Miami, Florida, May 14, 2025 – As the global climate dialogue shifts from Baku to Belém, the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) is stepping forward with renewed resolve, urgency, and unity. From May 7–9, 2025, senior climate negotiators, government representatives, and technical experts from across the Region gathered in Miami, Florida, for CARICOM’s Negotiators Preparatory Meeting for the 30th United Nations Climate Change Conference (UNFCCC) of the Parties (COP30), set for November 10–25 in Belém, Brazil.
The first Preparatory meeting, convened by the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC) and the CARICOM Secretariat, with financial support from the Open Society Foundations (OSF), underscored the Region’s commitment to advancing a coordinated and strategic approach at COP30. The meeting provided a timely space to reflect on the outcomes of COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, which left much to be desired in the areas of climate finance, ambition, and operationalization of the Loss and Damage Fund, just transition, and Special Circumstances for SIDS/LDCs; importantly, the meeting facilitated the recalibrating of CARICOM’s approach to increasing its effectiveness as part of the UNFCCC process.
“As we prepare for COP30, we recognize, lamentably, that the stakes are even higher this year than in previous years, owing to slower than required climate ambition from the world’s largest economies,” said Colin Young, PhD, Executive Director of the CCCCC, in his welcome remarks. He underscored that despite decades of advocacy and clear scientific evidence, major emitters continue to fall short on their climate pledges, leaving vulnerable regions like the Caribbean to bear the brunt of the worsening climate crisis.
Over two days, the hybrid meeting allowed participants from across all CARICOM Member States to sharpen the region’s core negotiating positions, enhance internal coordination, and equip delegates with the strategic and technical tools necessary to push for stronger outcomes at COP30. Key discussion areas included the Mitigation Work Program, adaptation finance, access to Fund for responding to Loss and Damage, just transition, technology transfer, and carbon markets.
Underscoring the urgency of advancing the region’s priorities, Dr. Wendell Samuel, Senior Economic Advisor to the Secretary-General and Assistant Secretary-General in the Directorate of Economic Integration, Innovation and Development at CARICOM, urged all participants both in person and online to remain actively engaged and aligned in their efforts to drive meaningful outcomes for Caribbean Small island Developing States (SIDS). “At COP30, SIDS will press for a global framework on adaptation that goes beyond planning to implementation. National Adaptation Plans must be adequately financed and supported by technology transfer and capacity building. We want to see adaptation efforts embedded in national development planning—not as an add-on, but as a core element of economic resilience.”
CARICOM Climate Envoy, Dr. David Fletcher, urged those present to embrace a bold shift in advocacy and engagement. He emphasized the need for Caribbean countries to reassess their approach to international negotiations, advocating for more strategic, unified, and courageous efforts to ensure regional priorities are effectively reflected in global climate outcomes.
Dr. Mark Bynoe, Assistant Executive Director of the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), described the meeting as a success, emphasizing the critical need to sustain both focus and momentum in the months leading up to COP30. “We have to keep our eyes on the ball,” he stated, underscoring that regional coherence and a strong sense of urgency must remain central to CARICOM’s preparations.
Reflecting on the CCCCC’s broader mandate and impact, Dr. Bynoe acknowledged the significance of the CCCCC’s upcoming 20th anniversary. He noted that after two decades of dedicated service, the CARICOM institution remains steadfast in its pursuit of climate resilience and sustainable development. He highlighted that the CCCCC has consistently translated its mission into action, delivering tangible results across the region and standing as a key driver of Caribbean leadership on climate issues.
The preparatory meeting provided an opportunity for robust dialogue, meaningful knowledge exchange, and peer-to-peer learning among climate negotiators, technical experts, and government officials from across the region. This collaborative environment helped foster greater alignment of positions within CARICOM, deepened understanding of complex negotiation tracks, and reinforced a shared sense of purpose. As the region intensifies its preparations for COP30, the outcomes of this engagement have laid a solid foundation for a more coordinated and impactful Caribbean presence on the global climate stage.
