Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education

As education systems across the Caribbean grapple with challenges of inequality and outdated approaches, key regional stakeholders will determine methods for transforming the delivery of education across the Caribbean at the Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education, scheduled for October 2 to 4, at the Ritz-Carlton Hotel in the Cayman Islands.

About the Event

Hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank), in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, and The University of the West Indies, the event will target Ministers of Education, educators, policymakers, youth, teachers, civil society organisations, and social development entities.

Objectives and Focus Areas

With over 150 individuals expected to participate, the Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education will explore strategies for reimagining teaching practices, expanding access to education, and fostering innovative, effective leadership for the teaching and training sector. The symposium will focus on five thematic areas, reflecting priorities identified at the 2022 Global Transforming Education Summit. These themes include:

Inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy schools
Learning and skills for life, work, and sustainable development
Teachers, teaching, and the teaching profession
digital learning and transformation
Financing education

Agenda for Action

Discussions will centre on leadership transformation, revamping teaching and learning methods, and expanding reach. The three days of meetings will culminate in the development of a consensus-driven roadmap for education transformation—the Agenda for Action. This document will serve as the foundation for sustained efforts to improve educational outcomes across the region.

Partners’ Statements

CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett, said: “The CARICOM Secretariat is pleased to partner on this critical issue of transforming education in the Region. Stakeholder participation in education is not just the goal of transformation, but the principal methodology. We underscore the value of a whole-of-society approach to education transformation.”

Director General of the OECS Commission, Dr Didacus Jules, said: “Over the past 40 years, efforts to transform Caribbean education have seen limited success, failing to fundamentally reshape the system. From July to September 2024, Google reported 315,000 articles on the ‘Caribbean Education Crisis,’ reflecting widespread concern. This conference is a timely opportunity to confront this crisis and chart a decisive path toward rethinking and transforming Caribbean education.”

CDB Acting President, Isaac Solomon, noted that the symposium aligns with the United Nations’ Transforming Education Agenda, which seeks to accelerate progress towards Sustainable Development Goal Four: inclusive, equitable, and quality education for all.

Conclusion

The Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education is a crucial step towards transforming the education landscape in the Caribbean. The event brings together key stakeholders to discuss strategies for reimagining teaching practices, expanding access to education, and fostering innovative, effective leadership for the teaching and training sector.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Who is hosting the Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education?

A: The event is hosted by the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB/the Bank), in collaboration with the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) Commission, and The University of the West Indies.

Q: Who will participate in the Regional Symposium and Policy Dialogue on Transforming Education?

A: Over 150 individuals, including Ministers of Education, educators, policymakers, youth, teachers, civil society organisations, and social development entities, are expected to participate in the event.

Q: What are the five thematic areas that the symposium will focus on?

A: The five thematic areas are inclusive, equitable, safe, and healthy schools; learning and skills for life, work, and sustainable development; teachers, teaching, and the teaching profession; digital learning and transformation; and financing education.

Q: What is the Agenda for Action?

A: The Agenda for Action is a consensus-driven roadmap for education transformation, which will be developed through discussions during the symposium. The document will serve as the foundation for sustained efforts to improve educational outcomes across the region.