Hon. E.P. Chet Greene, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Trade and Barbuda Affairs, delivered a forward-looking address at the China-CELAC forum on digital cooperation, calling for deeper collaboration between China and the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) in shaping a fair, inclusive and secure digital future.
Speaking under the theme “Sharing Digital Development Opportunities, Jointly Building a Community with a Shared Future for China-CELAC in Cyberspace,” Minister Greene positioned the moment as a turning point for technology-driven diplomacy and economic transformation across the Global South.
“We stand at a crucial juncture,” Greene said. “This is a time to not only recognize the challenges of our digital age but to seize the unprecedented opportunities that lie ahead for all our nations.”
Greene highlighted the evolving global digital landscape, noting how it has become a bridge between people, economies and cultures. He praised China’s rapid technological advancements particularly in artificial intelligence, big data and 5G connectivityand emphasized that such progress should be shared and adapted through partnerships, not siloed within borders.
For CELAC countries, Greene stressed, digital development offers more than connectivity. It holds the power to modernize industries, uplift small and medium enterprises and expand access to education and healthcare. He noted that by embracing e-commerce and digital literacy, vulnerable communities across Latin America and the Caribbean could be empowered to participate meaningfully in the global economy.
“This is about more than cables and codes, it’s about giving people the tools to thrive,” Greene said.
Central to Greene’s remarks was a call to action: for CELAC and China to work together on capacity-building, including investment in training programs, talent development and technology transfers tailored to the cultural and economic realities of each CELAC nation.
Greene also called for a collective approach to digital ethics. As nations increase their reliance on digital systems, he warned, issues such as cybersecurity, privacy and the spread of misinformation must be addressed with urgency and shared responsibility.
“A community built on mutual trust and respect requires shared standards,” Greene said. “We must create frameworks that ensure our digital engagement is secure and beneficial for all.”
The Antiguan diplomat urged fellow leaders to prioritize inclusion in their digital policies, ensuring women, youth and marginalized populations are active participants in this transformation. He framed digital equity not as an ideal, but as a requirement for real innovation.
“If we leave people behind, we lose out on the creativity, insight and energy they bring. Inclusivity is not optional, it’s essential” Greene stated.
As the forum drew to a close, Greene’s message resonated as both a roadmap and a rallying cry. He called on China and CELAC nations to deepen their ties, foster innovation through shared resources, and build a digital future that reflects the values of cooperation, equity and long-term prosperity.
“Let us embrace the digital age not just as a wave of change, but as a tool for shared success,” he said.
Minister Greene’s remarks reinforced Antigua and Barbuda’s growing role in global diplomacy and positioned the Caribbean as a key player in shaping the ethical and inclusive digital transformation of the Global South.
