The Caribbean Development Bank (CDB, the Bank), has reaffirmed its commitment to championing disability inclusion in the region, as part of its participation in the Global Disability Summit 2025 held in Berlin, Germany. The Summit, jointly organised by the Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan, the Government of Germany and the International Disability Alliance, brought together global leaders to chart a unified path forward for the rights and inclusion of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs).

Representing the Bank at the Summit, Isaac Solomon, Vice-President (Operations), highlighted the transformative role that inclusive development must play across the region:

“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 added that CDB is working to embed disability considerations into its projects, policies, and performance standards, and is committed to strengthening partnerships across the region to achieve systemic change. PWDs in the Caribbean continue to face disproportionate barriers to education, employment, healthcare, and social protection. In response, the Bank has taken meaningful steps to incorporate inclusive practices across its operations — from developing a Disability Inclusion Checklist for infrastructure projects, to supporting regional assessments and building technical capacity within BMCs.

Anthony George, Operations Officer at CDB, underscored the importance of working directly with Organisations of Persons with Disabilities (OPDs) and empowering those most affected: “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.

The Bank penned a Letter of Support endorsing the Summit and its objectives and has committed CDB 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.” CDB also expressed its alignment with the Amman-Berlin Declaration on Global Disability Inclusion, reinforcing its pledge to serve as a catalytic development partner to advance disability rights and dignity in the Caribbean. As the Summit concluded, the Bank reiterated its intention to support governments, civil society, and regional partners in realising the full potential of all citizens — leaving no one behind.