The Inaugural Caribbean CSO Conference
In a significant development for regional cooperation, Jamaica is hosting the inaugural Caribbean Civil Society Organisation (CSO) Conference in Kingston, a landmark event designed to strengthen resilience against climate shocks and economic uncertainty in the Caribbean region.
Held from February 24-27, 2026 under the theme The Shift: Igniting Civil Society's Next Chapter, the conference brought together 120 participants representing 80 civil society organisations across 12 Caribbean nations. The event coincided with World NGO Day, amplifying its significance as a platform for collective action.
A Cornerstone of Resilience
"Across our borrowing member countries, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and community-based organisations (CBOs) are often the first responders during crises and the most trusted advocates in marginalised communities," said George Yearwood, BNTF Portfolio Manager at the Caribbean Development Bank.
Hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) through its Basic Needs Trust Fund (BNTF) in partnership with Global Affairs Canada's Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF), the four-day event focused on what organisers describe as the "collective power" of community-based organisations to advance shared development goals for people and the planet.
Addressing Critical Challenges
Speaking during the opening ceremony, Mark Berman, Canada's High Commissioner to Jamaica, emphasised that CSOs are indispensable in addressing entrenched development challenges including climate vulnerability, youth unemployment, gender equality, and protection of the most vulnerable.
"This conference is designed to respond directly to those needs and the skills that CSOs require. The conference will focus on practical work on governance, social return on investment, results-based management, financial resilience, digital tools and AI (artificial intelligence), and strategic advocacy," Berman detailed.
The High Commissioner urged CSO leaders to use the conference to sharpen their strategies, focus on measurable impact and return on investment, and expand their partnerships. He further encouraged funders and private-sector partners to "invest for the long term in institutional capacity, digital readiness, and sustainability, not just projects".
Strategic Partnership and Innovation
The conference theme "The Shift: Igniting Civil Society's Next Chapter" reflects the urgent need for adaptation in a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape. Organisers emphasise the importance of:
- Stronger governance structures for CSOs
- Digital readiness and AI integration for enhanced operational efficiency
- Strategic partnerships between funders, governments, and civil society
- Sustainable development initiatives addressing climate resilience
The event marks a significant step forward for regional collaboration, bringing together policymakers, development leaders, and civil society representatives to chart a path forward for sustainable development in the Caribbean and beyond.
As the conference concludes, the collective commitment of civil society organisations across the Caribbean region demonstrates their role as true "cornerstones of resilience" in times of global uncertainty and climate crisis.