About Caribe Unidos
A Private Sector Institution for the Grand Caribbean
Caribe Unidos — the Caribbean United Organization (CUO) — is a non-governmental organization constituted from the private sector, uniting the nations and territories of the Grand Caribbean through a formal alliance of universities, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and cultural organizations.
Our History
Founded on the Principle of Regional Unity
Caribe Unidos — also known as the Caribbean United Organization (CUO) — was established to address a long-standing gap in the institutional architecture of the Grand Caribbean: the absence of a formal, private sector-led body capable of representing the region's collective economic and cultural interests on the world stage.
Modeled on the tradition of the Organization of American States, but constituted entirely from the private sector, Caribe Unidos draws its legitimacy from the voluntary participation of distinguished institutions — universities, think tanks, chambers of commerce, trade associations, and cultural organizations — from across the insular Caribbean, Central America, North Latin America, Mexico, and the Gulf States of the United States of America.
The organization operates as a non-governmental body, independent of any single government, with a mandate to advance trade, investment, knowledge exchange, and cultural cooperation across the Grand Caribbean.
Mission & Purpose
Advancing Trade, Knowledge, and Culture Across the Grand Caribbean
01
Trade & Investment
To facilitate trade and investment flows across the Grand Caribbean by connecting the region's leading commercial institutions and providing a formal forum for private sector dialogue.
02
Knowledge & Research
To advance the intellectual and policy foundations of regional integration through the participation of universities and think tanks in the General Assembly and in dedicated working groups.
03
Cultural Cooperation
To celebrate, preserve, and project the rich and diverse cultural heritage of the Grand Caribbean through the active participation of cultural organizations from across the region.
04
Institutional Representation
To represent the collective voice of the Grand Caribbean's private sector in international forums, bilateral negotiations, and multilateral institutions.
Governance & Structure
An Institutional Framework Built for the Region
Caribe Unidos is governed through a formal institutional structure designed to ensure broad representation, democratic deliberation, and effective executive leadership.
Supreme Governing Body
General Assembly
The General Assembly is the supreme governing body of Caribe Unidos, composed of delegates from all member organizations. Each member institution — whether a university, chamber of commerce, or cultural organization — is entitled to representation in the Assembly. The General Assembly meets in plenary session to set the strategic direction of the organization, elect leadership, and adopt resolutions.
Executive Oversight
Board of Directors
The Board of Directors provides executive oversight between sessions of the General Assembly. Composed of elected representatives from the three member categories and the corps of Honorary Ambassadors, the Board ensures continuity of governance and accountability of the Secretariat General.
Executive Administration
Secretariat General
The Secretariat General is the permanent administrative body of Caribe Unidos, led by the Secretary General. The Secretariat manages day-to-day operations, coordinates working groups, maintains relations with member organizations, and represents the organization in external engagements.
Advisory & Diplomatic
Corps of Honorary Ambassadors
The Corps of Honorary Ambassadors comprises senior figures from government, the private sector, and academia — both retired and active — who serve in an advisory and diplomatic capacity. Honorary Ambassadors lend their experience, networks, and standing to the mission of Caribe Unidos.
General Assembly
The Voice of the Grand Caribbean's Private Sector
The General Assembly of Caribe Unidos convenes delegates from member organizations across the Grand Caribbean. Structured to ensure equitable representation across the three member categories — Universities & Think Tanks, Chambers of Commerce & Trade Associations, and Cultural Organizations — the Assembly is the democratic heart of the organization.
Delegate Representation
Each member organization appoints delegates to the General Assembly, ensuring that institutions of all sizes and from all territories have a formal voice.
Plenary Sessions
The Assembly convenes in regular plenary sessions to deliberate on resolutions, elect leadership, and set the strategic agenda of the organization.
Working Groups
Specialized working groups on trade, investment, culture, and policy allow delegates to engage in focused deliberation on the issues most relevant to their sectors.
The Grand Caribbean
One Region, Five Sub-Regions, Thirty Nations
The Grand Caribbean is a geopolitical and economic concept that encompasses the nations and territories united by the Caribbean Sea and the Gulf of Mexico. Caribe Unidos serves as the institutional home of this region's private sector.
Insular Caribbean
Cuba, Jamaica, Haiti, Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, Trinidad & Tobago, Barbados, Bahamas, and the Lesser Antilles
The island nations and territories at the heart of the Caribbean Sea, representing the region's most diverse cultural and linguistic heritage.
Central America
Guatemala, Belize, Honduras, El Salvador, Nicaragua, Costa Rica, Panama
The land bridge connecting North and South America, with deep Caribbean coastlines and strong historical ties to the region.
North Latin America
Colombia, Venezuela, Guyana, Suriname, French Guiana
The northern tier of South America, with Caribbean coastlines and economies deeply integrated with the broader regional economy.
Mexico
The United Mexican States
A major regional power with extensive Caribbean and Gulf coastlines, and one of the Grand Caribbean's most significant economic actors.
Gulf States, USA
Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Louisiana, Texas
The Gulf Coast states of the United States, whose economies, ports, and cultural ties make them integral members of the Grand Caribbean community.