The 15th Annual Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF2026) concluded successfully in Kingston after three days of robust dialogue, knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation focused on building stronger and more resilient Caribbean communities. Held under the theme, “On the Frontlines: Rethinking Resilience and Recovery in the Caribbean,” the Forum welcomed approximately 170 participants from across the Caribbean and beyond.

Hosted by the Kingston and St. Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC), the University of Technology, Jamaica (UTech), the Jamaica Institute of Planners (JIP), Island City Lab, and blue Space Caribbean, the conference brought together urban planners, municipal leaders, policymakers, academics, development partners, private sector representatives, students, and community stakeholders to examine the critical issues shaping the future of Caribbean cities and communities.

The Forum opened on June 17 at the Courtleigh Auditorium with an inspiring Opening Ceremony featuring cultural performances and addresses from regional and international leaders in urban development, governance, and resilience planning. Among the featured speakers were The Honourable Robert Nesta Morgan, MP, Minister with Responsibility for Works; The Honourable Desmond McKenzie, MP, Minister of Local Government and Community Development; Mr Mark Golding, Leader of the Opposition, Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby; Dr. Carla Natalie Barnett, Secretary-General of CARICOM; and Ms. Anacláudia Rossbach, Executive Director of UN-Habitat.

In his remarks, Mayor Andrew Swaby challenged Caribbean leaders, planners, policymakers, and practitioners to move beyond discussion and toward implementation. He urged each participating city and organization to commit to at least one adaptation or resilience measure within the next six months, emphasizing that the success of the Forum would ultimately be measured by action.

“What Caribbean cities need now is action on a timetable,” Mayor Swaby stated. “The challenges we face are urgent and interconnected. We must leave this Forum committed to delivering practical solutions that strengthen our communities, protect our people, and build resilience for generations to come.”

Throughout the conference, participants explored a wide range of issues through keynote presentations, technical sessions, workshops, panel discussions, poster presentations, networking events, and field experiences. Discussions focused on social infrastructure, protective infrastructure, housing, shelter and settlements, disaster planning and recovery, climate adaptation, community resilience, urban governance, sustainable mobility, and reimagining development futures for Caribbean Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Presenters shared research findings, case studies, and practical solutions from Jamaica, Trinidad and Tobago, Guyana, Puerto Rico, Haiti, Saint Martin, the Dominican Republic, and other jurisdictions, highlighting both the shared vulnerabilities and unique opportunities facing Caribbean territories.

Several sessions examined lessons emerging from Hurricane Melissa and other recent disasters, emphasizing the importance of strengthening social infrastructure, improving housing resilience, investing in nature-based solutions, enhancing disaster preparedness systems, and promoting community-led recovery approaches.

The Forum also featured interactive workshops led by regional and international experts, including sessions on disaster mapping, digital planning tools, sustainable transport, climate adaptation, community mapping, watershed management, and resilient housing. Participants engaged in field visits showcasing innovative resilience initiatives in Kingston, Port Royal, and Bluefields, Westmoreland.

A major highlight of CUF 2026 was the strong participation of development partners, including the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), UN-Habitat, the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), and CARICOM, all of which reinforced the importance of regional collaboration in addressing urban and climate challenges. The conference also showcased emerging research through poster presentations and provided a platform for students, young professionals, and experienced practitioners to share innovative ideas and solutions.

Speaking on behalf of the Local Organizing Committee, conference leaders noted that resilience is no longer simply about recovering from disasters but about transforming the systems, institutions, and infrastructure that support Caribbean communities. The discussions throughout the Forum reinforced the need for proactive planning, stronger governance, inclusive development, and greater investment in people-centered solutions.

As delegates departed Kingston, a clear consensus emerged: Caribbean resilience will require bold leadership, stronger partnerships, innovative thinking, and a collective commitment to translating plans into measurable action.

With approximately 170 participants attending the conference, organizers hailed CUF 2026 as a successful staging that strengthened regional partnerships, advanced critical conversations on resilience and recovery, and reaffirmed the Caribbean Urban Forum’s role as the region’s premier platform for urban dialogue and action.

The Conference culminated in the delivery of Kingston Declaration” of June 19, 2026, an instrument which committed to deepening the partnerships across the region to address urban governance, disaster preparedness climate resilience & other socio-economic challenges facing small island developing states (SIDS)

The organizers extend sincere appreciation toall speakers, presenters, sponsors, partners, volunteers, and participants whose contributions helped make CUF 2026 a resounding success.

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