The Caribbean Community (CARICOM) has identified Ministerial Champions for key negotiation areas during the Twenty-Ninth Session of the Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), which began 11 November in Baku, Azerbaijan. At COP29, CARICOM Member States will advocate for urgent climate action and robust financial commitments to address the unique vulnerabilities of Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Dr. Carla Barnett, CARICOM Secretary-General, on Monday, 11 November, joined regional Government Ministers in bilateral discussions with the Hon. Steven Guilbeault, the Minister of Environment and Climate Change of Canada.

It is my great privilege to welcome each and every one of you to this morning’s Opening Ceremony for the Fourth High-Level Advocacy Forum on Statistics and to the 2024 round of CARICOM Statistics Meetings.

On behalf of the United Nations Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), it is my pleasure and honor to participate in the opening of the Fourth High-Level Advocacy Forum on Statistics. This gathering presents a valuable opportunity to strengthen our ties and foster a sustained exchange of expertise, ideas, and best practices with the countries of the Caribbean.

“I know that I am speaking to the converted when I say that there has never been a time when data has been so widely recognised as one of the most valuable resources available to our countries.