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May 2015
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For well over a decade Caribbean economies have been experiencing persistent low levels of economic growth and expanding fiscal and current account deficits. This has given rise to, high and rising debt to GDP ratios and a reduced fiscal space. Furthermore, falling labour productivity and lack of technological sophistication has made it difficult for the Caribbean to gain market share for its exports. The overall objective of the Forum is to generate disruptive thinking, stimulate bold action and deliver practical outcomes: it is intended to be a mould-breaking gathering of progressive Caribbean policy-makers, thinkers, business and civic society leaders. This will be a Forum that amplifies the voices of dynamic young leaders willing to challenge the status quo and champion new solutions. It is meant to act as a catalyst for change by creating a space for debate and discussion around new academic and policy solutions and progressive ideas by bringing radical thinking to old issues and to provide a mechanism to inject new thinking into the political process. The key themes of the Forum are:
UWI St. Augustine, May 5, Day 1: Stimulating Radical Ideas On the first day, academics from across the world, and regional thought leaders and policy-makers, will present radical ideas and outline deeply practical outcomes around our key themes, including Caribbean convergence, the resilience of Small Island Developing States, the quality of data for decision making and pathways to a more sustainable future. Hyatt Regency Hotel, May 6, Day 2: Rethinking the Caribbean Future Day 2 will focus on building a vision of how the Caribbean could transform itself by 2050. Comprising a series of keynote speeches by internationally renowned experts, followed by moderated roundtable discussions, delegates will discuss themes around global and regional convergence, including CARICOM integration and opportunities for convergence from the private sector, and the crucial role that the political economy and governance plays in delivering sustainable development. Hyatt Regency Hotel, May 7, Day 3: Taking Action for Sustainable Outcomes The focus of the final day of the Forum will be on creating the momentum and means to take bold action for the future. Prompted by thought-provoking keynote speeches and roundtable discussions, delegates will be invited to debate innovative, yet practical, ways of tackling poverty and inequality, reducing debt levels, delivering green and blue growth strategies and human capital development, and the role of Caribbean diplomacy in the global world of politics. |
A consortium of organisations, which includes the Government of the Republic of Trinidad and Tobago, the United Nations Development Program, the Organisation of American States, the Commonwealth Secretariat, the CARICOM Secretariat, the Banco de Desarrollo de América Latina and The UWI, is hosting a Forum on the Future of the Caribbean.