Summit to Address Global Economic Opportunities and Challenges

1^st March 2026

Nassau, THE BAHAMAS — Another round of high-level global economic and central banking policy discussions will take place at University of The Bahamas (UB) this week as UB partners with a leading network of international experts in policymaking, central banking, industry, and academia.

UB’s Government and Public Policy Institute (GPPI) in collaboration with the Global Interdependence Centre (GIC) is hosting the next installment in the Central Banking Series titled “Opportunities and Challenges in a Dynamic Economic Landscape” on 3^rd March at UB’s Oakes Field Campus.

The crucial conversations are happening amid rising global volatility and heightened concerns, especially the US-Israel war against Iran which began on the weekend.

“We at the University of The Bahamas and the Government and Public Policy Institute believe in the power of partnership, locally and globally, partnership to facilitate high level public policy discussions on matters of importance to our community and our world,” GPPI Executive Director, Mr. Zhivargo Laing, noted.

The UB-GIC partnership has become a forum for insightful discussions on the global economic outlook; local and international currency issues; and investment concerns. This week’s summit will again deliver fresh insights on the New Economic Order: Trade, Tariffs and the Monroe Doctrine; Fintech/ Digital Currencies; and the US-China Outlook. Informed perspectives about these and other relevant matters are particularly relevant now with new geopolitical developments.

The forum will offer a rare opportunity to engage directly with decision-makers and thought leaders on emerging economic strategy worldwide. Policymakers, business leaders, academics, students, and members of the public will be involved in talks about these global shifts and potential impacts on The Bahamas, the wider Caribbean, and the world.

“This year’s conference will directly address the most pressing challenges facing the global community while also highlighting the opportunities that remain,” said Mr. Laing. “It will offer attendees a realistic yet hopeful perspective on these perplexing times.”

Among the line-up of speakers are Mr. Jeffrey Lacker, economist and former president of the Federal Reserve Bank of Richmond, Virginia, and Mr. John Rolle, governor of the Central Bank of The Bahamas as keynote speakers. Their insights, combined with contributions from distinguished international and local experts will offer thought-provoking discussions on the forces impacting the world economic order.

During the one-day summit, UB President Robert Blaine, III; Minister of Economic Affairs, Senator the Honourable Michael Halkitis; Chief Economist of McVean Trading and Vice Chair of Programs for the Global Interdependence Center, Michael Drury; and Dr. Lacker, will frame the critical discussions on the summit’s agenda.

On the esteemed panel of experts are Chief Economist of The Conference Board, Ms. Dana Peterson; Principal Consultant of MAXGWEN Ltd., Mrs. Therese Turner-Jones; GPPI Executive Director, Mr. Laing; Executive Director of the Securities Commission of The Bahamas, Ms. Christina Rolle; and Chief Executive Officer of the Bahamas International Securities Exchange, Mr. Keith Davies.

Additional presenters include Vice President of Digital Assets and Fintech Operations at Liongate Bahamas Ltd., Mr. Michael Clare; and Co-Founder and Strategic Advisor at Cumberland Advisors, Mr. David Kotok.

By hosting this summit on today’s changing economic landscape, GPPI is carrying out its mission in a practical and timely way, creating a space for conversations that strengthen good governance and sustainable growth in The Bahamas and beyond.