President Irfaan Ali of Guyana has joined fellow Caribbean leaders in Barbados for the 48th Regular Meeting of the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM). The high-level gathering, which runs from February 19 to 21, 2025, underscores Guyana’s commitment to regional cooperation and integration.
The conference, held under the theme “Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development,” brings together leaders from across the Caribbean to address pressing regional challenges and opportunities.
Key issues on the agenda include:
- Food and nutrition security
- Climate resilience
- Regional security concerns
- Digital resilience
- External relations
- The CARICOM Single Market and Economy
President Ali’s participation comes at a crucial time for Guyana, as the country navigates its economic transformation driven by recent oil discoveries. His presence at the conference demonstrates Guyana’s dedication to playing an active role in shaping regional policies and fostering cooperation among Caribbean nations.
The meeting also provides an opportunity for Guyana to showcase its progress and share insights from its Low Carbon Development Strategy 2030, which aligns with the conference’s focus on sustainable development and climate resilience.
UN Secretary-General António Guterres addressed the opening ceremony, highlighting the importance of Caribbean unity in addressing global challenges. The presence of high-profile international figures underscores the significance of this regional gathering.
As Guyana prepares to take its seat as a non-permanent member of the UN Security Council in January 2024, President Ali’s engagement at the CARICOM conference further solidifies the country’s growing influence on both regional and international stages.
The outcomes of this meeting are expected to shape Caribbean policy directions for the coming year, with implications for economic development, climate action, and regional security. As the conference progresses, all eyes will be on the collaborative efforts of Caribbean leaders to forge a resilient and prosperous future for the region.
