PRESS RELEASE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE



Smart Caribbean Futures Forum 2026 to Convene Regional and Global Leaders on Building Disaster-Resilient Caribbean Futures

Virtual Forum | June 3–5, 2026 @12PM EDT

The Smart Caribbean Futures Forum 2026 will bring together community leaders, policymakers, NGOs, educators, youth advocates, researchers, faith-based organizations, development practitioners, and citizens from across the Caribbean and around the world for a three-day virtual dialogue focused on resilience, innovation, sustainability, and shared prosperity.

Under the theme “Disaster Resilient Futures: From Relief to Recovery, Reconstruction to Renewal,” the forum will explore transformative strategies to strengthen Caribbean communities in the face of climate change, natural disasters, economic uncertainty, and emerging global challenges.

Guided by the principle that “Resilient Futures = Integration Matters,” the forum aims to foster collaboration across sectors and disciplines to create actionable pathways toward a thriving Caribbean by 2035.

A Three-Day Agenda Focused on Action and Transformation

Day 1 – June 3, 2026

Resilience in an Age of Disruption

Reading the Signals to Shape the Future

Participants will examine emerging risks, future trends, and resilience-building strategies to help communities and institutions anticipate and respond to disruption.

Day 2 – June 4, 2026

Innovation, Governance and Shared Prosperity

Architecting New Pathways for Caribbean Futures

Discussions will focus on governance innovation, technology, economic development, partnerships, and inclusive growth models that can drive sustainable prosperity throughout the region.

Day 3 – June 5, 2026

Regenerating the Future

Reimagining the Natural Systems that Sustain Caribbean Life

Sessions will highlight ecosystem restoration, climate adaptation, renewable energy, biodiversity conservation, and nature-based solutions essential to long-term resilience.

Bringing Diverse Voices Together

The Smart Caribbean Futures Forum is designed as an inclusive platform where stakeholders can share knowledge, exchange ideas, and collaborate on practical solutions that strengthen communities, protect ecosystems, and create opportunities for future generations.

The event is grounded in five core pillars:

• People
• Partnerships
• Innovation
• Nature
• Prosperity

These pillars reflect the forum’s commitment to advancing stronger communities, healthy ecosystems, smart technologies, inclusive futures, and shared prosperity across the Caribbean.

Question of the Day

As part of the forum's engagement activities, organizers are inviting participants and community members to reflect on an important question:

“What signal gives you the greatest hope for the future of the Caribbean?”

Responses will help inform conversations throughout the forum and contribute to a collective vision for a flourishing Caribbean future.

Registration Information

Registration is now open for the Smart Caribbean Futures Forum 2026. Individuals and organizations interested in participating are encouraged to register early and join a growing network of changemakers committed to shaping resilient and sustainable Caribbean futures.

About the Smart Caribbean Futures Forum

The Smart Caribbean Futures Forum is a collaborative virtual platform dedicated to advancing dialogue, innovation, and action around resilience, sustainability, community development, and future-focused solutions for the Caribbean. Through cross-sector partnerships and inclusive engagement, the forum seeks to support pathways toward a more prosperous, regenerative, and resilient Caribbean by 2035.

Media Contact:

Francine Campbell-Hakim

Book Bankra 2026 Committee Chair

francine.hakim@icsdc.org

AMBASSADOR ALBERT RAMDIN, SECRETARY GENERAL OF OAS REMARKS @ OFFICIAL OPENING

WALL OF FAME

Film lovers, culture enthusiasts, and supporters of Caribbean storytelling are invited to experience the excitement of the D.C. Caribbean FilmFest, taking place June 5–11, 2026, at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center in Silver Spring, Maryland. This highly anticipated annual event showcases the very best in contemporary Caribbean cinema, bringing together powerful stories, visionary filmmakers, and diverse voices from across the Caribbean and its diaspora. Over six days, audiences will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in compelling films that entertain, inspire, and spark meaningful conversations about culture, identity, history, and social change.

More than just a film festival, the D.C. Caribbean FilmFest serves as a dynamic cultural celebration and a vital platform for artistic expression. The festival elevates underrepresented voices, strengthens connections between communities, and provides filmmakers with an international stage to share stories that might otherwise go unheard. Through its carefully curated lineup, the event highlights the creativity, resilience, and innovation that continue to shape Caribbean storytelling today.

The impact of the festival extends far beyond the screen. By bringing together artists, industry professionals, students, and community members, the D.C. Caribbean FilmFest fosters cultural exchange and promotes a deeper understanding of the Caribbean experience. As audiences gather at the AFI Silver Theatre and Cultural Center, they become part of a larger movement that celebrates diversity, champions independent filmmaking, and demonstrates the power of cinema to connect people across borders and generations. This year’s festival promises to be an unforgettable experience and a significant cultural event for the Washington, D.C. metropolitan region.