Belize Takes Over Chairmanship of World Bank’s Small States Forum

Belize has officially assumed the chairmanship of the World Bank’s Small States Forum (SSF) for the period January 2026 to December 2028, marking a major milestone in the country’s international leadership on development issues affecting small and vulnerable economies.

The announcement was made during the Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, held in Washington, D.C., from October 13 to 17, 2025. The role of Chair will be held by Prime Minister John Briceño, who will lead the forum’s efforts to advocate for tailored solutions to the economic and environmental challenges faced by small states.

The Small States Forum brings together finance ministers and central bank governors from more than 50 small countries to engage directly with World Bank leadership. It serves as a vital platform for discussing the unique vulnerabilities of small states, including limited economic diversification, climate risks, and external shocks.

Belize assumes this leadership at a critical time, as the World Bank works to finalise a new Small States Strategy designed to better address these persistent challenges. In a pre-recorded address to the Forum, Prime Minister Briceño expressed gratitude for the appointment and reaffirmed Belize’s commitment to ensuring that small economies receive “fit-for-purpose programmes and initiatives” from the World Bank.

Belize took over the chairmanship from the Republic of Cabo Verde.

The Belize delegation to the Washington meetings was led by Financial Secretary Joseph Waight, who outlined Belize’s priorities for inclusion in the new strategy. Other members of the delegation included Central Bank Governor Kareem Michael, Ambassador to the U.S. Nestor Mendez, Elvira Mendez, Cinnamon Botarro, and Joshua Pott.