Engaging Caribbean Leaders to Advance Water Resilience and Sustainable Development

The UNESCO Office for the Caribbean significantly strengthened its partnerships with governments across the region and other key stakeholders during the recent 21st High-Level Forum of Caribbean Ministers Responsible for Water, organized by the Caribbean Water and Wastewater Association (CWWA).

Held on 20-21 October 2025 in San Pedro, Belize, under the theme "Advancing Regional Resilience through Collective Action, Innovation and Investment in the Water Sector," the Forum gathered 17 ministerial representatives alongside international financial institutions, regional organizations, and development partners.

This important event was made possible through the financial, organizational and technical support provided by multiple regional and global partners and donors, including direct assistance from the Science Sector of UNESCO through the regular budget of the Intergovernmental Hydrological Programme .

Representing the UNESCO Office for the Caribbean, Alibek Otambekov, Program Specialist for Natural Sciences, highlighted UNESCO's work through the SIDS Accelerators for Water and Resilience, promoting science-policy collaboration, capacity development, and environmental education in national water strategies.

Mr. Otambekov met with several key stakeholders, including the Honorable Michel Chebat, Minister of Public Utilities of Belize, in order to explore a range of new areas of cooperation, including a proposed Biosphere Reserve initiative for the country as well as issues concerning transboundary watershed management.

Over two days, it was emphasized the need for stronger institutions, investment in water professionals, and participation of women in water leadership. The Forum concluded with a shared vision: advancing regional cooperation, climate-resilient infrastructure, and collective action so that no Caribbean nation is left behind.