IOV Foundation, in its mission to promote an inclusive and secure digital future, is proud to have co-organized the first Self-Sovereign Digital Identity Forum with CAF – the development bank of Latin America and the Caribbean. This historic event, held within the context of Colombia 4.0 in Bogotá, represents a milestone in our efforts to promote emerging technologies centered on citizens and the democratization of digital access in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The collaboration between IOV Foundation and CAF reflects a shared commitment to innovation and digital transformation in the region. This forum has been an exceptional platform for discussing and showcasing how self-sovereign digital identity technology can serve as an engine for development, offering solutions to fundamental challenges for the progress of cities and countries in our region.
We are honored by the participation of distinguished government leaders, including Sindey Bernal, Vice Minister of Digital Transformation at the Ministry of Information and Communications Technologies of Colombia, and Viviana Vanegas Barrero, Director of Digital Development at Colombia’s National Planning Department. Their emphasis on the crucial role of digital transformation and the need to bridge digital divides, promote interoperable governance frameworks, and ensure modern legal frameworks has been inspiring and aligned with our vision at IOV Foundation.
Furthermore, the involvement of Pedro Alessandri, Director of Digital Citizenship for the City of Buenos Aires, and Cintia Smith, Secretary of Innovation and Open Government for Monterrey, has been essential in sharing valuable experiences and best practices in implementing self-sovereign digital identity projects. These interventions highlighted the importance of adopting open and international standards, as well as the need for close collaboration between the public and private sectors to achieve a robust, secure, and accessible public digital infrastructure for all.
At IOV Foundation, we firmly believe in the power of technology to transform lives. Self-sovereign digital identity is more than a technological tool; it is a path toward equity, prosperity, and transparency in our society. Our focus on developing open tools and promoting interoperability reflects our commitment to a digital future that is inclusive and beneficial for all citizens.
The experiences shared by the City of Buenos Aires under the leadership of Pedro Alessandri and the insights provided by Cintia Smith from Monterrey not only illustrate the tangible progress we can achieve together but also point the way to widespread adoption of these technologies in Latin America and the Caribbean. These contributions emphasize the need for an open digital ecosystem in which self-sovereign digital identity can flourish and provide a solid foundation for regional development and integration.
IOV Foundation remains committed to expanding our “Self-Sovereign Digital Identity for Development Program” in 2024, seeking not only to disseminate the available tools but also to facilitate the adoption of these technologies by governments and public entities. This forum has been a significant step toward that future, and we are excited about the collaboration opportunities that have arisen to advance our shared vision of a more just and accessible digital society.
Together, we move toward a digital future that is open and secure for Latin America and the Caribbean, convinced that cooperation and knowledge exchange will be key to overcoming challenges and seizing opportunities in this digital era.
View the news on CAF’s website portal.
View the news in Bogota’s Alta Consejeria Distrital TIC website portal.
