Data for democratic development in the Caribbean

 

Data and digital technologies have enormous potential to foster inclusive governance, but uncontested narratives in the public sphere can also create divides that entrench social and economic inequalities. The Caribbean region is often characterized as “data poor”, not just because of limited access to high-quality, locally relevant data, but also due to cultural and institutional habits that often forego the use of data. Even with the exponential dissemination of digital technologies, the lack of evidence is still very common in the dialogue between governments and citizens. Working toward inclusive governance requires more to be done to ensure the digital public sphere addresses the needs of traditionally marginalized citizens such as migrants, women and girls.

This project will advance the governance and use of data for democratic, inclusive and equitable development in the Caribbean. It will build a research agenda in support of digital policy ecosystems and, together with governments in the region, establish a policy blueprint to develop the capacity of government officials and regional actors so they are better equipped for policymaking. The project will also support the development and scaling of data innovations that will address key development challenges of marginalized groups, including a real-time artificial intelligence media monitor on gender inequalities and a platform for countering misinformation against Haitian migrants in the Dominican Republic. Finally, this project will expand existing efforts to deliver digital literacy and data skills through regional partnerships to increase opportunities for unattached youth and persons living with disabilities.