Belize Joins Regional IDB Talks, Set to Receive 10,000 Digital Skills Scholarships

Belize has taken part in the 39th Meeting of Governors of the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB) for Central America, Panama, and the Dominican Republic, held in Panama as part of preparations for the 2026 IDB Annual Meetings. Belize was represented by Narda Garcia, Alternate Governor of Belize to the IDB and Chief Executive Officer in the Office of the Prime Minister, Ministry of Investment and Civil Aviation, along with Cinnamon Bottaro, Belize’s representative on the IDB Board of Directors.  The high-level forum brought together regional finance leaders to strengthen cooperation, align public policy priorities, and coordinate development strategies ahead of the IDB’s annual gathering. Discussions focused on improving competitiveness, boosting inclusive economic growth, and advancing regional integration.  Among the major initiatives highlighted was “Talent Up,” a regional programme aimed at expanding digital skills, attracting investment, and improving productivity across participating countries. For Belize, the initiative complements the country’s Global Digital Services Project, which supports the development of a national policy for the digital services industry.  Through a partnership between Google and the IDB, Belize is expected to receive 10,000 scholarships to train citizens in cloud computing, artificial intelligence, and data analytics, targeting entry-level workers and business process outsourcing professionals to help meet global demand for higher-value digital services.  On the margins of the meeting, Belize also held bilateral discussions with IDB President Ilan Goldfajn and finance ministers from Costa Rica and Guatemala to explore further cooperation and development opportunities.  Government says the participation reinforces Belize’s commitment to regional collaboration and to pursuing sustainable development, competitiveness, and inclusive growth across Central America./////