The Srefidenki Conference, inaugurated on Monday in the Congress Hall, marks the beginning of a three-day national dialogue aimed at restoring Suriname’s capacity for forward-thinking. President Jennifer Simons emphasized that the country is at a pivotal juncture, where not only immediate repairs are needed but also a collective vision to guide its future. Organized by Sync Dynamics with support from the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), the conference is the first in a series of nationwide consultations set to continue until mid-2026. Its ambitious goals include formulating a shared Vision Suriname 2050, establishing a roadmap for 2026–2030, and laying the groundwork for a widely supported National Social Compact. President Simons highlighted that while Suriname is in a ‘repair phase,’ addressing urgent issues in education, economy, and public health, the real challenge lies in crafting a clear path toward a stable and prosperous society. The government seeks broad consensus, engaging with the private sector, producers, educational institutions, and civil society groups. Marvin Pollack, Director of Sync Dynamics, urged participants to set aside their titles and institutional interests, framing the conference as a national moment for citizens to collaboratively envision Suriname’s future. The IDB’s representative, Adriana La Valley, underscored Suriname’s unique potential, rooted in its diversity, heritage, and natural wealth, while stressing the importance of investing in human capital, innovation, and modern economic structures. The Srefidenki Conference serves as a test case for national unity and long-term planning, aiming to shift Suriname from crisis management to a culture of proactive thinking.
