Keynote Discussion for the 43rd Annual Review Seminar to Centre on Climate Resilience

The Central Bank of Barbados’ 43rd Annual Review Seminar, “The Road to Recovery: Removing Roadblocks and Building Bridges,” will kick off on Tuesday, July 24 at 9:00 a.m. with a keynote discussion entitled “Innovative Financial Solutions for Climate Resilience.”

“Climate resilience is a very important issue, one that must factor into any conversation about Barbados’ or the region’s economic recovery,” said Anton Belgrave, Director of the Bank’s Research and Economic Analysis Department. “Our aim with this session is to ensure the public is aware of the financial products that are currently available to governments, businesses, and households as well as others that are on the horizon for small island developing states like ours. We’ll also be exploring the educational and professional opportunities that will arise from the emergence of the green economy and related sectors.”

The keynote panel comprises Jennifer Doherty-Bigara, Senior Climate Change Specialist at the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB); Leslie Gittens, Multi-Country Manager (Caribbean) for the United Nations Global Compact; Donna Wellington, Managing Director, Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, CIBC FirstCaribbean International Bank; and Torsten Elhers, Senior Financial Expert, International Monetary Fund (IMF). The session will be moderated by Derek Gibbs, Climate Finance Specialist in the Environmental Sustainability Unit of the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB).

“In assembling a panel that comprises both authorities in climate change and experts in the area of finance, our intention is to offer diverse perspectives on these issues. We encourage anyone with an interest in this area not to miss this session.”

The 43rd Annual Review Seminar takes place July 24 to 28 at the Radisson Aquatica Hotel. The keynote session will also be livestreamed on the Central Bank’s Facebook page and YouTube channel.