Revision 10 de april, 2025
Background of the Greater Caribbean Summit 2025
The Greater Caribbean Summit is the premier platform for high-level political dialogue and regional cooperation under the framework of the Association of Caribbean States (ACS). Its convening is in accordance with Articles VI and VII of the ACS Founding Convention, as well as Agreement No. 15/18, which defines the Terms of Reference for the organization and hosting of the Summit.
In 2024, the ACS marks the 30th anniversary of the signing of its Founding Convention, which took place on July 24, 1994. Under the theme “United for Life: Toward a More Sustainable Greater Caribbean,” the 2025 Summit represents not only a space for high-level decision-making, but also a historic and symbolic milestone for the region: three decades since the creation of the ACS.
This anniversary reaffirms the enduring commitment of Member States to regional integration, sustainable development, and strengthened cooperation among Caribbean countries and territories. Its significance is further amplified by the fact that Colombia, the host of the original signing in Cartagena de Indias, now holds the Presidency of the ACS Ministerial Council.
As President of the ACS Ministerial Council for the 2024–2025 term, the Government of the Republic of Colombia has taken on the responsibility of leading the organization of the 10th ACS Summit of Heads of State and/or Government, to be held from May 27 to 30, 2025. This leadership also includes the coordination of other official high-level events taking place during the Summit week, including the 30th Regular Meeting of the Ministerial Council, the 9th International Cooperation Conference, and the 17th Greater Caribbean Business Forum, the latter led by CAF.
Since its inception, the Summit has evolved into a strategic platform for positioning the Greater Caribbean as a zone of peace, solidarity, and joint action in the face of global challenges. Throughout the Summit week, a series of high-level meetings take place, reinforcing this shared objective.
Among these, the Greater Caribbean Business Forum stands out as a key initiative, stemming from the mandate of the 2nd ACS Summit in Santo Domingo (1999) and reaffirmed during the 3rd Summit in Isla Margarita (2001). The Forum embodies the long-standing commitment to build an expanded economic space for trade and investment across the region.
Since then, it has become a vital space for business leaders to forge commercial ties, explore investment opportunities, and engage with government representatives and trade experts. The Forum also features interactive sessions on key regional trade issues and fosters cooperation among trade promotion organizations from ACS Member States, generating synergy and collective impact.
The Greater Caribbean Summit 2025 marks a pivotal turning point. Coinciding with the 30th anniversary of the ACS, it aims to renew political commitment to a people-centered integration process that addresses the key challenges of the 21st century: climate change, social inequalities, economic fragmentation, and the need for greater regional connectivity.
The Summit’s strategic focus areas include climate justice, inclusive digital transformation, protection of the Caribbean Sea, and the promotion of a sustainable blue economy. It also highlights the importance of fostering fair trade, sustainable tourism, and investment that promotes shared prosperity.
This Summit is a unique opportunity to revitalize regional cooperation, strengthen strategic alliances, and position the Greater Caribbean as an integrated, resilient, peaceful region with a voice of its own on the global stage.
The Association of Caribbean States (ACS) is an intergovernmental organization established in 1994 through an international Convention, with the objective of promoting consultation, cooperation, and concerted action among the countries of the Greater Caribbean.
The ACS currently comprises 25 Member States and 10 Associate Members, guided by the principles of multilateralism, respect for sovereignty, and a unity that embraces the region’s rich diversity.
It provides a common space for States, countries, and territories in the Caribbean to identify, coordinate, and implement policies and programs that promote sustainable development, well-being, and regional integration with a long-term strategic vision.
