Senator the Honourable Dominic Smith, Minister of Public Administration and Artificial Intelligence, has been selected among 118 outstanding individuals from over 50 countries to join the World Economic Forum’s (WEF) prestigious Young Global Leaders (YGL) Class of 2026.
The YGL programme is a highly competitive, three-year leadership platform designed to shape the next generation of global decision-makers. It brings together a network of more than 1,400 leaders across government, business and civil society, and provides participants with access to world-class academic modules, high-level global dialogues, and collaborative initiatives that influence policy and innovation worldwide.
Minister Smith’s selection reflects Trinidad and Tobago’s growing presence in global conversations on digital transformation, artificial intelligence and public sector innovation, as the country accelerates its transition toward becoming a modern, digitally enabled nation.
Speaking on the announcement, Minister Smith stated, “This recognition is a signal that Trinidad and Tobago is stepping forward with purpose in the global digital economy. As we build a more connected, more responsive and more innovative public service, we are demonstrating that small states can lead with bold ideas and meaningful action. This opportunity allows us to share our journey, learn from global partners and bring back insights that will continue to shape a digital nation built for our people.”
Minister Smith joins a distinguished cohort of global leaders including Prime Minister of Iceland Kristrún Frostadóttir, Japan’s Vice Minister of Foreign Affairs Arfiya Eri, Finland’s Minister of Employment Matias Marttinen, Director of Reliance Retail Ltd Isha Ambani, and Managing Director of Goldman Sachs & Co LLC Sabine Ceric.
Through this platform, Trinidad and Tobago is expected to deepen its engagement with international partners, strengthen its policy frameworks and further advance its vision of a citizen-centred digital state powered by innovation, collaboration and technology.