BANGKOK – Curaçao's Minister of Finance, Charles Cooper, is in Bangkok, Thailand, representing the island at the 2026 Annual Meetings of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank Group, where discussions are focusing on economic development, sustainability, and building more resilient economies.
In a social media statement, Cooper highlighted his participation in an event titled “Rethinking Growth: Thailand’s Pathways to a More Balanced and Sustainable Future,” which explored how countries can pursue economic growth while promoting environmental sustainability and social inclusion.
The event also highlighted Thailand's 80 years of membership in the United Nations.
According to Cooper, the discussions examined how Thailand's Sufficiency Economy Philosophy (SEP) and Bio-Circular-Green Economy (BCG) model can be translated into practical initiatives benefiting businesses, communities, and everyday life.
The Sufficiency Economy Philosophy emphasizes balanced development and responsible use of resources, while the Bio-Circular-Green Economy model promotes sustainable production, efficient resource management, and environmentally responsible economic activities.
Cooper pointed to examples presented during the event demonstrating how businesses can combine creativity with sustainability.
One initiative that attracted attention was Wasteland BKK, a sustainable cocktail bar that transforms leftover food and other materials into new products.
Among its creations is Wasteland Rose Lemonade, a beverage made using surplus roses that would otherwise be discarded.
The minister described the initiative as an example of how innovative thinking can reduce waste while creating economic value.
According to Cooper, Thailand shared these experiences to encourage other countries and private-sector organizations to adopt more sustainable and inclusive approaches to economic development.
The discussions emphasized that sustainability should not be viewed merely as a long-term objective but as a practical approach to economic planning, business operations, and community development.
For Curaçao, participation in international economic discussions provides an opportunity to learn from approaches being developed elsewhere and consider their relevance to the island's economic future.
Cooper's statement did not announce any new financial agreements, investment commitments, or specific policy initiatives for Curaçao resulting from the meetings.
The minister's participation nevertheless places Curaçao in discussions concerning sustainable economic growth and the challenges facing economies seeking to balance development with environmental responsibility.