Caribbean Ministers Foster Regional Energy Collaboration at Green Climate Fund Dialogue in Saint Kitts and Nevis

The Caribbean region embarked on a critical mission to bolster regional energy cooperation during the 2025 Green Climate Fund (GCF) Caribbean Regional Dialogue held in St. Kitts. Ministers Konris Maynard and Dr. Joyelle Clarke spearheaded a high-level strategic meeting with key regional stakeholders, marking a significant stride towards a sustainable energy future. The meeting served as a platform to formulate a comprehensive regional roadmap addressing energy cooperation, logistics and transportation, and debt-for-climate swaps, crucial aspects mandated by Prime Ministers Mia Mottley of Barbados and Dr. Terrance Drew of St. Kitts and Nevis. This collaborative effort signified a unified commitment to tackling climate change and advancing regional energy resilience.

The meeting brought together a powerful consortium of regional development institutions, including the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), CARICOM Development Fund (CDF), Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (5Cs), Organization of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS), Development Bank of Latin America and the Caribbean (CAF), and the Green Climate Fund (GCF). This assembly of influential organizations underscored the seriousness of the regional commitment to collaborative action. The presence of representatives from the Ministry of Sustainable Development, the Energy Unit, St. Kitts Electricity Company Limited (SKELEC), and Nevis Electricity Company Limited (NEVLEC) ensured local perspectives were integrated into the strategic discussions. This comprehensive representation fostered a multi-faceted approach, reflecting the collective responsibility towards achieving sustainable energy goals.

Prime Ministers Mottley and Drew’s directive to develop regional roadmaps in the crucial interconnected areas of energy cooperation, logistics and transportation, and debt-for-climate swaps provided a clear framework for the meeting’s deliberations. Participants focused on identifying opportunities for collaboration and strengthening existing regional partnerships. The discussions aimed to establish initial standards for energy projects to facilitate prompt action and efficient resource allocation. This proactive approach underscored the urgency of transitioning towards sustainable energy solutions and building a climate-resilient Caribbean.

Minister Clarke stressed the pivotal role of robust institutional frameworks in bolstering political will and driving concrete climate action. She emphasized that regional progress in climate resilience hinges on effectively coordinating existing resources and leveraging collective efforts to accelerate the adoption of sustainable energy solutions. This focus on institutional strength and strategic resource management highlighted the importance of a coordinated and efficient approach to maximize impact and ensure long-term sustainability.

Minister Maynard, in his capacity as Chair of the OECS Council of Energy Ministers, underscored the critical need to document and disseminate regional achievements in energy collaboration. This emphasis on sharing best practices and success stories aims to foster knowledge exchange and inspire further action across the Caribbean. He echoed Prime Minister Drew’s perspective that the region, due to its compact size, serves as a valuable sustainable model for the world, showcasing the potential for effective climate action within a manageable geographical context.

The strategic meeting concluded with a strong commitment from stakeholders to continue discussions and solidify partnerships, propelling the Caribbean’s sustainable energy agenda forward. This collaborative spirit and unified vision position the Caribbean as a leader in climate resilience and sustainable energy. The commitment to ongoing dialogue and strengthened alliances ensures that the momentum generated during the meeting translates into tangible actions and lasting positive change for the region. The Caribbean’s collective approach signifies its readiness to drive meaningful transformation and position itself at the forefront of global climate action.