The Government of The Bahamas, in collaboration with the Caribbean Development Bank, is preparing to welcome regional and international delegates to Nassau for the 56th Annual Meeting of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), scheduled to take place from June 1st to June 5th, 2026 at the Baha Mar Convention Center.
Held under the theme “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times”, the Meetings will bring together Ministers of Finance, Governors of the Bank, development partners, private sector leaders, youth representatives, international institutions, and policy experts from across the Caribbean and beyond to address the region’s most pressing development challenges and opportunities.
The week-long program will feature a series of high-level discussions, policy forums, seminars,
and strategic dialogues focused on climate resilience, sustainable development financing, regional
growth, energy transition, debt sustainability, private sector investment, and the future direction of
Caribbean development cooperation.
Among the key highlights of the agenda will be the:
56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors Opening Ceremony;
26th William Demas Lecture, entitled “Safeguarding Futures in an Age of Uncertainty: Multilateralism, Fragility, Resilience, and Sustainable Development for Small States”;
President’s Chat – Financing the Future: MDB Strategies for Uncertain Times;
Seminar on Energy Transition: The Key to a More Resilient Caribbean; and
Strategic Session on Unlocking Fiscal Space: The Regional Multi-Guarantee Debt for Resilience Swap.
The Meetings will also feature the Youth FIRE Forum, which will provide a platform for young leaders across the region to participate in discussions on innovation, resilience, entrepreneurship, and the future of Caribbean development.
Honorable Michael Halkitis, the recently appointed Minister of Finance for the Commonwealth of The Bahamas and Chairman of the Board of Governors of the Caribbean Development Bank, emphasized the significance of hosting the Meetings at this important moment for the region.
“The Caribbean is navigating a period of significant global uncertainty, shaped by climate change,
economic volatility, geopolitical shifts, and evolving development challenges. These Meetings
will provide a critical opportunity for regional leaders and partners to come together to advance practical solutions, strengthen partnerships, and chart a sustainable and resilient path forward for
our region.”
Minister Halkitis further noted that hosting the Meetings reflects The Bahamas’ continued commitment to regional cooperation and sustainable development. “The Bahamas is honored to host this important gathering and to welcome delegates from across the Caribbean and around the world to our shores. Beyond the formal discussions, these Meetings will also showcase the warmth of our people, the vibrancy of our culture, and our shared commitment to building a stronger Caribbean future.”
President of the Caribbean Development Bank, Daniel Best, also underscored the importance of the Meetings for the region at this pivotal time.
“The 56th Annual Meeting willserve as an important platform for dialogue, partnership, and action
as the Caribbean seeks to navigate an increasingly complex global environment. The discussions
in Nassau will help shape the future direction of sustainable development and resilience-building
efforts throughout the region.”
In addition to official meetings and policy sessions, delegates will participate in networking
engagements, cultural events, development forums, and the Bank’s ‘CDB Gives Back’ Initiative,
reinforcing the spirit of regional collaboration and community partnership.
The Government of The Bahamas and the Caribbean Development Bank look forward to
welcoming delegates to Nassau for what is expected to be one of the region’s most significant
development gatherings of the year.
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