UpbeatThe Caribbean pitched itself as one market — and the UN just gave that idea an award
Small island economies pitching investors one by one can look like specks on a map. The Caribbean Export Development Agency tried the opposite: presenting the region as one connected investment destination through its Caribbean Investment Forum — and on October 25 in Doha, UN Trade and Development (UNCTAD) gave it a 2026 United Nations Investment Promotion Award, one of five winners chosen from 48 entries across 40 countries. The approach is producing real connections: a technology partnership between Jamaica's Amber Group and Guyana's Beharry Group grew directly out of introductions at the 2025 forum in Jamaica. Across 2022 to 2026 the forum has showcased 38 projects with an investment pipeline above $220 million, drawn more than 2,500 participants from over 50 countries, and set up more than 600 structured business meetings.
SDG 8 · Decent work and economic growth — Mechanism: institutional program