Caribbean Development Bank Urges Focus on Resilience
The bank president emphasized the need for integrated planning as regional economic growth remains modest.
Updated on Oct. 20, 2026 in Economic Policy
Live Poll
Do you trust that businesses are sufficiently prioritizing long-term resilience over short-term financial gains?
Caribbean Development Bank president Daniel M. Best addressed regional growth and planning at a conference in Port of Spain on September 15, 2026. He urged governments and businesses to integrate climate resilience into their strategic decision-making.
Why it matters
The regional operating environment is currently being reshaped by climate change, geopolitical tensions, trade policies, and advancements in artificial intelligence. Integrating resilience allows countries to better recover from climate-related shocks and secure financing on more favorable terms.
The Caribbean Development Bank reports regional economic growth was 0.6 percent in 2025, down from 1.4 percent in 2024. The bank projects growth will reach 1.1 percent in 2026.
The players
Daniel M. Best
He serves as the president of the Caribbean Development Bank.
Caribbean Development Bank
This is a regional financial institution that supports economic development and climate resilience in Caribbean nations.
American Chamber of Commerce of Trinidad and Tobago
This organization represents business interests and hosted the Environmental, Social and Governance Conference.
The details
Businesses are encouraged to adopt environmental, social, and governance frameworks to manage climate and social risks. The Caribbean Development Bank aims to direct 30 percent of its total financing and 35 percent of concessional resources toward climate adaptation and mitigation efforts.
Timeline
Economic growth in borrowing countries was 1.4 percent in 2024.
The Caribbean Development Bank raised CHF 100 million through a sustainability bond in 2025.
Daniel M. Best delivered his keynote address on September 15, 2026.
Regional economic growth is projected to reach 1.1 percent in 2026.
Macro View
The bank's push for integrated resilience aligns with the targets established in the CDB strategic plan. This approach marks a departure from traditional fiscal planning by prioritizing climate-specific resource allocation.
These shifts in banking priorities may change the availability of climate-concessional financing for local businesses and governments. Readers in the region should monitor how these strategic adjustments impact local fiscal space and development project timelines.
The takeaway
Integrating environmental and social governance into long-term planning is essential for economic stability in the Caribbean. Governments and businesses can improve their financial standing by proactively addressing climate risks today.
Further reading
For broader context on regional development strategies, visit the Economic Policy section.
Source note: This article includes information reported by Caribbeannewsglobal.
Live Poll
Do you trust that businesses are sufficiently prioritizing long-term resilience over short-term financial gains?
