United Nations Secretary General Antonio Guterres has called on developed countries to finally make good on their financial commitments to developing countries. These commitments include meeting the $100 billion dollar goal, doubling adaptation finance, replenishing the Green Climate Fund, and operationalising the loss and damage fund this year.
Guterres was addressing the opening of the 45th Conference of CARICOM in Port of Spain Trinidad and Tobago on 3rd July (2023).
The UN Secretary General thanked Caribbean leaders for their powerful calls for climate justice, advancing global action on loss and damage, investing in renewables, and safeguarding biodiversity, including through the efforts of Indigenous communities.
Noting that the United Nations relies on Caribbean expertise and leadership, Guterres commended the regional grouping for its advanced cooperation on every front: “from economic and social development; to fighting illegal drugs and arms trafficking to combatting non-communicable diseases; to advancing gender equality”.
The UN Secretary General said the challenges in Haiti require greater engagement and greater solidarity. He said the humanitarian appeal for Haiti is only funded at 23 per cent, and describes it as “a tragedy within a tragedy”.
Guterres further applauded the efforts of CARICOM leaders toward resolving the challenges in Haiti, and pledged to continue to push for a robust international security force – authorized by the Security Council – to be able to help the Haitian national police to defeat and dismantle the gangs.
