A series of high-level regional events focusing on climate change, ocean governance and biodiversity are being convened this week as CARICOM Secretariat partners with the Government of Guyana and key international agencies to advance the region’s environmental agenda.
The activities are being held in collaboration with the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the UK Foreign Commonwealth and Development Office (UKFCDO), and the German Agency for International Cooperation (GIZ).
Among the events scheduled are a special meeting of Ministers of Environment and Sustainable Development, an expert panel discussion, and a series of forums aimed at advancing the CARICOM Ocean Policy and establishing a sub-regional Technical and Scientific Cooperation (TSC) centre.
These engagements come at a critical time for the region, as CARICOM continues to shape its response to global environmental challenges. Discussions are being held against the backdrop of ongoing work on the CARICOM Ocean Policy, the operationalisation of the Loss and Damage Fund, reforms to the international financial system, and growing global attention on climate adaptation and ocean governance.
According to the Secretariat, the activities will focus on preparing the region for upcoming international negotiations while aligning CARICOM’s positions and priorities on key environmental issues.
A major component of the week’s agenda is the planned establishment of the CARICOM sub-regional Technical and Scientific Cooperation Centre (TSCC). The centre is expected to support member states by improving access to technical expertise, scientific knowledge and tools needed to implement the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The TSCC is envisioned as a “one-stop service centre” for CARICOM member states, regional institutions, Indigenous Peoples and Local Communities (IPLCs), as well as women, youth organisations and other stakeholders engaged in biodiversity-related initiatives.
Additionally, the 124th Special Meeting of the Council for Trade and Economic Development (COTED) will address several priority areas, including the development of a monitoring and evaluation framework for the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), climate diplomacy, ocean-related matters, and CARICOM’s engagement in international and hemispheric environmental governance.
A structured dialogue session is also expected to examine integrated approaches to financing, biodiversity, climate change, oceans, investment, and the role of science and technology in advancing sustainable development.
Officials say the week’s activities underscore CARICOM’s continued leadership in addressing climate and environmental challenges, while strengthening regional coordination ahead of key global engagements.
