Minister of Environment and Climate Action, Dr. Joyelle Clarke, has called for intensified multilateral cooperation and urgent investment in sustainable ocean financing during the opening of a high-level side event at the 3rd United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC25).
Delivering opening remarks at the session titled “Actioning Blue: Unlocking Sustainable Ocean Financing and Enhanced Ocean Coordination for Caribbean SIDS,” Dr. Clarke highlighted the strategic and existential importance of ocean governance for Small Island Developing States (SIDS), including St. Kitts and Nevis.
The event marked the official launch of two key regional initiatives — the Ocean Coordination Mechanism and the Actioning Blue: 30×30 Vision — both aimed at strengthening the Caribbean’s role in global ocean diplomacy and advancing marine sustainability goals.
Dr. Clarke underscored the Federation’s long-term goal of becoming a Sustainable Island State by 2040, noting that this transformation demands strategic partnerships, regional collaboration, and robust international support.
“This meant that we had to take into full account the means required to make this vision a possibility,” she stated. “Unsurprisingly, multilateralism and enhanced cooperation remain at the top of the list.”
Reaffirming St. Kitts and Nevis’ support for the Ocean Coordination Mechanism, the Minister noted that the Federation is already working closely with the Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) and aligning with the Kunming-Montreal Biodiversity Framework.
She stressed that Actioning Blue must evolve beyond rhetoric into tangible commitments. “We are here to leave no stone unturned in our quest to action blue — not as a slogan but as our survival strategy,” Dr. Clarke declared, calling on global partners to address the urgent needs of SIDS in financing, capacity building, and governance.
Clarke’s impassioned address reinforced the leadership of St. Kitts and Nevis in regional and international climate dialogue, positioning the Federation as an active driver of sustainable marine development and blue economy transformation.
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