Transforming Ideas into Action: Accountability Leaders Convene in Barbados for IAMNet Annual Meeting

Last week, CAO co-hosted the 22nd Annual Meeting of the Independent Accountability Mechanisms (IAM) Network in Bridgetown, Barbados, bringing together IAM representatives from around the world to discuss key opportunities and challenges in accountability and sustainability.  

CAO organized the event in partnership with the Caribbean Development Bank’s Office of Integrity, Compliance and Accountability, the Independent Consultation and Investigation Mechanism (MICI) of the Inter-American Development Bank, with support from the IAMnet Secretariat, hosted by the Asian Development Bank’s Accountability Mechanism. More than 120 accountability leaders and civil society organizations participated in the gathering.

In his opening address, Caribbean Development Bank President Daniel Best, warmly welcomed participants and emphasized the critical enabling role of IAMs, explaining: “[…] the work of IAMs is not peripheral to development. It is foundational.”

Across four days in Bridgetown, participants engaged in rich discussions on the pressing issues shaping accountability today — from navigating a complex global environment and IAM policy reviews, to accountability in climate change projects and safeguarding those who bring forward concerns. Sessions also examined how IAMs can harness data and technology to enhance effectiveness, shared lessons from cases involving financial intermediaries, and explored new ways to strengthen IAM collaboration.

An important feature of each Annual Meeting is a dedicated roundtable with civil society organizations (CSOs). This year’s discussions focused on global developments affecting accountability, addressing concerns around threats and reprisals, and improving outcomes for communities adversely affected by development projects. More than 20 CSO representatives participated in the plenary session and two breakout discussions. 

Speaking at the event, CAO Director-General Janine Ferretti thanked CAO’s co-hosts for helping bring the meeting to life. She reflected on how the IAM Annual Meeting serves as a vital platform to share experiences, learn from one another, and define actionable ways IAMs can work together in addressing the collective challenges they face.