Belize Joins Regional Talks on El Niño’s Economic Impact
Belize is working with regional partners to prepare for the potential impacts of the 2026–2027 El Niño phenomenon, including drought, water shortages, agricultural losses and the financial pressures these events could place on governments across Central America.
On October 29, Belize participated in regional workshops on El Niño preparedness, supported by the World Bank. The workshops brought together representatives from finance and economy ministries, regional institutions and development partners to discuss potential climate risks and ways to strengthen preparedness.
Minister of Economic Transformation Dr. Osmond Martinez, who serves as COSEFIN’s Pro Tempore President, said preparing for El Niño requires countries to consider its wider economic and financial consequences.
“Preparing for climate-related events requires us to look beyond the immediate impacts and consider the wider implications for our economies and public finances,” Martinez said.
He added that regional cooperation, knowledge-sharing and stronger financial preparedness are essential to protecting communities, supporting vulnerable sectors and building resilience.