November 1, 2024, Barbados – More than 300 participants, 64 government representatives – including 28 ministers – from 27 countries and territories, gathered from 30 October to 1 November at the XVI Ministerial Forum for Development in Latin America and the Caribbean under the theme “Resilience in Action: Social Policies to Navigate Uncertainty in Latin America and the Caribbean”. The forum was co-organized by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in Latin America and the Caribbean, and the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), and hosted by the Government of Barbados.

In the context of a Latin America and Caribbean region which is experiencing greater uncertainty, dynamic socio-economic shifts, geopolitical transitions, and the enduring impact of the global pandemic, the forum was an opportunity for high-level discussions and collective reflections around inequalities, financing for development, effective governance, digitalization, innovation, social protection, and inclusive growth. As an outcome during the closing session, the “Bridgetown Declaration” was approved, promoting inclusive and sustainable development across the region, particularly considering the ongoing challenges posed by low economic growth, climate change, and inequality. 

The Declaration calls for the enhancement of social protection systems to become more inclusive, adaptive, and resilient, promoting equality and addressing the needs of the most vulnerable sectors, and the imperative of including the use of digital technologies to improve the accessibility and efficiency of programs, ensuring that assistance reaches those who need it most. It also recognized the importance of implementing gender-responsive budgeting practices that address the specific needs of women and promote their autonomy and economic empowerment as well as integrating disaster risk reduction and climate change adaptation into social protection systems.

The forum featured opening remarks from The Hon. Mia Mottley, Prime Minister of Barbados; Achim Steiner, Administrator of the UNDP; Michelle Muschett, Regional Director for UNDP in Latin America and the Caribbean; José Manuel Salazar-Xirinachs, Executive Secretary of ECLAC; and The Hon. Kirk Humphrey, Minister of People Empowerment and Elder Affairs from Barbados

Throughout the event, the region's cultural diversity was incorporated into the exchanges and conversations as a pillar of sustainable human development and a mechanism to foster regional cooperation. The Opening Ceremony featured a live performance by the Cultural Ambassador of Barbados, H.E. Dr. The Most Hon. Anthony ‘The Mighty Gabby’ Carter, renowned calypso and folk singer. The Closing Ceremony, a “decima” composition, was presented, which highlighted some of the themes that came out of the conversations that took place during the forum. Four side events held during the Forum focused on a range of topics, including the Cost of the Double Burden of Malnutrition; Poverty Data to Guide Resilience-Building Policy Design; an innovation showcase for sustainable development; and the expansion of social registries to advance the implementation of social and labour inclusion policies.