From May 26 to 30, the capital of the Bolívar Department will host Greater Caribbean Week, one of the most important and strategic multilateral events in the recent history of the region.
This high-level diplomatic agenda includes events such as the 10th Summit of Heads of State and/or Government of the States, Countries and Territories of the ACS, and the 3rd Colombia–CARICOM Ministerial Summit.
Through these meetings, the Government of Colombia, via the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, reaffirms its commitment to strong regional integration with tangible results.
According to Francisco Gutiérrez, Director of Integration Mechanisms at the Foreign Ministry, more than 18 countries from the Greater Caribbean have confirmed their participation to date. Moreover, 400 businesspeople from the region will also take part.
“This initiative responds to the implementation of the Colombian Greater Caribbean strategy, aiming to position itself as a regional leader by promoting strategic interests and issues for Colombia and the other countries of the Caribbean Basin,” said Director Gutiérrez, who also highlighted the four main thematic pillars to be addressed by participants:
- Tackling the adverse effects of climate change
- International cooperation for scientific research and development
- Promoting digital interconnection
- Advancing social inclusion and equity for vulnerable groups
Greater Caribbean Week Agenda
- May 26 | Project Formulation Workshop: Potentials and Challenges of South-South and Triangular Cooperation in the countries of the Greater Caribbean.
- May 27 | 17th Greater Caribbean Business Forum + Exhibition: Empowering the Greater Caribbean – Digital Pathways for Sustainable Growth
- May 27 | 9th International Cooperation Conference: Amplifying Impact through Collective Action.
- May 28 | 3rd Colombia–CARICOM Ministerial Summit: Sustainable Development and Climate Change
- May 29 | 30th Meeting of the ACS Ministerial Council: Three Decades of Integration for a More Resilient and Sustainable Greater Caribbean
- May 30 | 10th Summit of Heads of State and/or Government of the ACS: United for Life – Towards a More Sustainable Greater Caribbean.
About the ACS
Colombia currently holds the Presidency of the ACS Ministerial Council, assumed in May 2024 during the 29th Ordinary Meeting held in Paramaribo, Suriname. To commemorate this milestone, the Government of Colombia, through the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, designated Montería as the venue for this high-level agenda, bringing together leaders from 25 Member States, 10 Associate Members, 29 Observer States, and 19 Caribbean social actors.
About CARICOM
To strengthen political, economic, social, and cultural ties with the 15 countries of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) and reinforce its regional presence, Colombia proposed holding regular ministerial summits to address topics of common interest under a mutually beneficial agenda. Two editions have already taken place, in 2019 and 2022, focused on South-South cooperation. The third edition aims to expand its scope by incorporating political dialogue, especially an exchange of environmental experiences in the Caribbean.
Colombia’s commitment to regional integration, as well as to South-South and triangular cooperation, is aimed at strengthening internal capacities in the countries of the Greater Caribbean and promoting development with a unique regional identity.
