Economic and financial leaders from the 48 member countries of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) will discuss key development challenges for Latin America and the Caribbean on issues ranging from the global economic slowdown to private sector investments, energy sector diversification, sustainable urban development, the potential of creative industries, and natural capital as a line of defense against climate change, among others.
The annual meeting will also feature discussions about the future of cities in the region. The Government of the Bahamas will showcase its vision for Nassau’s urban sustainability and Emerging Sustainable Cities.
Representatives of other development agencies, commercial banks, companies, and civil society organizations will also attend the gathering.
The event will mark the 57th annual meeting of the IDB Group’s Board of Governors, the bank’s top decision-making body. Most governors are ministers of finance or the economy, or central bank presidents.
Speakers for the various seminars on urbanism include Joan Clos, executive director of the United Nations Human Settlements Program (UN-Habitat). The potential of creative industries in cities will be discussed by creative economy expert Lala Dehenzelin, and by the internationally renowned architect Aziza Chaouni.
Considering the richness of the region’s natural capital, a panel of experts that include the University of the West Indies’ Leonard Nurse and Stanford University’s Mary Ruckelshaus will discuss innovative solutions to stabilize shorelines, avoid flooding, and protect marine ecosystems.
During the event the IDB Group will release its annual macroeconomic assessment of the region’s outlook in the context of a difficult global economic environment. A panel discussion of senior officials will discuss the report’s findings and look ahead to fiscal, monetary, and other challenges.