The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference convenes members of the Jamaican diaspora, government leaders, private sector partners, academia, and civil society to advance a shared national priority, building a more climate-resilient Jamaica. This year’s staging is particularly significant in light of recent events, including the impact of Hurricane Melissa and recent seismic activity, which have underscored Jamaica’s vulnerability to both climate-related and geological hazards.

These disruptions have affected communities, infrastructure, and livelihoods, reinforcing the urgency of building systems that are more resilient, adaptive, and sustainable. The Conference therefore provides a strategic platform to mobilise the expertise, investment, and innovation of the global Jamaican diaspora in support of national recovery and long-term resilience.

Under this theme, the Conference will focus on strengthening climate and disaster resilience through improved national preparedness, mitigation strategies, and coordinated emergency response systems. It will also prioritise agriculture and food security by advancing climate-smart practices, enhancing local production, and building more resilient food supply chains.

In addition, attention will be given to housing and infrastructure, with a focus on developing sustainable, disaster-resilient communities and modernising critical national infrastructure. The Conference will also explore the role of technology, education, and healthcare in building resilient systems, leveraging innovation to improve access, quality, and responsiveness across these sectors.

A key priority will be deepening youth and diaspora engagement, ensuring that younger generations and diaspora networks are actively involved in national development and innovation ecosystems. Discussions will also centre on trade, investment, and economic confidence, with a view to unlocking diaspora driven investment opportunities and strengthening Jamaica’s economic resilience.

Finally, the Conference will address the needs of returning residents and reintegration, focusing on creating enabling frameworks and support systems to facilitate their successful transition and contribution to national development.

Through high-level dialogues, technical sessions, and investment-focused engagements, participants will explore practical pathways to align diaspora contributions with Jamaica’s development priorities, including Vision 2030 Jamaica and national climate adaptation strategies.

The Conference reaffirms the critical role of the diaspora not only as ambassadors of Jamaica globally, but as active partners in rebuilding stronger, safer, and more resilient communities.

The Government of Jamaica has long recognized the Jamaican Diaspora as an indispensable partner in national development. Through sustained engagement over the past two (2) decades, the Diaspora has contributed significantly to Jamaica’s economic stability, social development and global positioning not only through remittances but also through investment, knowledge transfer, advocacy and philanthropy.

The Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference, first convened in 2004, has evolved into the Government’s premier platform for structured, high-level engagement with Jamaicans overseas. It provides a space for dialogue, partnership-building, policy alignment and the co creation of solutions to national challenges.

The 11th staging of the Conference in 2026 takes place at a critical juncture. In the aftermath of Hurricane Melissa, Jamaica faces the dual imperative of accelerating recovery while building long-term resilience to future shocks. This moment calls for a deliberate shift from engagement to partnership-driven action.

Under the theme “Diaspora Partnerships: Rebuilding a More Resilient Jamaica,” the Conference will emphasize collaboration, shared responsibility, and coordinated action— positioning the Diaspora not only as contributors but as co-investors and co-creators in Jamaica’s rebuilding and transformation.

Deepen Diaspora partnerships

Strengthen collaboration between Jamaica and its Diaspora by establishing clear pathways for sustained engagement in national recovery and development efforts. This includes formalizing partnerships, enhancing coordination mechanisms and promoting shared accountability for outcomes.

Mobilize Resources for Recovery and Reconstruction

Engage the Diaspora in supporting post-Hurricane Melissa recovery through targeted investments, technical assistance, philanthropic initiatives and knowledge exchange. Particular emphasis will be placed on rebuilding critical infrastructure, restoring livelihoods and supporting vulnerable communities.

Advance Climate-Resilient Development

Promote approaches to rebuilding that integrate climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability. The Conference will highlight innovative solutions such as resilient housing, green infrastructure and community-based resilience planning.

Strengthen Institutional Frameworks for Engagement

Enhance the effectiveness of Diaspora engagement mechanisms, particularly the Global Jamaica Diaspora Council (GJDC) and the Global Jamaica Diaspora Youth Council (GJDYC), ensuring they are equipped to support strategic, results-oriented partnerships.

Promote Inclusive and Intergenerational Engagement

Increase participation among youth, especially second-, third-, and fourth-generation Jamaicans, ensuring continuity of Diaspora engagement and fostering innovation, digital collaboration and new leadership.

Expand Trade, Investment and Economic Opportunities

Address the social dimensions of recovery, including mental health, education continuity, community rebuilding and social protection, with active Diaspora involvement.

Support Social and Community Resilience

Promote approaches to rebuilding that integrate climate adaptation, disaster risk reduction and environmental sustainability. The Conference will highlight innovative solutions such as resilient housing, green infrastructure and community-based resilience planning.

Focus on rebuilding damaged infrastructure using resilient standards, including roads, schools, hospitals, and utilities. Discussions will explore financing models, public-private partnerships and Diaspora investment opportunities in national reconstruction.

Examine Jamaica’s vulnerability to climate change and promote adaptation strategies, including sustainable land use, coastal protection, renewable energy and climate financing mechanisms.

Highlight pathways to revitalize key sectors, restore value chains, and stimulate job creation. The Diaspora will be engaged as investors, entrepreneurs and connectors to international markets.

Address urgent housing needs through innovative, climate-resilient solutions such as prefabricated and hurricane-resistant structures, while promoting sustainable community planning.

Explore strategies to rebuild and strengthen health systems, including mental health services, trauma support and Diaspora-led medical partnerships.

Promote investment in education recovery, digital learning, and STEAM-focused training, while expanding mentorship and exchange programmes involving Diaspora professionals.

Leverage digital tools and artificial intelligence to support recovery, improve service delivery and enhance Diaspora engagement through platforms such as Ja-DEM and ConnectMeJA.

Strengthen structured giving and impact investment through platforms such as the Jamaica Social Stock Exchange (JSSE), aligning philanthropic efforts with national priorities.

Highlight the role of culture, creative industries, and sport in economic recovery, social cohesion and national identity, while expanding Diaspora engagement in these sectors.

• ►Formalized partnerships and commitments between Diaspora stakeholders and national institutions


• ►Increased Diaspora investment and participation in priority development projects


• ►Development of sector-specific action plans aligned with national recovery goals


• ►Strengthened institutional coordination mechanisms for Diaspora engagement


• ►Enhanced youth leadership and intergenerational collaboration


• ►Greater adoption of technology-enabled engagement platforms


• ►Tangible contributions to community rebuilding efforts, particularly through the Day of Service

Key elements will include:



• ►High-level Opening Ceremony and keynote address


• ►Plenary sessions featuring national and international leaders


• ►Thematic breakout sessions for in-depth dialogue and solution-building


• ►Focused, Intimate conversations in Riverside Chat format


• ►Business and investment forums


• ►“Government at Your Service” interface


• ►Cultural showcase highlighting resilience and national identity


• ►A Day of Service, enabling participants to directly contribute to rebuilding efforts in affected communities

The 11th Biennial Jamaica Diaspora Conference represents more than a convening, it is a strategic intervention in Jamaica’s development process.

By placing Diaspora partnerships at the centre of recovery and resilience, the Conference will help to transform goodwill into structured collaboration, ideas into action and shared identity into shared responsibility.

In doing so, it will lay the foundation for a stronger, more resilient Jamaica built not only by those at home but by Jamaicans everywhere.