OPENING REMARKS

Digital Readiness Assessment Workshop

Thursday, 16 February 2022 at 10 am

Acknowledgements:

•  The Honourable Daryl Vaz – Minister of Science, Energy and Technology
• Mrs Carol Palmer- Permanent Secretary - Minister of Science, Energy and Technology and Permanent Secretaries from other Ministries
• Mr Keith Duncan – President of the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica (PSOJ)
• Miss Laura Hildebrandt, UNDP Digital Transformation Specialist
• Heads of Agencies
• Other Distinguished Guests

Good Morning.

UNDP is honoured for the opportunity to partner with the Ministry of Science, Energy and Technology and the Private Sector Organisation of Jamaica to deploy our Innovative Digital Readiness Assessment Tool.

Like the rest of the world, Jamaica, has been navigating the COVID-19 pandemic and responding to its complex and far-reaching socioeconomic impacts.  The bright side though is the level at which digital transformation has fast tracked in both public and private sectors, to improve access to varied services and products.

Despite this growth, we recognise that these digital advancements while beneficial, is also driving inequalities among our most vulnerable. Considering this current development context and the need for inclusive digital transformation – which supports the National Development Plan, Vision 2030  and the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals –  the  launch of this initiative is both timely and valuable.

The Digital Readiness Assessment tool supports countries in assessing their digital transformation pathway, providing RAPID, HIGH-LEVEL INSIGHTS on OPPORTUNITIES, GAPS, and PRIORITIES.

The DRA  provides a unique opportunity to engage a wide cross section of stakeholders including the Private Sector in advancing a whole-of-government and whole-of-society approach to digital transformation.  

The DRA and the participation of the private sector is also well aligned to the mandate of the PSOJ to inform and participate in Jamaica’s digital transformation.

UNDP’s global 2022-2025 Digital Strategy recognises the value of strategic partnerships in catalysing digital development.  We are therefore pleased that the private sector is participating in this critical initiative.

We are hopeful that today’s workshop and the findings of this assessment will support national efforts and sustained actions in achieving Jamaica’s vision to become a digital and technology-enabled society.

Thank You and have a productive workshop.