The countries of the Association of Caribbean States (ACP) jointly charted a new course at the 10th Summit of Heads of State and Government in Montería, Colombia, and the preceding 30th Ministerial Council in Cartagena. This direction, enshrined in the Montería Declaration, emphasizes sustainability, regional integration, climate justice and social inclusion. Suriname made an active and constructive contribution during these crucial meetings.
A shared agenda for the region
The Montería Declaration constitutes a strategic roadmap for a future-proof Caribbean, prioritizing:
-Climate Justice: Recognizing the disproportionate impact of climate change on Caribbean countries, advocating for fair international support.
-Protection of the Caribbean Sea: It is recognized as a common heritage, requiring sustainable and coordinated protection.
-Digital Inclusion: Invest in connectivity, education and technological access to reduce digital inequality within the region.
-Sustainable Blue Economy: Economic growth based on ocean and coastal resources should be environmentally friendly and inclusive.
-Economic integration and regional connectivity: Improve trade, transportation and communication among member states.
-Sustainable tourism: Responsible tourism is positioned to leverage local development and cultural preservation.
This broad agenda aligns with the summit's overarching theme, "United for Life: Toward a More Sustainable Greater Caribbean."
Intentions without concrete guidance
While the intentions in the Montería Declaration are laudable, it is notable that the declaration does not include concrete deadlines, benchmarks or performance indicators. The goals are largely phrased qualitatively. It lacks a measurable action plan with clear division of responsibilities and a timeline for implementation.
Without this handholding, the declaration risks remaining an inspiring but vague wish list rather than an immediately implementable strategy. This makes it difficult to evaluate progress or effectively hold member states to their promises.
The ACP does refer to the 2022-2028 Action Plan as its accompanying policy framework, but even that document largely lacks concrete targets or quantitative indicators associated with the Montería Declaration.
Suriname's active contribution
During the Ministerial Council, Suriname spoke out strongly in favor of sustainability as a fundamental right of the peoples of the Caribbean. Foreign Affairs Director Miriam Mac Intosh emphasized the importance of collective commitment and international solidarity: "We must remain collectively committed to sustainability, not only as a policy goal, but as a fundamental right of our peoples." Although Suriname handed over the presidency to Colombia in 2024, our country remained actively involved in day-to-day governance as rapporteur of the Ministerial Council. Suriname expressed its support for the new Chair Panama, and for the appointment of Noemí Espinoza Madrid (Honduras) as the new Secretary General of the ACP.
International dimension
The ACP also stressed the importance of international partnerships. For example, ties with the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) are being strengthened for cooperation in the areas of trade, investment, tourism and blue economy. This fits with the ACP's ambition to establish the Caribbean as a "zone of peace" and strategic player within the global South.
Conclusion: vision without precision?
The Montería Declaration expresses a growing awareness within the Caribbean that structural cooperation is needed to address climate insecurity, economic vulnerability and digital exclusion. But whether this shared vision actually produces tangible results depends heavily on the willingness of member states to translate symbolism into concrete action.
