The Inter-American Digital Government Network (Red Gealc), currently chaired by the Dominican Republic through the Government Office of Information and Communication Technologies (OGTIC), has been awarded the WSIS Prize 2026 in recognition of its work promoting regional collaboration in digital government across Latin America and the Caribbean.
The award was presented in the International and Regional Cooperation category during the World Summit on the Information Society (WSIS) Forum 2026, held in Geneva by the International Telecommunication Union (ITU), the United Nations specialized agency for information and communication technologies.
The distinction was accepted by Iván Ogando, the Dominican Republic’s ambassador to the ITU, on behalf of both Red Gealc and the country. The recognition highlights the network’s efforts to strengthen regional cooperation, encourage the exchange of knowledge, and build the institutional capacity of organizations leading digital transformation initiatives throughout the region.
Dominican Republic Promotes Regional Digital Transformation
As president of Red Gealc, the Dominican Republic has promoted initiatives focused on strengthening digital government, interoperability, public sector innovation, and collaboration among member countries. These efforts aim to improve how governments develop and deliver digital public services while encouraging the adoption of common standards and shared experiences.
Edgar Batista, Director General of OGTIC and president of Red Gealc, said the award reinforces the organization’s commitment to advancing digital transformation through international cooperation, innovation, and knowledge sharing.
“This recognition reaffirms our commitment to digital transformation based on international cooperation, innovation, and the exchange of knowledge. We will continue promoting initiatives that strengthen governments’ capabilities and deliver better public services for citizens across the region,” Batista said.
Recognition Supports the Country’s Digital Agenda
According to OGTIC, the international recognition validates the Dominican Republic’s efforts to build a more modern, efficient, transparent, and citizen-centered public administration. It also creates new opportunities to expand cooperation with other countries, exchange best practices, and promote innovative solutions that enhance public service delivery.
The WSIS Prize 2026 also reinforces the country’s commitment to advancing its digital transformation policies, ensuring that technological innovation translates into tangible benefits for citizens through more efficient, accessible, and innovative government services. The recognition further strengthens the Dominican Republic’s role in the regional digital transformation agenda.
Red Gealc’s Regional Collaboration
Red Gealc brings together governments across Latin America and the Caribbean to share expertise and best practices in areas including data protection, digital signatures, electronic identity, interoperability, cybersecurity, and the responsible use of emerging technologies. These areas are considered essential for building more agile institutions, reducing administrative processes, and improving citizens’ access to government services.
The WSIS Prizes recognize projects and initiatives that use information and communication technologies to accelerate digital transformation, promote digital inclusion, strengthen public sector innovation, encourage international cooperation, and support the achievement of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Winning initiatives are evaluated based on their impact, innovation, measurable results, and contribution to sustainable development.