Caribbean Development Bank’s 56th annual conference to convene regional and international leaders in The Bahamas for strategic solutions amid uncertainty

Top officials from the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), senior government representatives from the region, and key global development finance decision-makers will gather in The Bahamas from June 1 to 5, 2026. This significant event marks the 56th Annual Meeting of the Bank’s Board of Governors, and the CDB says it aims to propel the Caribbean’s development agenda forward amid a complex global environment.

Set against a backdrop of international volatility, geopolitical uncertainties, and economic fluctuations, the conference will focus on the theme: “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times.”

The official announcement was made on March 19, during a media launch held at the Grand Hyatt Hotel Baha Mar in Nassau, as per a media release.

During the event, Senator The Honourable Michael B. Halkitis, who serves as the CDB Governor for The Bahamas and chairs the Board of Governors, emphasized the importance of the gathering.

“Today’s gathering marks more than the start of preparations for an important meeting. It represents the beginning of a renewed conversation about the future of the Caribbean, about our shared aspirations, our common challenges, and the partnerships that will shape the path forward for our region.”

He further remarked, “Hosting the 56th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank here in Nassau provides an important opportunity to strengthen partnerships and advance meaningful dialogue on the future of the Caribbean.”

Mr. Daniel M. Best, President of the CDB, highlighted the meeting’s role as a platform for transforming regional challenges into tangible solutions.

“The Annual Meeting provides a strategic moment for the Caribbean, an opportunity for our leaders, governments, development institutions, private sector, youth, and international partners to come together to identify practical solutions that can help the Region navigate uncertainty while unlocking the opportunities that lie ahead,”  he explained.

He continued, “The agenda we have designed for this meeting reflects that purpose. Every session, roundtable, and knowledge forum has been intentionally structured to focus on actionable ideas that governments, private sector partners, and development institutions can implement. Our goal is simply to translate uncertainty into action that benefits future generations.”

According to the press release, the agenda emphasizes constructive dialogue and cooperation among governments, development agencies, private sector stakeholders, and civil society. A key focus will be on CDB’s recently launched Strategic Plan 2026–2035, which outlines the organization’s vision for transformative change across the Caribbean over the next decade.

In addition to formal sessions, the event will feature knowledge-sharing forums, technical roundtables, and networking opportunities. Notable activities include “The President’s Chat,” where leaders from Multilateral Development Banks will join President Best to discuss evolving development finance landscapes, and the flagship William G. Demas Lecture, where a global thought leader will engage regional stakeholders on pressing international issues.

A new feature for this year’s meeting is the Private Sector Impact Room, designed to connect business owners, entrepreneurs, and commercial stakeholders with information on accessing CDB support. The Bank will also host a two-day Youth Forum, providing a platform for young people in the region to actively participate in shaping the Caribbean’s future.

Details of the complete schedule will be announced in the upcoming months. All public sessions will be accessible via livestream on CDB’s YouTube, LinkedIn, and Facebook pages.