BRIDGETOWN, Barbados – The Commonwealth secretary-general, Patricia Scotland KC, will join Caribbean leaders at the upcoming Caribbean Community (CARICOM) meeting to find solutions to pressing regional challenges, including climate resilience, economic development, and food security.
The 48th regular meeting of the conference of heads of government of the Caribbean Community is scheduled to be held in Barbados from 19-21 February 2025. The meeting will be convened under the theme ‘Strength in Unity: Forging Caribbean Resilience, Inclusive Growth and Sustainable Development’.
Ahead of the high-level gathering, the Commonwealth secretary-general, said:
“As I conclude my tenure as Commonwealth secretary-general, I am proud to have worked alongside CARICOM leaders to advance our shared values of democracy, human rights, and sustainable development. Our collaboration has been a shining example of what can be achieved through unity and cooperation.”
“The Caribbean region is at the forefront of climate resilience and sustainable development, and I am honoured to have played a part in supporting these efforts. As I attend my final CARICOM meeting as secretary-general, I reaffirm the Commonwealth’s commitment to continue working with the region to address its unique challenges.”
The secretary-general will address a plenary session at the conference, providing an update on the Secretariat’s support for Commonwealth CARICOM members, with a focus on artificial intelligence, climate change, and debt management. Specifically, she will highlight the impact of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, which assists small and vulnerable states in securing funding to address climate-related challenges.
During her time in Barbados, she will also meet leaders discuss several pressing issues affecting the Community, including food and nutrition security, security concerns, digital resilience, external relations, and the CARICOM Single Market and Economy. These discussions will contribute to developing a roadmap for how the Commonwealth can support its member countries in the region, highlighting relevant programmes and initiatives.
The secretary-general will also provide an update on the next Commonwealth Heads of Government meeting (CHOGM), to be held in Antigua and Barbuda in 2026. Key issues on the agenda are likely to include the challenges faced by Small Island Developing States, climate change, international trade, and economic innovation.
Ahead of her arrival in Barbados, the Commonwealth secretary-general, said:
“My dear sister, Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, will be here in the Caribbean to hold her first CHOGM as secretary-gGeneral, and will build on the progress we have made, taking our collective efforts to the next level, as we continue to champion the interests of our member states, particularly Small Island Developing States.”
Twelve CARICOM states are among the Commonwealth’s 56 member countries. It is home to 2.7 billion people and includes both advanced economies and developing countries. Thirty-three of the Commonwealth’s members are small states, including many island nations.
The Commonwealth Secretariat provides guidance on policy-making, technical assistance and advisory services to help its member countries achieve sustainable, inclusive and equitable development.
