Guyana will today virtually host a Group of 77+ China ministerial and technical meeting which will highlight initiatives aimed at combatting climate change.
“As Chair of the Group, Guyana has outlined some very practical objectives for the meeting, namely to provide a space for awareness, partnership-building, knowledge-sharing, and learning lessons, among the G-77 and China membership on climate action , amidst the COVID-19 crisis, while recovering towards the 2030 Agenda and to reinforce the G-77 and China’s position on key issues in the Climate Change discussion, including climate finance and ecosystem-based approaches, while also contributing to maximizing the (UN) Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) co-benefits,” Minister of Foreign Affairs Hugh Todd told a press conference last Friday to discuss plans ahead of the virtual October 29th-30th event.
The Group of 77 (G-77) was established on 15 June 1964 by seventy-seven developing countries. It now has 134 members.
Using this country’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) as an example, Guyana hopes to show member states how climate change can be addressed. Todd cited the Reducing Emissions from Deforestation and Forest Degradation (REDD+) initiative. Guyana has been able to attract funding to fight climate change through REDD+.
“The aim of this session is to allow for sharing of case studies that demonstrate ecosystem approaches that maintain existing carbon stocks, regulate water flow and storage, maintain and increase resilience, reduce vulnerability of ecosystems and people among others,” he added.
Government believes that the two-day forum will be “most significant for Guyana, in that we will have brought together over 130 countries to share experiences, discuss and propose new practical solutions to some of the critical and pressing issues affecting the world, especially developing countries”.
“The Chairmanship of the Group of 77 and China has provided the opportunity for us to show this kind of leadership, and thereby bring about even greater focus on issues affecting humanity,” the minister said.
He added that at the end of the two days, it is hoped that a Communique that highlights the main concerns and actions of the group would also be issued.
Elected
In November last year, Guyana was elected as Chair of the G-77 Group, the largest negotiating group of developing countries in the United Nations. The 134 Member States of the Group elected Guyana by acclamation without preconditions at a November 22nd plenary. The period is for one year, commencing January 2020.
Though the Ministry of Foreign Affairs maintained that the country’s election followed a decision of CARICOM earlier in 2019 to ensure that a regional candidate assume the chairmanship in 2020, diplomatic sources questioned the cost claiming that this included potentially undermining the country’s past efforts in lobbying for support in its border controversy with Venezuela.
Sources had told this newspaper that Venezuela had objected to Guyana getting the position, unless all public lobbying for support in the border controversy matter was halted. The source explained that it would mean that for a number of matters, Venezuela is likely to get its allies to side with Caracas and shun proposals put forward by this country.
Questions were also raised about the financial cost of chairmanship of the group. Todd on Friday said that during the course of this year, this country provided leadership “in varying areas of interests to the group, and will continue to do so for the duration of our Chairmanship”.
And under the theme ‘Maintaining a Low Carbon Development Path Towards the 2030 Agenda in the Era of Covid-19’ this country hopes to set the tone towards achieving goals determined during the meeting.
President Irfaan Ali will deliver the opening address and the keynote address is expected to be delivered by Secretary-General of the United Nations Antonio Guterres.
In addition, Vice President, Bharrat Jagdeo, who crafted and led the LCDS initiative, will also be presenting to the Group.
And when the group meets to discuss ‘Climate Ambition and Climate Finance: Unmasking the Synergistic relationship to catalyse Action’ they will highlight the profound links between ambitious climate actions and climate finance, and will explore innovative ways in which the global financial architecture can “improve access for developing countries to maintain a climate-resilient development pathway in the context of the 2030 Agenda”.
The Minister of Foreign Affairs said that member countries will also be given the opportunity in a session to share experiences and lessons learned from the COVID-19 response. These include, he said, “The use of science and data in policy making, importance of infrastructure, proactive response as a precautionary measure, the role of International Cooperation, including South-South Cooperation in supporting developing countries in their response, and the need for vital changes in policy and institutions at all levels.”
