Unlocking Human Capital as
the Engine for Growth in Suriname

One Event. Two Phases.

Unlocking Human Capital as the Engine for Growth in Suriname.

One Event. Two Phases.

A National Forum on
Human Capital,
Skills,
and
Suriname’s Long-Term
Transformation

A DEFINING MOMENT
FOR SURINAME

Suriname is at a defining moment for transformation. The country has a unique, time-bound opportunity to make choices today that will shape prosperity, inclusion, and resilience for decades to come. The central question is about where Suriname chooses to invest in to secure long-term growth for future generations. In a rapidly changing global context, long-term prosperity will depend less on finite assets and more on the skills, adaptability, and potential of people.

UNDER THE LEADERSHIP OF
H.E. PRESIDENT OF THE REPUBLIC OF SURINAME
JENNIFER GEERLINGS-SIMONS

This conference, convened under her leadership, will contribute to shaping Suriname’s long-term vision for social and economic development.

Bringing together national authorities, global experts, private sector leaders, educators, youth, and development partners, the Forum will focus on positioning human capital — built through education, skills development, and lifelong learning — at the center of Suriname’s next growth model.

The Forum will be held on 8–9 April 2026 in Paramaribo, Suriname.

OVERVIEW

PHASE 1 · APRIL 8-9, 2026

Global inspiration & Strategic Dialogue

World-class global experts will come to Suriname to share insights and lessons drawn from international experience in education, skills, and human capital development. This phase draws on international evidence to inspire Suriname’s own roadmap and strategic vision – fueling the momentum behind a transformation already underway. This event will feature the experiences of countries that have walked similar paths, highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and what is possible.

PHASE 2 · JUNE 8, 9 AND 10

National Vision and Roadmap

A nationally led strategic forum that combines international experiences from Phase 1, national expertise, and local feedback from national stakeholders to create a ten-year national vision for human capital development, backed by a five-year action plan that will provide a roadmap for implementation.

WHO
WILL ATTEND?

This high-level forum brings together national leadership, policymakers, educators, youth, and global partners to examine how human capital, built through education, skills development, and lifelong learning, can become the engine of Suriname’s next growth model and a driver of lasting transformation.

This is a joint event organized by the Goverment of Suriname and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

A National Forum on
Human Capital,
Skills,
and
Suriname’s Long-Term
Transformation

A DEFINING MOMENT
FOR SURINAME

Suriname is at a defining moment for transformation. The country has a unique, time-bound opportunity to make choices today that will shape prosperity, inclusion, and resilience for decades to come. The central question is about where Suriname chooses to invest in to secure long-term growth for future generations. In a rapidly changing global context, long-term prosperity will depend less on finite assets and more on the skills, adaptability, and potential of people.

Overview

PHASE 1 · APRIL 8-9, 2026

Global inspiration & Strategic Dialogue

World-class global experts will come to Suriname to share insights and lessons drawn from international experience in education, skills, and human capital development. This phase draws on international evidence to inspire Suriname’s own roadmap and strategic vision – fueling the momentum behind a transformation already underway. This event will feature the experiences of countries that have walked similar paths, highlighting what works, what doesn’t, and what is possible.

PHASE 2 · JUNE 8, 9 AND 10

National vision & Strategic Roadmap

A nationally led strategic forum that combines international experiences from Phase 1, national expertise, and local feedback from national stakeholders to create a ten-year national vision for human capital development, backed by a five-year action plan that will provide a roadmap for implementation.

WHO

WILL ATTEND?

This high-level forum brings together national leadership, policymakers, educators, youth, and global partners to examine how human capital, built through education, skills development, and lifelong learning, can become the engine of Suriname’s next growth model and a driver of lasting transformation.

This is a joint event organized by the Goverment of Suriname
and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).