Caribbean-Japan Partnership Promotes Agenda for Resilient Prosperity

The Caribbean Regional Dialogue, a collaborative effort between the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission and the Sasakawa Peace Foundation (SPF) of Japan, convened in Saint Lucia in August 2025, marking a significant step towards fostering resilient prosperity within the region. The dialogue, themed “Advancing Resilient Prosperity in the Caribbean,” sought to address the unique challenges and opportunities faced by Caribbean island nations, focusing on key areas such as the blue economy, community-based tourism, agriculture and food security, economic development and trade, and climate and disaster risk reduction. The event brought together a diverse array of stakeholders, including government officials, regional organizations, academics, civil society representatives, private sector actors, and youth leaders from across the OECS and the broader CARICOM region. This inclusive approach underscored the importance of collaborative action and shared responsibility in building a more resilient and prosperous Caribbean.

The Dialogue served as a platform for in-depth discussions and experience sharing, focusing on practical solutions and innovative approaches to address the complex issues facing the region. Participants explored the potential of the blue economy to drive sustainable economic growth, recognizing the Caribbean’s vast ocean resources and the need for responsible management and development. Community-based tourism emerged as another key area of focus, highlighting the importance of empowering local communities and ensuring that tourism benefits are distributed equitably. Furthermore, the Dialogue addressed the critical need to strengthen regional food security through sustainable agricultural practices and enhanced regional trade, reducing dependence on external food sources and promoting local production.

Hon. Wayne Girard, Saint Lucia’s Minister in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development and Youth Economy, welcomed the participants and emphasized the importance of the dialogue as a call for collective action and a demonstration of the Caribbean’s resolve to build a sustainable and inclusive future. He stressed that resilience for the region goes beyond simply recovering from setbacks; it entails proactively shaping a future characterized by sustainability, inclusion, and innovation. This sentiment was echoed by Dr. Didacus Jules, Director General of the OECS, who urged the region to reshape its global narrative, emphasizing its strengths and potential rather than focusing solely on its vulnerabilities. He highlighted the Caribbean’s potential in renewable energy, blue economy innovation, community-driven tourism, and transformative food systems, urging the translation of regional ambitions, as outlined in the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), into tangible, island-centric solutions.

Dr. Jules proposed a series of concrete initiatives designed to translate policy into measurable outcomes. These included a Caribbean Island Systems Management Compact, a Blue Value Chains Accelerator, and a Climate-Resilient Finance Toolbox. These proposals underscore the commitment to developing practical mechanisms and tools to address the region’s specific challenges and leverage its unique opportunities. The emphasis on practical solutions and collaborative action reflects a growing recognition that regional cooperation and innovation are essential for achieving sustainable prosperity in the Caribbean.

The Caribbean Regional Dialogue served as a crucial precursor to the Interregional Dialogue and the World Island Summit, planned for 2026 in Tokyo, Japan. These upcoming events will bring together island nations from the Caribbean, Pacific, and Indian Oceans, providing a global platform to address shared challenges and opportunities. The Dialogue emphasized the importance of global collaboration and knowledge exchange in tackling issues common to island nations, such as climate change, sustainable development, and economic resilience. By fostering dialogue and cooperation among island nations, the Dialogue aims to amplify the voices of these vulnerable communities and promote global partnerships for sustainable development.

Throughout the Dialogue, participants consistently emphasized the need for collective responses and bold innovation in addressing the complex challenges facing the Caribbean. Minister Girard underscored that regional and global cooperation is essential, recognizing that the threats posed by rising sea levels, declining fish stocks, and unfair global financial systems require collective action. The Dialogue concluded with a renewed commitment to portraying the Caribbean not as a collection of vulnerabilities, but as a portfolio of solutions. Dr. Jules encapsulated this ambition, emphasizing that the Dialogue was not just a meeting but a significant stride towards deeper cooperation, stronger systems, and a shared Caribbean vision of peace, resilience, and prosperity. The event served as a catalyst for fostering a more collaborative, innovative, and resilient future for the Caribbean region, highlighting the power of collective action and the importance of reframing the narrative to focus on the region’s strengths and potential.