Caribbean Development Bank to host 56th Annual Meeting in The Bahamas

Top Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) officials, senior regional government leaders, and global development finance decision-makers will gather in The Bahamas from June 1–5, 2026, for the Bank’s 56th Annual Meeting of the Board of Governors. The meeting will focus on accelerating the Caribbean’s development amid global volatility, geopolitical tensions, and economic uncertainty under the theme, “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times.”

The announcement was made during a media launch at the Grand Hyatt Baha Mar in Nassau.

Senator The Honourable Michael B. Halkitis, CDB Governor for The Bahamas and Chair of the Board of Governors, said the event represents more than just an annual gathering. “It marks 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 said. Halkitis added that hosting the meeting in Nassau offers a valuable opportunity to strengthen partnerships and advance meaningful dialogue.

CDB President Daniel M. Best described the five-day gathering as a platform to turn regional challenges into actionable 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 said.

President Best emphasized that the agenda is designed to produce actionable outcomes. “Every session, roundtable, and knowledge forum has been intentionally structured to focus on ideas governments, private sector partners, and development institutions can implement. Our goal is simply to translate uncertainty into action that benefits future generations,” he explained.

Discussions will centre on CDB’s newly operational Strategic Plan 2026–2035, the Bank’s roadmap for transformational change across the Caribbean over the next decade. The agenda also includes technical roundtables, knowledge-sharing forums, and networking opportunities.

Signature events will feature The President’s Chat, where Multilateral Development Bank leaders will explore the evolving landscape of development financing, and the William G. Demas Lecture, where a global thought leader will address regional stakeholders on issues of international significance.

New additions this year include the Private Sector Impact Room, offering entrepreneurs and business owners guidance on accessing CDB support, and a two-day Youth Forum, which will give young people a platform to engage directly in shaping the Caribbean’s future.