BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank) will examine how geopolitical instability and global economic uncertainty are reshaping development prospects across the Caribbean during a dynamic, data-driven session at its 56th Annual Meeting in The Bahamas.
The EDGE X by CDB: Analytics Unlocked event titled “Shockwaves: How Global Crises Are Hitting the Caribbean” will feature CDB economists presenting analysis on the Region’s vulnerability and exposure to a rapidly evolving global landscape characterised by increased multilateral fragmentation, shifting trade dynamics, and rising geopolitical tensions.
The Caribbean remains among the most externally exposed regions in the world, forced to contend with overlapping and compounding crises. For small and vulnerable Caribbean states, global crises have translated into rising fuel and food prices, higher shipping and production costs, tighter global financing conditions, and mounting inflationary pressures. Recent geopolitical developments, including political instability and conflict, and shifts in trade and tariff policies, have further intensified these risks.
This 60-minute EDGE X discussion, taking place at the Bank’s Annual Meeting in Nassau, will apply a rigorous analytical lens to understand how geopolitical and economic shocks affect Caribbean economies, including inflation, growth, fiscal sustainability, and external balances, particularly in Small Island Developing States. It will also examine strategic policy priorities critical for building resilience, including diversification, trade and supply chain strategies, macroeconomic policy responses, regional cooperation, and innovative development finance solutions.
Ian Durant, director of economics at the bank, underscored the importance of the discussion as countries navigate mounting global uncertainty: “Understanding how geopolitical developments interact with fundamental structural vulnerabilities and translate into economic risks – and opportunities – for the Region is essential for strengthening policy responses and safeguarding development gains.”
Designed to translate complex economic analysis into clear and actionable policy insights, the new EDGE X series reinforces CDB’s role as a regional knowledge leader supporting evidence-based policymaking and practical solutions for sustainable development.
The 56th Annual Meeting of the bank’s board of governors takes place from June 1-5, 2026, under the theme “Forging the Caribbean’s Future: Strategic Solutions for Uncertain Times.”