The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) has reaffirmed its commitment to advancing disability inclusion across the region, following its participation in the Global Disability Summit 2025 held in Berlin, Germany.
The event, co-hosted by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Government of Germany, and the International Disability Alliance, brought together global leaders to forge a collective path forward for the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).
Representing the Bank at the high-level gathering, CDB Vice-President (Operations) Isaac Solomon emphasized the critical role of inclusive development in the Caribbean’s growth trajectory.
“At CDB, we believe that development must be inclusive, equitable, and rights-based. The 2025 Summit has reinforced the urgent need to place persons with disabilities at the centre of development efforts. We stand ready to support our Borrowing Member Countries (BMCs) that endorsed the Declaration in fulfilling their commitments to having at least 15% of their development programmes at the country level pursue disability inclusion,” said Dr. Solomon.
He further noted that the Bank is actively embedding disability considerations into its projects, policies, and performance standards. Efforts are also underway to strengthen partnerships within the region to drive systemic change. Persons with disabilities in the Caribbean continue to face disproportionate barriers in accessing education, employment, healthcare, and social protection — a challenge CDB is tackling through a series of inclusive initiatives.
These efforts include the development of a Disability Inclusion Checklist for infrastructure projects, supporting regional assessments, and building technical capacity among BMCs.
CDB Operations Officer Anthony George also highlighted the importance of collaborating closely with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and centering the voices of those directly affected by exclusion.
“The Bank’s work goes beyond accessibility in buildings — it’s about accessibility in policies, in opportunities, and in mindsets. Inclusion begins with listening to the voices of persons with disabilities, involving them in decision-making, and resourcing the institutions that represent them,” Dr. George said.
“Through strengthened data systems, targeted investments, and meaningful engagement, we aim to help shape Caribbean societies that are more resilient, more just, and more inclusive for all,” he added.
To formalize its stance, the Bank signed a Letter of Support backing the objectives of the Global Disability Summit. In the letter, CDB committed to “continue to develop project and programme investments with the involvement of persons with disabilities (PWDs) and endeavours for all activities to be inclusive of and accessible to PWDs.”
The Bank also expressed strong alignment with the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion, reinforcing its pledge to be a catalytic development partner in advancing the rights and dignity of persons with disabilities in the Caribbean.
As the Summit concluded, the CDB reiterated its intention to work alongside governments, civil society, and regional stakeholders to help ensure that no one is left behind.
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