Grand Bahama 2024

Forum for Impact Americas

MAY 22-24, 2024

Forum for Impact Americas Deepens Regional Focus in Grand Bahama, Aligning with Global Themes

Forum for Impact Americas returned to The Bahamas for its impactful dialogue series from May 22nd to 24th, 2024, choosing Grand Bahama as the host island. This event not only marked a return to the region but also showcased the Forum’s growing commitment by focusing intently on “Building for the Future in the Blue Economy”. This theme resonates strongly with Forum for Impact’s broader international efforts, connecting the Bahamian context to global conversations on sustainable oceans, foreign direct investment, and inclusive economic development.

Connecting The Bahamas to a Global Network

Forum for Impact operates as a global network, with established chapters in key international hubs like London, New York, Singapore, and Zurich, and members across numerous other cities. This international reach, fostered by founders like Simon Jacot de Boinod and Michael Meehan (who brings extensive global experience in sustainable finance and impact standards), allows the Forum to weave together local insights with global expertise. The Grand Bahama event exemplified this, attracting international speakers and partners alongside local leaders, thereby facilitating the exchange of ideas and fostering potential foreign direct investment opportunities crucial for sustainable economic growth.

Evolving Dialogue: Blue Economy, Investment, and Development

Moving beyond the foundational themes of impact and purpose discussed in Nassau in 2022, the 2024 Grand Bahama dialogue represented a significant evolution, concentrating on actionable strategies within the vital Blue Economy sector. This aligns with global efforts to promote sustainable ocean practices and leverage ocean resources for economic development. The key discussions reflected this focus:

Sustainable Oceans & Finance:

A core theme, explored through dialogues on “Innovations in Sustainable Finance and the Blue Economy” and understanding “The Blue Economy in the Caribbean”. These sessions brought together international and local experts to discuss funding mechanisms and leadership positioning for ocean-based sustainable ventures. This included insights from blue tech accelerators, marine waste recycling pioneers, and sustainable finance strategists.

Foreign Direct Investment & Sustainable Tourism:

The potential for attracting investment into sustainable projects was highlighted in the session on “Building for Sustainable Tourism”. Conversations with international real estate developers (like Weller Development Partners and Six Senses Resorts) and the Grand Bahama Port Authority focused on how environmentally conscious development can drive economic activity.

Economic Development & Human Capital:

The dialogue directly addressed broader economic development through conversations with The Hon. Michael Halkitis, Minister of Economic Affairs, and explored the essential role of human capital in achieving impact goals. Discussions on healthcare education’s impact via the Western Atlantic University School of Medicine and leveraging skills for social good further underscored the link between investment, people, and community advancement.

Strengthening International Ties

Supported by a blend of Bahamian institutions (like BFSB, Access Accelerator, Winterbotham Group, and key Ministries) and international partners (such as Weller Equity, Lombard Odier, STS Capital Partners, and Cartal Partners), the Forum for Impact Americas event in Grand Bahama successfully integrated local priorities with global impact trends. High-level participation from the Bahamian government, including multiple Ministers and the Attorney General, further solidified the collaborative approach.

By focusing on the Blue Economy, the 2024 dialogue not only addressed a critical area for The Bahamas but also contributed to the Forum’s worldwide exploration of sustainable oceans, responsible investment, and forward-thinking economic development strategies.