The Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC) and the Chilean government organized the IX Ministerial Conference on the Information Society, in which RedCLARA actively participated. This event brought together authorities from Latin America and the Caribbean, representatives from the private sector, civil society, the technical community, and international organizations to outline strategies for the region's digital future.
In the panel "Reducing Inequality and Promoting Inclusion: Digital Technologies as Instruments of Inclusion and Empowerment," Luis Eliecer Cadenas, executive director of RedCLARA, highlighted the importance of cooperation to tackle inclusion challenges, stressing that no single sector can address these issues alone. He clarified that collaboration among diverse stakeholders and joint initiatives are the only ways to achieve sustainable, high-impact solutions. “Digital transformation must prioritize social inclusion; those without technology cannot compete, and those who do not include others cannot succeed. Cadenas emphasized the importance of bringing technology to all communities, particularly the least connected ones, to prevent them from missing out on digital opportunities, stressing the need to view connectivity not just as a measure of connection quality but also as a catalyst for inclusion.
Implemented by RedCLARA and co-financed by the European Union, the BELLA II project (Building the Europe Link to Latin America and the Caribbean) is a crucial initiative that aims to reduce the digital divide and advance digital transformation in Latin America and the Caribbean. Cadenas emphasized that this project is a crucial tool for connecting remote communities to the world. “BELLA II is essential for closing the digital divide and creating new opportunities for scientific, educational, and social collaboration, ensuring that digital transformation reaches all corners of our region,” he explained. BELLA II supports inclusive development and strengthens the link between Europe and Latin America in building a shared digital future.
Cadenas also shared successful cases of advanced network use, highlighting regional initiatives driven by the National Research and Education Networks (NRENs), members of RedCLARA. Examples included the "Hackers for Good" program from the Brazilian network RNP, which trains people in cybersecurity; REUNA's cybersecurity projects in Chile; and the innovative use of LACNet's blockchain network in Belize, which supports a token-based economy to promote sustainable agriculture in vulnerable communities. LACNet is the world's largest public-permissioned blockchain network, co-founded by RedCLARA and LACNIC with support from the Inter-American Development Bank.
“The goal is for these innovations to spread and become inclusive policies that benefit the entire population. Digital and financial inclusion is essential; many people still lack access to banking services, and small projects are already bringing significant changes,” he added.
Cadenas proposed the creation of a regional group to drive a systematic and collaborative effort around digital inclusion, identifying and promoting initiatives that could showcase progress at the next meeting. “Academia, the private sector, governments—we must all join forces to develop innovations that address issues and bring the benefits of digital transformation to the entire population,” he concluded.
BELLA II is an enabler of the regional digital ecosystem
BELLA II not only contributes to closing the digital divide but also aims to strengthen and expand the digital ecosystem for science, technology, education, and innovation in Latin America and the Caribbean. This project fosters exchanges among companies, research centers, educational institutions, and national research and education networks, promoting collaboration and innovation to address the region's main development challenges.
The conference also included panels on governance, institutionality, artificial intelligence, and the impact of technology on productivity and competitiveness. Panelists emphasized the need for inclusive public policies and strengthened technological innovation to achieve effective digital transformation that is accessible to all in the region.
