The UWI Regional Headquarters, Jamaica W.I. Wednesday, November 20, 2024—The Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity (DBRP) will officially launch on Friday, November 22, 2024, at the Eon Nigel Harris Council Room, The University of the West Indies (The UWI), from 9:30 a.m. local (Jamaica) time. This milestone event marks a transformative step in advancing sustainable and resilient development in the Caribbean, Pacific, Africa, Latin America, and Small Island Developing States (SIDS). 

The DBRP is a groundbreaking financial institution dedicated to addressing the unique challenges of vulnerable and low-resilience economies. Focusing on fostering climate resilience, promoting sustainable economic growth, and advancing beyond GDP concepts and metrics, the DBRP aims to deliver nature-based solutions through innovative, data-driven financial programmes tailored to the needs of its focus regions.

“The DBRP represents a new era in development finance—one that prioritises resilience and inclusivity while addressing the pressing challenges of our time,” said Dr Gene Leon, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity.

The launch event streamed via UWItv Global will bring prominent leaders and stakeholders together to discuss the bank’s mission and vision. Key objectives include introducing the DBRP and its unique approach to transforming development finance, facilitating dialogue among government officials, private sector leaders, and international organisations to engage stakeholders, and highlighting partnership opportunities to enhance the DBRP’s impact. Additionally, the event will provide insights for graduate students interested in pursuing careers in development finance, aiming to inspire future leaders in the field.

Among the featured speakers on the launch programme are persons who have played pivotal roles in conceptualising and supporting the establishment of the DBRP:

Professor Sir Hilary Beckles, Vice-Chancellor, The UWI

Dr. Didacus Jules, Director-General, Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OESC)

The Most Hon. P.J. Patterson, Former Prime Minister of Jamaica, Statesman-in-Residence, The UWI

Dr. Gene Leon, Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity

Sergio Fernandez de Cordova, Executive Chairman of PVBLIC Foundation

Thomas Coughlin, Chief Executive Officer, Kinesis

Professor David Tennant, Professor of Development Finance, The UWI Mona Campus

Dr. Nekeisha Spencer, Senior Lecturer, Department of Economics, The UWI

Following the launch, an interactive workshop for graduate students will take place from 11:00 a.m. to 12:00 noon. Facilitated by Dr Gene Leon, this session will delve into the DBRP’s initiatives, highlighting opportunities in sustainable development, climate resilience, and development finance. Graduate students will gain valuable insights into potential programmes and how they can engage with the DBRP to further their academic and professional goals.

The Development Bank for Resilient Prosperity was announced at the SIDS4 International Conference in May 2024 with support from the PVBLIC Foundation and the Family Offices for Sustainable Development (FOSD). The DBRP is committed to transforming the development paradigm and global development finance to address the unique challenges of less-developed, vulnerable economies. Through innovative nature-based solutions and strategic partnerships, the DBRP seeks to create a more inclusive, sustainable, and resilient future for the regions it serves.