NASSAU| Prime Minister Philip Davis has called on small-island states to unite and use their collective power to secure fairer terms in global technology, telecommunications and data agreements.
Davis made the call on Wednesday while addressing the opening ceremony of the World Telecommunication/Information and Communication Technology Policy Forum 2026 at Atlantis Paradise Island.
The international forum, organized by the International Telecommunication Union and hosted by The Bahamas, brings together governments, regulators and industry leaders to discuss the future of global telecommunications and digital policy.
Davis argued that small-island states are already deeply involved in the digital economy, but are often forced to accept prices, contracts and technical standards established without their meaningful participation.
He said small states should no longer be treated only as consumers of technology. Instead, they should work together and use their control over national markets, cable-landing rights, telecommunications licences and ocean jurisdictions to negotiate better protections and economic benefits for their citizens.
Davis also proposed establishing a formal small-island caucus and shared technical resources to strengthen the ability of island governments to negotiate with major telecommunications and technology companies.
