Opening of the first meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Group on cybersecurity

Distinguished National Coordinators, representatives of the institutions of the Joint Summit Working Group, members of Civil Society and Social Actors, and the Summits of the Americas Secretariat:

As representative of the Government of the Dominican Republic and in our role as Chair of the Summits of the Americas process, it is a privilege to welcome all of you to this important First Meeting of the Ad Hoc Technical Group, focused on the Regional Agenda for Digital Transformation, specifically in the area of cybersecurity. This meeting, which forms part of the follow-up to the mandates established at the Ninth Summit, represents a crucial opportunity to nourish and advance our efforts toward the forthcoming Tenth Summit, which will take place in the Dominican Republic in 2025.

On this occasion, I would like to express my sincere recognition and gratitude to the Government of the United States for its exemplary leadership of the Ninth Summit of the Americas, which has been fundamental in shaping a regional agenda that brings us together and in establishing clear and defined priorities. I likewise extend my congratulations to the delegations of Colombia and Jamaica for their co-leadership of the working group meetings in the preparatory phase of the Ninth Summit, where the Regional Agenda for Digital Transformation that brings us together today was negotiated and consolidated.

The creation of these ad hoc technical groups and the meetings held during 2023 have been significant steps. They have allowed a specialized and thorough analysis of the progress of states and other sectors in carrying out the mandates of the Ninth Summit, which deserves our recognition and applause.

In this meeting we will focus on cybersecurity, an area of high priority for the Dominican Republic. In keeping with our comprehensive digital agenda, led by the Ministry of the Presidency and the Ministry of Higher Education, Science and Technology, our country is significantly committed to cybersecurity and cyberdefense, facing the challenges of this digital age.

We recognize that, although technological progress is highly beneficial, it brings with it risks that must be addressed jointly and in concert. In the face of this rapid technological development and its inherent risks, we must respond with two fundamental actions: first, continuous monitoring of technological advances, with a clear understanding of the risks and opportunities; and second, the development of a flexible and adaptable regulatory framework capable of being applied to emerging technologies.

As a country, the Dominican Republic stands firm in its commitment to strengthening regional cybersecurity through multilateral cooperation, and I am especially grateful for the presence and participation in this meeting of our country's Vice Minister of the Presidency, Mr. José David Montilla.

I thank you all for your active participation and commitment. Now, with the greatest respect, I give the floor to Ambassador Francisco Mora, National Summit Coordinator of the United States, recognizing once again his leadership in the follow-up to the mandates of the Ninth Summit of the Americas.

Thank you very much.