International Forum On African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) – New York 2024

THEME: Multi-stakeholder partnerships to drive Transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies

The International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) is an ALM flagship event held annually on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to bring leaders together in setting policy direction and as a peer-review mechanism. Over the past 9 years, the event has become a platform that connects world leaders, especially from Africa and the Caribbean nations, policymakers and private sector leaders, with a focus on the challenges and progress of the African people, strengthening trans-regional cooperation between Africa and the Caribbean nations and building strategic partnerships, bilateral cooperation, as well as increase engagements in trade and investments, innovation and technology transfer, culture and tourism, and other sectors.

“Multi-stakeholder partnerships to drive transformation towards sustainable and resilient societies” underscores the importance of collaboration among various stakeholders to address the complex challenges facing our world today. This concept recognizes that achieving sustainability and resilience requires the collective efforts of governments, businesses, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), local communities, and individuals.

The challenges of creating sustainable and resilient societies are multifaceted and interconnected. Issues such as climate

change, poverty, inequality, and environmental degradation are intertwined. 

Multi-stakeholder partnerships allow for a holistic approach to problem-solving, addressing the root causes and interdependencies of these challenges. Bringing together multiple stakeholders means tapping into diverse resources, both financial and non-financial. Governments can provide regulatory frameworks, businesses can contribute technological innovations and investments, NGOs can offer expertise and community engagement, and individuals can contribute through behavioral changes. This pooling of resources enhances the overall capacity to implement transformative initiatives. This theme emphasizes the need for inclusive, collaborative efforts to address the complex challenges of our time. Through shared responsibility, resource mobilization, and innovative solutions, these partnerships pave the way for a more sustainable and resilient future for all.

Past editions of the International Forum on African-Caribbean Leadership (IFAL) have brought together over 1000 business, political, and social justice leaders, including H.E. Dr Mohamed Irfaan Ali, President of Guyana; H.E. Gaston Browne, Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda; H.E. Dr. Terrance M. Dew, Prime Minister, St. Kitts And Nevis; and HE Philip J. Pierre, Prime Minister of St. Lucia