On March 1, 2021, the Prime Minister of Belize, Hon. John Briceño, participated in a high-level session with the Green Climate Fund (GCF) executive and regional leaders to discuss some of the climate vulnerability challenges that Small Island Developing States (SIDS) are facing.
This regional event, being conducted from March 1 to 5, 2021, will focus on the access to and mobilization of urgently needed climate finance for low carbon and climate resilient economies in the Caribbean region. This will be achieved by strengthening country ownership of programming and developing innovative and transformational projects targeting areas of high mitigation potential and adaptation needs, catalyzing private sector finance at scale, and strengthening institutions. The event will be an opportunity for stakeholders to be informed of the status of GCF support to the region and the various support windows available.
As a strong supporter and beneficiary of the GCF, Belize, during the opening session, had the opportunity to communicate some of the needs and innovative products that still need to be taken into consideration by the fund. The regional dialogue, therefore, represents a significant avenue to support regional action towards a low emission and climate resilient region.
Since 2015, the Government of Belize has engaged with the GCF to improve access to climate finance and to encourage investment in projects and programmes that will help Belize to adapt and mitigate climate change and its impacts.
Accompanying the Prime Minister were Mrs. Narda Garcia, CEO in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Development, and Investment and Belize’s National Designated Authority to the GCF; and Mr. Leroy Martinez, the GCF Focal Point in the Ministry.
