Caribbean Civil Society Strengthens Resilience Amid Global Shifts
Kingston, Jamaica – In February 2026, civil society organizations (CSOs) from across the Caribbean convened in Jamaica for a landmark regional conference focused on strengthening governance, digital readiness, and partnerships in response to an increasingly complex geopolitical landscape. The event, hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) and Global Affairs Canada, brought together 120 participants representing 80 CSOs from 12 countries.
A Call for Collective Power
Held under the theme “The Shift: Igniting Civil Society’s Next Chapter” and coinciding with World NGO Day, the conference centered on the “collective power” of community-based organizations (CBOs) to advance shared development goals for both people and the planet. CDB officials highlighted CSOs as a “cornerstone of resilience” in a region facing escalating climate shocks, economic uncertainty, and social inequality.
CSOs: First Responders and Trusted Advocates
George Yearwood, BNTF Portfolio Manager at the Caribbean Development Bank, emphasized the crucial role of NGOs and CBOs as first responders during crises and trusted advocates within marginalized communities. He stated that these organizations are “steadfast champions of social justice, environmental stewardship, gender equality, youth empowerment and inclusive growth.” The CDB plans to formalize engagement with CSOs in its next strategic cycle, creating platforms for dialogue, improving access to knowledge and digital tools, expanding financing opportunities, and strengthening data-driven, gender-responsive programming.
Addressing Governance and Organizational Weaknesses
A 2023 CDB assessment of community groups in Guyana, Jamaica, and Saint Lucia revealed significant weaknesses in governance and organizational readiness. The assessment found that 69 percent of groups lacked constitutions, nearly half had no mission or vision statements, and many reported gaps in proposal writing, resource mobilization, and awareness of the Sustainable Development Goals.
The Demand for Urgent Support
Mark Berman, the Canadian High Commissioner to Jamaica, acknowledged the indispensable role of Caribbean CSOs in addressing developmental challenges such as climate vulnerability, youth unemployment, and gender inequality. However, he cautioned that weaknesses in governance, strategic planning, resource mobilization, and digital readiness could limit their ability to deliver and influence policy effectively.
Capacity Building and Digital Tools
The conference program addressed these concerns through sessions focused on governance reform, results-based management, social returns on investment, financial resilience, and the integration of digital tools – including artificial intelligence – to enhance advocacy and impact measurement. Global Affairs Canada’s Local Engagement and Action Fund (LEAF) has invested CAD 1.6 million across 11 projects in seven Caribbean countries, supporting initiatives in crime prevention, workforce upskilling, youth empowerment, community resilience, environmental protection, and climate-smart livelihoods.
A Call to Action for Policymakers
Organizers emphasized that the conference was not merely a capacity-building exercise but also a call to action for policymakers to recognize and partner with community-based organizations in national development efforts. In a region grappling with climate change, fiscal constraints, and evolving geopolitical alliances, the concept of collective power emerged as a central theme. The conference concluded on March 27 with a World NGO Day ceremony recognizing the contributions of NGOs to sustainable development across the Caribbean.