Suriname called for more technical support and a stronger Caribbean voice in regional decision-making during the 41st session of the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC). According to the Surinamese delegation, policy analyses and international cooperation must lead to implementable projects and tangible development results.
The three-day meeting concluded on October 9 in Santiago de los Caballeros, in the Dominican Republic. Suriname was represented by Director of International Cooperation Elizabeth Bradley and Charissa Dhauri of the Sustainable Development Desk. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Cooperation announced the delegation’s position in a press release dated October 14.
During the session, participating countries discussed economic, social and technological challenges. These included productivity, innovation, strengthening government institutions and social development. The Surinamese delegation stressed that available knowledge must be translated into policy that can actually be implemented.
Technical support
Suriname expressed appreciation for ECLAC’s support in preparing the Voluntary National Review 2025. In this report, the country assessed progress in implementing the Sustainable Development Goals.
The delegation also pointed to cooperation within the DA-16 programme, which is intended to strengthen the policy and implementation capacity of Caribbean countries. Through this programme, Suriname received support in areas including strategic policy planning, statistical analysis, cost-benefit analyses and project development.
According to the delegation, the next step must be to apply the knowledge and capacity that have been built up. Suriname therefore requested further cooperation in development planning, improving statistics and translating national priorities into bankable projects.
More influence for Caribbean countries
Suriname also drew attention to the position of the Caribbean within ECLAC. The country emphasised the role of the Caribbean Development and Cooperation Committee (CDCC), in which Caribbean countries coordinate their shared development priorities.
Suriname, which chaired this committee from 2022 to 2024, advocated organising CDCC meetings well before the regular ECLAC sessions. This would allow Caribbean countries to prepare joint positions and exert greater influence on the regional policy agenda.
The delegation pointed to the vulnerability of small economies to climate change and external economic shocks. According to Suriname, the committee should also serve more as a platform for practically addressing common problems.
Opportunities and risks of AI
The meeting also addressed the impact of artificial intelligence on regional development. A separate panel discussed the opportunities offered by AI for productivity and economic development, but also the risk of increasing dependence on foreign technology.
According to the ministry, these issues are relevant to the digitalisation of the Surinamese economy and government. Investments in knowledge, digital skills, infrastructure and institutional capacity are needed to make use of technological opportunities.
Follow-up to the policy directions discussed will receive attention, among other matters, during the regional forum on sustainable development, which according to the ministry will take place in Chile in April 2027. Progress on the 2030 Agenda and the Sustainable Development Goals will be discussed there. The next regular ministerial session of ECLAC is scheduled for 2028 in Panama.
