KINGSTON, Jamaica — One hundred and seventy participants from across the Caribbean and beyond gathered in Kingston for the 15th Annual Caribbean Urban Forum (CUF 2026), featuring robust dialogue, knowledge exchange, collaboration, and innovation focused on building stronger and more resilient Caribbean communities.

The forum which was held under the theme “On the Frontlines: Rethinking Resilience and Recovery in the Caribbean”, was 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 blueSpace Caribbean.

According to a KSAMC press release on Wednesday, the event 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 three-day forum opened on June 17 at the Courtleigh Auditorium with a ceremony featuring cultural performances and addresses from regional and international leaders in urban development, governance and resilience planning.

Among the featured speakers were Minister with responsibility for Works, Robert Nesta Morgan; Minister of Local Government and Community Development, Desmond McKenzie; Leader of the Opposition, Mark Golding; Mayor of Kingston, Councillor Andrew Swaby; Secretary-General of the Caribbean Community (Caricom), Dr Carla Natalie Barnett; and Anacláudia Rossbach, executive director of United Nationa (UN) Habitat.

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

“What Caribbean cities need now is action on a timetable,” Swaby said. “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, emphasising 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 organising 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-centred 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.

Organisers 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 SIDS.

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