Foreign Affairs ministers from Canada and the Caribbean have agreed to deepen collaboration on climate change mitigation by pursuing joint advocacy for enhancing access to climate financing for adaptation and mitigation.
This is according to a statement by the co-chairs of the Canada-Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Foreign Ministers’ Group meeting: Mélanie Joly, Canadian Minister of Foreign Affairs; and Eamon Courtenay, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Foreign Trade and Immigration for Belize; and Chair of the Caribbean Community Council for Foreign and Community Relations (COFCOR). The group of ministers met virtually on Friday and reinforced their collective commitment to hemispheric cooperation in support of shared objectives.
During the meeting the ministers acknowledged that the pandemic, climate change, and the evolving geopolitical landscape have magnified socio-economic challenges in the Caribbean and around the globe. It was made clear that there is an urgent need to re-build resilient, inclusive, and sustainable economies through increased commercial engagement and partnership.
The ministers acknowledged that climate change is the biggest threat that humanity is currently facing and says there is an immediate and urgent need for adequate climate financing to meet the Caribbean region’s requirements for climate resilience and adaptation. As such it was agreed to pursue joint advocacy for enhancing access to climate finance for adaptation and mitigation, and in preparations for COP27.
Canada for its part, recognised the vulnerability of CARICOM members to climate change and agreed to continue advocating through the international financial institutions for access to concessional financing, appropriate debt relief, Special Drawing Rights, including joint Carib-bean Development Bank engagement in key sectors, and international assistance, according to the statement. Canada also agreed to help address food security and strengthen agri-food systems within the Community.
Ministers have also committed to a continued comprehensive response to the COVID-19 pandemic, including equitable vaccine distribution, access to new COVID-19 specific treatments, and future pandemic preparedness and disease prevention. In addition, they discussed trade and investment between Canada and CARICOM to stimulate economic growth and development, with a focus on sustainability, including green infrastructure, agriculture, clean technology and energy, as reflected in the priority sectors of the upcoming Canada-CARICOM Trade Mission.
At the meeting it was also agreed upon to increase collaboration in the multilateral fora, including defending the rules-based international order. According to the statements, ministers will join voices to advocate for the needs of Caribbean Small Islands Developing States (SIDS), in the multilateral fora including at the United Nations, the Commonwealth, and the Organisation Internationale de la Francophonie.
On the war in Ukraine, ministers expressed concern over civilian casualties and humanitarian conditions while reaffirming support for the Charter of the United Nations and calling for respect for territorial integrity and sovereignty. They also indicated their willingness to work alongside Haiti to strengthen the security and governance sectors, including electoral institutions, and support socio-economic development leading to sustainable and inclusive democratic order in the country.
Following the meeting, ministers instructed their officials to define a joint commission to serve as a permanent mechanism that will formally deepen the partnership while advancing collaboration and cooperation. This will be launched by the Leaders at the inaugural Canada-CARICOM Summit in the coming months.
