Events
3 and 7 October 2021
Opening and Closing Ceremonies
Garfield Sobers Gymnasium, Wildey, St. Michael.
The Garfield Sobers Gymnasium is one of the main government-owned indoor sporting facilities. It is situated northeast of the ABC Highway within the Sir Garfield Sobers Sports Complex, and can accommodate close to 5,000 people.
In addition to sporting events, the Gym has also hosted major concerts, exhibitions, graduation ceremonies and religious services.
It is named in honour of Barbados’ cricketing hero and only living National Hero, the Rt. Excellent Sir Garfield Sobers.
26 - 30 April 2021
3 - 7 October 2021
Main Conference
Ministerial meetings
Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre, Two Mile Hill, St. Michael.
Our world is facing unprecedented challenges that transcend national boundaries. The vital signs of our planet are showing severe strain, with climate change at the forefront. At the same time, millions still lack access to electricity, water supply and good sanitation, mostly in the rural areas of the developing world, while the demand for food is projected to increase by 60 per cent as the world population approaches 10 billion by 2050. Significant transitions will be required to build a long-term sustainable future and help to overcome poverty and other social and economic inequities.
The COVID-19 crisis can seriously compromise the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and other long-term development objectives, and clearly points to the necessity to accelerate such transitions. As a result, responding effectively to the crisis and meeting development needs will be a challenge for many Commodity Dependent Developing Countries (CDDCs).
13 - 15 September 2021
Global Commodities Forum
Hilton Barbados Resort
Our world is facing unprecedented challenges that transcend national boundaries. The vital signs of our planet are showing severe strain, with climate change at the forefront. At the same time, millions still lack access to electricity, water supply and good sanitation, mostly in the rural areas of the developing world, while the demand for food is projected to increase by 60 per cent as the world population approaches 10 billion by 2050. Significant transitions will be required to build a long-term sustainable future and help to overcome poverty and other social and economic inequities.
The COVID-19 crisis can seriously compromise the achievement of Sustainable Development Goals and other long-term development objectives, and clearly points to the necessity to accelerate such transitions. As a result, responding effectively to the crisis and meeting development needs will be a challenge for many Commodity Dependent Developing Countries (CDDCs).
Schedule
Day 1
Food Security and Smart Agriculture: The Role of Technology and Services
2:00 – 2:10 p.m.: Opening Ceremony
2:10 – 2:45 p.m.: Session 1
2:45 – 3:20 p.m.: Session 2
3:20 – 3:30 p.m.: Virtual Coffee Break
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Moderated Q&A Session
Day 2
Sustainable Solutions to Address Water Challenges
2:00 – 2:10 p.m.: Opening Ceremony
2:10 – 2:45 p.m.: Session 1
2:45 – 3:20 p.m.: Session 2
3:20 – 3:30 p.m.: Virtual Coffee Break
3:30 – 4:00 p.m.: Moderated Q&A Session
Day 3
Energy Products and Minerals: From Challenges to Opportunities
2:00 – 2:35 p.m.: Session 1
2:35 – 3:10 p.m.: Session 2
3:10 – 3:20 p.m.: Virtual Coffee Break
3:20 – 3:50 p.m.: Moderated Q&A Session
3:50 – 4:00 p.m.: Closing Ceremony
16 - 18 September 2021
Youth Forum
The Lodge School, Society, St. John.
This Forum allows young people to be part of a global United Nations Dialogue as we come together to discuss our priorities as a human family and how we can build a better future for us all. Recognizing the dire impacts on trade, development and livelihoods that COVID-19 has had on us as a global community, these conversations are even more timely and relevant. Additionally, the Forum provides a platform where young people can be an active part of a decade of collective action in this global environment.
The Forum will therefore address key areas and will be focused on Innovation, Inclusion and Youth Empowerment as fundamental catalysts of our strategic developmental transformation.
22 - 24 September 2021
Civil Society Forum
Coleridge and Parry School
An important aspect of UNCTAD processes is the participation of civil society. The involvement of civil society in economic and social development policies, including trade policy, involves many multi-layered considerations. In most cases, there are several factors which impact on the ability of the effectiveness of the sector’s engagement. At the regional and national level, the sector’s engagement in trade policy, cannot be divorced from the existence of structured mechanisms which provide support for capacity building and dialogue. For the participation of civil society to be meaningful, there must be a strategic investment in strategies that engage the sector throughout the process.
Opportunities for dialogue and building consensus at the global level are therefore critical for SIDS. Fora such as the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD) provide a platform for relatively smaller countries to highlight important concerns and call attention to their special situation.
Schedule
Day 1
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
Day 2
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
Day 3
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
00:00 – 00:00: tbc
26 - 28 September 2021
Gender and Development Forum
Errol Barrow Centre for Creative Imagination
The inclusion of the first ever Gender Forum at UNCTAD 15 demonstrates a commitment to attaining Sustainable Development Goal #5 – “Achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”
While some countries have made significant strides toward achieving this, there is still much work to be done. This was made even more apparent in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic.
As we seek to continue to make strides toward gender equality, it is imperative that we acknowledge the work that still needs to be done. We must discuss the problems that exist, and identify and seek to implement solutions.
23 - 24 April 2021
29 September – 1 October 2021
Creative Industries & Trade Digitisation Forum
Queen’s Park, Bridgetown.
UNCTAD has declared 2021 the International Year of the Creative Economy for Sustainable Development. The vision of the CITD Forum is to highlight the centrality of culture, creativity, technology and innovation to the economic, social, physical and mental wellbeing of people, particularly those at the periphery. In this age of climate change, global pandemics, and calls for greater socio-economic inclusion, the Forum’s plenary sessions, exhibits, showcases and experiences are designed to place creatives and innovators at the heart of new models that enable a more equitable future.
With the COVID-19 global pandemic upending development models that have stood for decades, now is the time to rethink the ways in which culture, creativity, innovation and technology might transform people’s mindsets to foster a more inclusive, just, sustainable, and empowering world.
20 - 30 April 2021
Village Marketplace
Two Mile Hill, St. Michael.
The land directly opposite the Lloyd Erskine Sandiford Centre is being transformed into a Bajan village to host the Village Marketplace and Food Court.
It will provide Barbadian crafts-persons with space to display and sell their craft. Selected local craftspersons and food vendors would be operating at the site, while the venue will also feature the talent of young Barbadian entertainers on the main stage.