DIA Communications

Celebrating International Youth Day and TT Agro Expo 2024: Spotlight on Two Inspiring Young Agri-Entrepreneurs

Blog /

In honor of International Youth Day 2024, the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute, the local partner of Trust for the Americas in Trinidad and Tobago, is thrilled to highlight two remarkable young entrepreneurs from our DIA Youth Innovation Lab. This celebration comes ahead of the highly anticipated local Agri Expo 2024, where they will highlight their outstanding contributions by showcasing their innovative approaches to agriculture, sustainable development, and community empowerment.  As part of our commitment to empowering young people from underserved communities across the Americas, we are proud to share the inspiring stories of Antonio Ramcharan, co-founder of H2O Grow, and Jonathan Roach, founder of The Seasoning Source.  Meet Antonio Ramcharan Antonio is a young mechanical engineer who became an entrepreneur when he launched H2O Grow during the pandemic. His company focuses on sustainable agricultural practices, providing innovative solutions that promote healthy growth in Trinidad and Tobago. Antonio’s journey is a testament to resilience, creativity, and the power of community engagement. At H2O Grow, education and mentorship are central, offering internships, crash courses, and technical support to at-risk youth and women. Antonio has solid advice for fellow entrepreneurs: ’Understand your field, prioritize your customers” needs, embrace failure, stay resilient, and adapt quickly. Build a strong support network, manage your finances wisely, and balance work with personal time to keep your passion alive through the ups and downs.’ Meet Jonathan Roach Jonathan Roach, a 24-year-old from South Trinidad, founded The Seasoning Source, a unique online agricultural business that uses social media to reach customers across the country. His enterprise has not only revolutionized the local seasoning market but has also provided employment and inspiration within his community. Through his work with the Civilian Conservation Corps, Jonathan continues to share his knowledge with the next generation of entrepreneurs, emphasizing the importance of resilience and resourcefulness. Jonathan keeps it real with his advice: ”Prepare for stress, sleepless nights, and unexpected challenges. Develop strategies to handle problems and surround yourself with resourceful people.” Both Antonio and Jonathan exemplify the spirit of innovation and dedication that The Trust for the Americas, with its network of local partners across the region, seeks to foster through projects like the DIA Youth Innovation Lab in Trinidad and Tobago. The Lab, a collaboration between The Trust, the Citi Foundation, and CARIRI, promotes innovation and the creation of disruptive solutions among the youth of Trinidad and Tobago while developing their skills through training and access to technology. 

Celebrating International Youth Day and TT Agro Expo 2024: Spotlight on Two Inspiring Young Agri-Entrepreneurs Read More »

Valeria Tafoya is recognized by WIRED as one of the women who will protect us from AI risks in Latin America

Blog /

Last week, I was recognized by the Spanish-language edition of WIRED magazine as one of the leading women in Latin America working toward safer, more people-centered artificial intelligence (AI). It is an honor to be part of this select list, alongside CEOs, founders, researchers, scientists, and women leaders in AI, and to be able to share more about the ways we use these technologies to drive social impact.   WIRED focuses on creating content about how emerging technologies affect culture, the economy, and politics around the world. The article highlights the fundamental role of women in Latin America in addressing the risks associated with AI—including ethical, safety, and equity risks.    The role of women in the field of artificial intelligence is crucial to ensuring more inclusive and ethical technological development. Gender diversity in AI teams not only promotes equitable representation but also brings a variety of perspectives and approaches that enrich the process of designing and developing algorithms. Encouraging women’s participation in these areas is a matter of equity and of ensuring that technology is developed responsibly and responds to society’s diverse needs.   At The Trust for the Americas, in addition to focusing on providing digital and life skills training to the most vulnerable communities to empower them in the world of AI, we have also focused our efforts on exploring new ways in which technology can improve people’s lives. A clear example of this is our JET project—a regional leader—where we created the “Employment and Skills Monitor” to identify labor market trends across 12 countries using deep learning algorithms and natural language processing, thereby informing local public policies in the Caribbean. I’m fortunate to have a space like The Trust where we think about ways technology can improve people’s lives. The potential of artificial intelligence and data to generate a positive social impact is immense. These technologies can transform how we address the most pressing social challenges, from health and education to the fight against poverty and climate change. AI can help identify patterns and trends in large datasets, enabling more informed and efficient decision-making. Additionally, it can automate repetitive tasks and free up human resources to focus on higher-value-added activities. However, it is crucial that this potential be harnessed in an ethical and equitable manner, ensuring that the interests of the most vulnerable communities are prioritized and that concerns about privacy and algorithmic discrimination are addressed. This is key for us at The Trust, where we focus on approaching technology and designing AI projects from ethical and transparent perspectives.  Read the WIRED article: https://es.wired.com/articulos/ellas-son-las-mujeres-que-nos-protegeran-de-los-riesgos-de-la-ia-en-america-latina By: Valeria Tafoya, Artificial Intelligence Consultant, The Trust for the Americas

Valeria Tafoya is recognized by WIRED as one of the women who will protect us from AI risks in Latin America Read More »

Advances in promoting data openness in Panama 

Blog /

In an increasingly digitized and interconnected world, the use and exploitation of data have become a valuable and powerful resource. The implementation of initiatives such as the Global Data Barometer (GDB) not only promotes better data management mechanisms to strengthen democracy and inclusion but also drives sustainable development and informed decision-making.  The GDB focuses on assessing data governance in countries around the world, providing insights into the strengths and weaknesses of data governance frameworks. It examines various dimensions, including the availability, openness, and use of data, as well as the policies that shape each country’s data ecosystem.  The results for Panama reveal weaknesses in the ”Data Availability” indicator, suggesting that there is work to be done in terms of making key datasets more accessible and open. This includes vital information such as vulnerability, land use, emissions, political financing, the budget, and spending.  To address these weaknesses, a collaborative workshop was held on September 15, 2023. The goal was to develop a roadmap that would enable the Panamanian government to prioritize actions to open up and improve data, using Panama’s national open data guide.  This workshop brought together officials from various institutions, including the National Authority for Transparency and Access to Information (ANTAI), the Government Innovation Authority (AIG), and Panama’s Open Data Working Group. Strategies and existing tools were discussed, exploring the opportunities and challenges presented by the Data Openness Guide and the National Open Data Portal. In another segment of the workshop, the implementation process of the Global Data Barometer and the specific results for Panama were presented. The workshop explained what the Barometer is, its pillars, the evaluation methodology, and its global impact, highlighting the country’s strengths and weaknesses in terms of data governance.  The workshop concluded with a collaborative session in which officials, with support from The Trust, GTDAP, ANTAI, and AIG, identified priority data for publication on Panama’s open data portal. This led to the creation of an action plan with clear activities, deadlines, and responsibilities for publication. The power of open data and digital governance is transforming the way governments and organizations interact with information. Initiatives such as the Global Data Barometer are helping countries like Panama identify areas where they can improve their data practices to better serve their citizens, foster innovation, and promote sustainable development. These advances represent an important step toward a more transparent and efficient future. * Related links: The DIA Program was selected by the Global Data Barometer to promote the opening of thematic data in Panama

Advances in promoting data openness in Panama  Read More »

Code Caribbean Project Transforms Education in Belize 

Blog /

In a world where technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, education plays an essential role in preparing future generations to face the challenges and opportunities of the digital environment. In this context, the Code Caribbean Project is committed to Belize’s educational landscape, aiming to advance quality technology education from the earliest stages of life. This innovative pilot program aims to revolutionize technology education in primary and secondary schools in Belize. The Code Caribbean Project is much more than simply incorporating digital tools into classrooms. It is a comprehensive initiative that aims to empower educators by equipping them with knowledge of computer science and informatics, as well as socio-emotional and entrepreneurial skills. Training is provided by Code.org, a nonprofit education innovation organization dedicated to the vision that every student in every school can learn computer science. The goal? To foster interest and passion for technology in students aged 8 to 13—a crucial age for sowing the seeds of STEAM learning in an increasingly digitized world. The implementation of this project is the result of an exceptional collaborative effort. The initiative is supported by The Trust for the Americas’ Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) program, with Code.org as the implementing partner, the Ministry of Education, Culture, Science, and Technology (MoECST) as the local partner, and the ongoing support of the Inter-American Development Bank – Japan Fund and the Porticus Foundation as committed donors to educational transformation. In a recent event held on August 15, we conducted two highly valuable workshops, marking a milestone in the implementation of this project: The enthusiastic response from the educational community was remarkable. Over 100 teachers actively participated in the workshops. This number reflects the eagerness for technology and computer science training and educators’ determination to equip their students with the necessary skills to thrive in the digital age. The Code Caribbean Project is transforming Belize’s educational landscape and its future by preparing the next generation to lead in a digitized world. 

Code Caribbean Project Transforms Education in Belize  Read More »

DIA Lab TT Showcases its Impact at NEDCO’s Entrepreneurship Week 2023

Blog /

Our DIA Lab Trinidad and Tobago, implemented by the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), took center stage from August 2nd to 4th at NEDCO’s Entrepreneurship Week 2023. This three-day event, aptly named ’Unlocking the Innovative Mindset,” aimed to ignite the passion for innovation and business while offering a platform to engage, learn, and connect through in-person and virtual experiences. At the event, the DIA Lab TT harnessed its exhibitor space forging connections and amplifying awareness about its extraordinary offerings to Trinidad and Tobago’s youth. This opportunity also allowed us to highlight the success stories of three of our DIA beneficiaries who shared their invaluable experience while promoting their ventures:

DIA Lab TT Showcases its Impact at NEDCO’s Entrepreneurship Week 2023 Read More »

The DIA Lab RD celebrates the virtual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ideathon in the Dominican Republic 

Blog /

At the DIA Innovation Labs of The Trust for the Americas, our goal is to inspire young people to work on creating innovative solutions that address social, economic, and environmental challenges in their communities. That is why, through the DIA Lab RD—implemented by our local partner ADASEC and with financial support from the Citi Foundation—we train young people ages 14 to 35 in skills for the digital age and the future of work. In addition, we provide them with the opportunity to participate in project incubation experiences, receive funding and mentoring, and access the labs” technological equipment.  Recently, from July 10 to 24, we held the ”Virtual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ideathon,” an event in which hundreds of young people from different communities across the country received mentoring and guidance from high-level local and international experts. During these two weeks, participants had the opportunity to expand their knowledge in six key thematic areas: As a result of these two highly productive weeks, 20 project teams will be formed, each consisting of no more than five people, who—based on what they have learned—will create innovative ventures to address local problems. Subsequently, at the Innovative Projects Pitch Competition, to be held in the city of La Vega Real on August 18, 2023, the teams will present their projects to a jury of experts in the hope of receiving seed funding to bring their ideas to life.  DIA Lab RD, through its virtual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ideathon, seeks to empower Dominican youth by providing them with the necessary tools to become agents of change and develop innovative solutions that have a positive impact on their communities and the country as a whole. Promoting innovation and entrepreneurship among young people is essential for the progress and sustainable development of the Dominican Republic. 

The DIA Lab RD celebrates the virtual Innovation and Entrepreneurship Ideathon in the Dominican Republic  Read More »

DIA Program was selected by the Global Data Barometer to promote the opening of thematic data in Panama 

Blog /

Data-driven decision-making has become a key factor in addressing complex development agendas and improving administrative processes. Transformative priorities such as climate action, education systems, corruption prevention, and health require effective data management to drive inclusive and effective policies and efforts.  Earlier this year, the Global Data Barometer (GDB)—an initiative that seeks to advance the understanding and use of data to promote more democratic and inclusive governments—launched a call for proposals aimed at supporting the use of GDB data for the public good. Our proposal, “Roadmap for Thematic Open Data,” was selected as one of six initiatives that will receive funding to, in this case, strengthen Panama’s open data strategy.  This initiative is driven by the DIA Program of The Trust for the Americas, which seeks to promote collaboration and the development of strategic and technical capacities among both governments and citizens to support the implementation of local open data initiatives.   The Global Data Barometer call for proposals sought innovative proposals that utilized GDB data and focused on governance, inclusion, and the impact of data on development. In this regard, our proposal will use this data to identify thematic areas where Panama shows weaknesses in terms of data availability and quality. Based on this, workshops will be organized with Panama’s open data group, ANTAI, the AIG, and other institutions responsible for thematic datasets, with the goal of developing a roadmap that will enable the Panamanian government to prioritize actions to open up and improve data quality in the short, medium, and long term.  In an increasingly digital and interconnected world, the use of data has become a valuable and powerful resource. The implementation of initiatives such as this one not only strengthens governance and inclusion but also promotes sustainable development and informed decision-making. 

DIA Program was selected by the Global Data Barometer to promote the opening of thematic data in Panama  Read More »

Leveraging AI for Sustainable Development: JET Project Jamaica Recognized as IRCAI Global Top 100 

Blog /

Artificial Intelligence (AI) can help solve some of society’s most pressing challenges. From healthcare to climate change, AI is being used to tackle issues once considered impossible to address. The International Research Centre on Artificial Intelligence (IRCAI), a Category 2 Center under the auspices of UNESCO, recently launched a call for proposals to identify the top 100 projects utilizing AI to address the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). IRCAI functions as a network of institutions and experts worldwide, providing funding and helping to accelerate approaches to the UN SDGs that utilize AI.    The DIA Program’s ’Unleashing the Potential of Jamaican Youth through Empowerment & Training’ Project (JET Project Jamaica) was selected as one of the IRCAI GLOBAL TOP 100 AI projects addressing issues related to the 17 UN SDGs. The JET Project focuses on reskilling and upskilling youth with the most in-demand digital and soft skills to facilitate their access to job opportunities, local freelancing options, or support them in developing their entrepreneurial ventures. How does AI fit into the JET Project? Through collaboration with Citibeats, we developed an AI platform called the Employment and Skills Monitor, which enables us to gain insights into citizens’ needs and identify labor market requirements in Jamaica, the Caribbean, the United Kingdom, and the United States. By tailoring its training curricula to address the prevailing market opportunities and challenges faced by Jamaicans seeking entry-level positions, JET actively contributes to the achievement of the UN 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development:   #1: End Poverty, #4: Quality Education #5: Gender Equality #8: Decent Work and Economic Growth #10: Reduction of Inequalities #17: Partnerships for the Goals Being selected as one of the IRCAI Global Top 100 UNESCO Outstanding AI Solutions is a testament to the JET project’s commitment to leveraging AI for sustainable development. This recognition not only showcases AI’s potential to make a positive impact but also highlights the importance of responsible and ethical AI practices. As the results of the Global Top 100 are shared with the public, it further reinforces the significance of AI-driven solutions in achieving the UN SDGs. Through initiatives like JET, we can inspire and pave the way for a future where AI is harnessed for the betterment of society. By Valeria Tafoya, Technology Consultant, The Trust for the Americas 

Leveraging AI for Sustainable Development: JET Project Jamaica Recognized as IRCAI Global Top 100  Read More »

How to start looking for your first job? – DIA Program Officer participates in networking event with university students 

Blog /

Looking for your first job can feel like an uncertain experience, where we end up questioning our preparation and professional skills, wondering how to start applying for a new job, and also how to ace a job interview.   I identified several of these questions during my participation in the Job Journey on April 19 in Puebla, Mexico. This was an event for students majoring in Economics, Law, and International Relations. As a DIA Program Officer representing The Trust, I participated alongside eight other professionals who, in turn, represented various organizations. Each of us had the opportunity to have very interesting conversations with the students about the different career paths they can choose; we helped them practice their networking skills, and they asked us plenty of questions to learn more about our jobs. 

How to start looking for your first job? – DIA Program Officer participates in networking event with university students  Read More »

CARIRI participates in UWI WOW Recruitment Fair 2023 featuring the DIA Lab TT 

Blog /

On April 14th, the University of the West Indies (UWI) Campus St. Augustine JFK Auditorium hosted the annual World of Work (WOW) Recruitment Fair, where employers and over 1,000 students from years 1-3 were brought together to explore job and career development opportunities. Among the participants was the Caribbean Industrial Research Institute (CARIRI), our local partner at the DIA Lab TT, which showcased the lab’s offerings to interested young people. CARIRI used the WOW Recruitment Fair to inform students with backgrounds in Psychology, Physics, Engineering, Chemistry, Agribusiness, Computer Science, and Marketing about potential employment opportunities within the organization and personal and professional development and entrepreneurship opportunities available through the DIA Lab TT, a collaborative space to support young innovators and entrepreneurs in Trinidad and Tobago. Photo courtesy of CARIRI The participation of CARIRI in the WOW Recruitment Fair highlights the importance of democratizing innovation and entrepreneurship. The DIA Lab TT is part of a regional DIA Labs network that provides Caribbean youth with technology, collaborative spaces, training, and competitive seed funds and has a current presence in Jamaica, the Dominican Republic, and Belize. At the Democratizing Innovation in the Americas (DIA) Program, we believe that innovation and entrepreneurship will play a vital role in shaping the future of work; therefore, networks like the DIA Labs are at the forefront of promoting these values. They empower young people and build stronger, more resilient communities. 

CARIRI participates in UWI WOW Recruitment Fair 2023 featuring the DIA Lab TT  Read More »