Ministerial Conference in Cartagena de Indias, Colombia, continued to strengthen regional cooperation. The seventh Ministerial Conference in 2020, held virtually under the presidency of Ecuador, addressed the challenges posed by the pandemic and approved the eLAC2022 Digital Agenda.
The eighth Ministerial Conference in 2022, jointly organized by ECLAC and Uruguay, established the new eLAC2024 Digital Agenda, bringing together leaders in the digital field from the public sector, private sector, technical community, and civil society. These initiatives highlight the region's commitment to advancing digital transformation and regional cooperation.
ORGANIZATIONAL STRUCTURE
Board: it is the executive body of eLAC, and its mandate extends until the next Ministerial Conference.
Observers' Community: a group of private sector organizations, technical community, international organizations, and civil society institutions that participate as observers of the board and attend the mechanism. These institutions provide technical support to the platform, contribute to linking with other forums and organizations, support the design, implementation, and monitoring of the program of activities, and integrate committees as deemed appropriate.
Working Groups: a cooperation space aimed at achieving a specific goal under the coordination of a lead country.
eLAC2024
The eLAC2024 Digital Agenda outlines a set of policy priorities and strategic actions at the regional level across four pillars:
1. FOUNDATIONS OF A DIGITAL ERA FOR ALL:
• Infrastructure and meaningful universal connectivity
• Digital skills and competencies
• Governance, security, and enabling environment
2. TPRODUCTIVE AND SUSTAINABLE DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION:
• Digital economy, entrepreneurship, and innovation
• Digitalization for sustainability
3. DIGITAL TRANSFORMATION FOR WELL-BEING:
• Digital inclusion for equal opportunities
• Public innovation and digital transformation of the State
4. NEW DIGITAL PARTNERSHIPS FOR PROSPERITY:
• Regional digital cooperation and integration