Home to many small island developing states, economic resilience is just an option but a necessity for the Caribbean towards long-term sustainability.

• Agreement signed during the UN’s 80th General Assembly in New York.
• Focus on data, digital economy, trade and food security.
• Concrete step to advancing UNCTAD strategy for small island developing states.

At the 80th session of the United Nations General Assembly this week, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) and the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) signed their first cooperation agreement to strengthen the region’s resilience and unlock new sources of growth.

UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan and CARICOM Secretary-General Carla Barnett formalized the agreement on the sidelines of the Assembly. It sets out collaboration in key areas: strengthening statistics, fostering innovation and industrial policy, supporting micro, small and medium-sized enterprises, boosting services and the digital economy, improving trade facilitation and enhancing food security.

Why it matters to small island developing states

For the Caribbean, one of the world’s most vulnerable regions, the stakes are high. Small island developing states (SIDS) face repeated external shocks – from climate events to global financial volatility – while depending heavily on sectors such as tourism. Diversification across sectors – from digital services and e-commerce to resilient food systems and innovative industrial policies – is not just an option but a necessity for long-term sustainability.

“The Caribbean’s creativity and dynamism are well known,” Ms Grynspan said. “But to turn potential into real transformation, countries need reliable data, stronger digital infrastructure and policies that empower entrepreneurs. UNCTAD stands ready to accompany CARICOM on this journey.”

Concrete way forward

The agreement marks a concrete step forward in implementing UNCTAD’s strategy to support SIDS. It builds on ongoing initiatives, including a joint project on trade in services statistics with CARICOM and the UN Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean.

By pooling efforts at the regional level, UNCTAD and CARICOM aim to translate today’s opportunities – from creative industries and digital finance to trade facilitation and food security – into inclusive growth, jobs and a more resilient future for the Caribbean.