Supporting Resilient Prosperity in the Caribbean

The Caribbean Regional Dialogue, convened 21-22 August 2025 by the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in partnership with the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF), brought together governments, regional bodies, civil society, academia, youth and the private sector to align on a shared agenda for “Advancing Resilient Prosperity” in small island developing states (SIDS).

Across the Caribbean, fisheries sustain livelihoods, food security, cultures and coastal economies. Yet too often, public information on fisheries—who has access, what is caught, where revenues go, how decisions are made—remains fragmented or unpublished. The Dialogue’s emphasis on strengthening regional cooperation, financing and evidence-based policymaking provided an ideal platform to showcase how practical transparency reforms help governments and stakeholders navigate climate risks, market volatility and ecological uncertainty.

Representing the FiTI International Secretariat, Caribbean Regional Coordinator Tyann Henry joined sessions focused on tourism, agriculture, the Blue Economy, climate and disaster risk reduction, economic development and trade. The proceedings identified the following core ideas:

• Regional alignment is key. A regional development plan for sustainable development is essential to align national strategies and provide a common direction forward across the discussed themes. It is only through regional strategic planning that we can effectively chart a course toward regional sustainability.

• Blue economy development from a more inclusive standpoint. Embedding transparency and accountability within a shared regional blueprint reduces due diligence costs, accelerates sustainable investments and builds trust. More importantly, it ensures that capital flows into projects that strengthen stable, fair and resilient value chains—where economic growth, environmental stewardship and community benefits advance together.

• Food security is central. With import bills rising, countries are prioritising domestic supply and post-harvest value. Promoting sustainable living initiatives, encouraging transitions to renewable energy in implementing sustainable production, and improving regional agro-tech and agro-processing capabilities are necessary facilitations to be implemented in meeting the goal of food security across the region’s SIDS and will help direct investments to where they actually benefit communities.

• Climate and disaster risk are not abstract. Climate adaptation and resilience are essential for the survival of the Caribbean region in facing rapidly changing climatic factors. Natural capital accounting, open data on damage assessments, emergency measures, response plans and ease of access to recovery funds allow inclusive, accountable responses.

• Data availability and sharing are impeded by fragmentation. The concern of fragmentation at both local and regional levels due to restricted data sharing was noted across sectors. Publishing or sharing what information exists creates momentum and invites opportunity for varying levels of collaboration.

• Youth voices are catalysts. Young professionals demand more inclusive decision-making. This creates opportunities for their contributions to recommendations to move forward in regional sustainable development, rather than just occupying a token seat at the table. Transparency is a cornerstone for meaningful participation.

The FiTI International Secretariat is committed to supporting interested Caribbean governments and regional partners in the publishing of core fisheries datasets across the region. The FiTI will also work to support countries interested in pursuing FiTI ‘candidate country’ status, including the establishment of national multi-stakeholder groups. This support also extends to ongoing regional initiatives on blue economy, ocean governance and climate resilience, ensuring fisheries information is a visible input—not an afterthought—in policy design and investment pipelines.

The FiTI thanks the OECS Commission and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation for convening an inclusive, solutions-focused Dialogue, and to all participants who shared candid insights and practical ideas. The FiTI looks forward to deepening collaboration so that transparency becomes a Caribbean advantage—fueling better decisions, stronger communities and healthier seas.