By Josiah Williams
Addressing the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) summit in St. Vincent and the Grenadines, President Dr. Irfaan Ali emphasized the critical role of the organization in tackling various pressing issues across the region.
President Ali underscored the multitude of challenges faced by the Latin America and Caribbean region, including climate change, energy security, and food and nutrition security.
He emphasized the potential adverse effects of these issues if left unaddressed and called for collective efforts among member states to tackle them effectively.
In his address, President Ali highlighted Guyana’s leadership role in advocating for food and nutrition security within CARICOM.
He expressed the government’s commitment to collaborative efforts and partnerships aimed at building capacity to address the rising need for expertise in this sector.
The President stressed the importance of financing in achieving development goals and reiterated the need for fulfilling financial commitments to support climate mitigation, adaptation, and loss and damage, particularly in vulnerable countries.
He also emphasized the significance of mitigation efforts and urged CELAC to advocate for the sustainable management of forests and the enhancement of forest carbon stocks processes.
President Ali expressed gratitude for an invitation from President Lula Da Silva to present Guyana’s forest preservation model at the G20 summit.
He also expressed willingness to present the model to CELAC member states at the earliest opportunity.
Highlighting Guyana’s vulnerability to climate change, President Ali outlined the government’s implementation of a low-carbon development strategy focused on forest conservation and clean energy to stimulate future growth while safeguarding ecosystem services.
The President’s address underscored the importance of CELAC’s role in addressing regional challenges and fostering collaboration among member states for the collective benefit of the Latin American and Caribbean region.