Caribbean Cities Lead the Way in Climate Action: Highlights from COP28 Participation

 

Dubai, December 11, 2023 — As the curtain falls on COP28 in Dubai, the resounding contributions of Caribbean cities to the global climate dialogue stand out prominently. The City of Belmopan, Belize, a committed member of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, took center stage at key sessions, bringing unique perspectives and initiatives to the forefront.

 

Mayor Sharon Palacio Champions Urgency at MDB Session

Mayor Sharon Palacio of the City of Belmopan, Belize, played a pivotal role in the MDB session titled “Mobilizing Resources to Scale Up Climate Action and Innovations in Cities.” Addressing a captive audience on December 6 with her opening remarks, Mayor Palacio emphasized the critical role cities play in shaping our global response to climate change. With more than 55% of the world’s population dwelling in urban areas, expected to surge to over 65% by 2050, Mayor Palacio stressed the urgency for cities to act decisively in building resilience and transitioning to a low-carbon future. She hammered home the need for direct access to funding at the municipal level to truly effect change.

 

The session highlighted the essential role of Multilateral Development Banks (MDB) in mobilizing global finance and providing technical assistance to support cities in their climate action endeavors. The discussion underscored the need for collaboration among MDBs and other stakeholders to amplify the impact of sustainable urbanization efforts.

 

As we reflect on the outcomes of COP28, the active participation of the City of Belmopan, Belize, underscores the vital role of local initiatives in the global fight against climate change. The events featuring Mayor Palacio stand as a testament to the urgency and commitment required to create sustainable, resilient urban environments.

 

About the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy

The Global Covenant of Mayors is the largest global alliance dedicated to city climate leadership, with over 12,750 cities committed and benefiting 1.136 billion people worldwide. We focus on combating climate change and building a low-emissions, climate-resilient future for the Caribbean and the world.