Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment and Climate Action, Senator Dr. Joyelle Clarke, has called for greater regional unity and innovation in the fight against climate change. Her appeal came as the 2025 Green Climate Fund (GCF) Regional Dialogue concluded in St. Kitts and Nevis on 20th March, marking the end of a highly successful four-day conference.
The event brought together national designated entities, accredited institutions, civil society organisations, and climate stakeholders from across the Caribbean to explore sustainable solutions to the region’s most pressing climate challenges. Expressing gratitude to the GCF for selecting St. Kitts and Nevis as the host country, Senator Clarke highlighted the significance of the dialogue.
“This Regional Dialogue was truly regional in character, as it ought to have been. We had the opportunity to speak as one region, articulating both our concerns and aspirations in fighting the impacts of climate change,” she stated.
Addressing the Region’s Climate Vulnerability
Dr. Clarke underscored the disproportionate burden faced by Small Island Developing States (SIDS), which contribute minimally to global greenhouse gas emissions yet suffer devastating climate-related consequences. She pointed to increasing sea levels, warming oceans, prolonged droughts, and extreme weather events that threaten lives, infrastructure, and economies.
“As our region faces water stress together, food insecurity together, and energy insecurity together, we must find the solutions together,” Clarke affirmed.
Prime Minister Drew Reaffirms Commitment to Regional Cooperation
Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew, who delivered the keynote address at the start of the symposium, praised Minister Clarke and her team for organising a productive and inspiring conference. He reaffirmed his government’s commitment to strengthening regional collaboration. Even while travelling, Prime Minister Drew remained actively engaged, checking in on the conference’s progress during a late-night call.
The dialogue also facilitated strengthened partnerships between the GCF and Caribbean nations, with discussions focused on increasing climate investments and implementing sustainable solutions across key sectors.
Moving Forward with Regional Action
Dr. Clarke announced joint commitments to develop regional roadmaps for energy cooperation, logistics, transportation, and debt-for-climate swaps, echoing similar proposals championed by Barbados’ Prime Minister, Hon. Mia Mottley.
“Our government commits to continued engagement with Caribbean countries to give this dialogue the enduring character it deserves. We will be contacting every single government to ensure a common regional articulation of the outcomes,” Clarke assured.
Describing the GCF Conference as “excellent, productive, and inspiring,” Minister Clarke challenged the Caribbean to maintain its unwavering commitment to climate collaboration and innovation.
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