-launches Global Biodiversity Alliance
x President Irfaan Ali yesterday told the United Nations General Assembly that Guyana is doing more than its fair share to address the issue of climate change by following promises with action, and also called on international body to assist those countries facing humanitarian crises.
“Today, I am pleased to announce the launch of a Global Biodiversity Alliance. We will convene the first global biodiversity alliance summit in 2025, which will focus on; creating a market for biodiversity credits, Scaling biodiversity conservation debt swaps, Accelerating biodiversity bonds, establishing a blueprint for biodiversity taxonomies, and promoting nature positive action,” the President said during his address to the 79th United Nations General Assembly Meeting in New York.
He pointed out that although Guyana has a new-found natural resource in oil and gas, it would require less than 20 per cent of sequestered carbon to offset this country’s emissions at maximum output.
“We have preserved our biodiversity and know its value. We believe it is only fair and just that this global asset be monetised in a fair carbon market,” he said.
Ali told the 193-member-states body that this country follows its words and promises with actions. “We don’t make this announcement by mere words, Guyana is also committing to doubling its protected areas by December 2025 and achieving the global biodiversity target of 30 per cent by 2030.”
He added, “These are real solutions that Guyana is putting forward to address the global problem of biodiversity loss. We do not lecture, we lead by example without arrogance.”
Ali noted that of the myriad of challenges confronting the world today, climate change threatens its very existence, and is adversely affecting development in all countries.
“Rising sea levels and temperatures, severe natural disasters, and shifting and extreme weather patterns, disrupt agriculture and food security, threaten water supply, and displace communities. These impacts are particularly devastating for small-island developing states. Each year, we make the annual pilgrimage to COP [Conference of the Parties], filled with hope for tangible outcomes. And each year we are regaled, and renewed unkept promises are the order of the day,” he stated.
“This cycle of hope followed by disappointment cannot continue if the Sustainable Develop-ment Goals are to be met. We must break free from this pattern of empty pledges. We must, unequivocally and immediately, fulfill all pledges for the sake of our planet and the future of all its inhabitants.
As he highlighted Guyana and its 83,000 square miles of which 86% is tropical forest, President Ali noted that Guyana has the second highest percentage forest cover on earth with one of the lowest deforestation rates.
“Our forests store 19.5 gigatons of carbon and sequesters more than 153 million tons annually. According to WWF, Guyana is one of the world’s most important countries for biodiversity density. It straddles two of the richest biodiversity zones, the Guiana Shield and the Amazon. As a country, we are dedicated to the preservation of this vital global asset. I especially salute the Indigenous Peoples of Guyana, the Amerindians, who are the foremost stewards of this great natural heritage,” the President stated.
‘We recognise their leadership and 15 per cent of all revenues earned from carbon sales are directly transferred to our Indi-genous communities,” he added.
Humanitarian
On the humanitarian side, Ali stated that in a world where some thrive and live peacefully, while others face ravaging humanitarian crises, Guyana as a UN member state, has stepped up to do its part, as he called on other nations to follow suit.
“The United Nations must continue to be a beacon of hope amidst a turbulent global environment. The theme of this year’s assembly, ‘Leaving no one behind: acting together for the advancement of peace, sustainable development, and human dignity for present and future generations,’ resonates with the vision set out in the United Nations Charter. This vision demands decisive action and enlightened multilateralism,” he asserted.
“Today, we find ourselves in a world where the quest for peace is met with the defiant echo of conflict, where the promise of sustainable development is eclipsed by the dangerous spectre of climate change and food insecurity, and where the dignity of millions of people is trampled upon with impunity,” he added.
‘Reaching out’
Pointing to Haiti in the Caribbean region which is grappling with humanitarian, security, and political crises, the President said that he would be asking member UN States to contribute to the humanitarian efforts being led for that country.
“Closer to my home, CARICOM [Caribbean Community] has been actively supporting a Haitian-led process for the restoration of democracy, peace and stability in Haiti. We welcome the deployment of the UN-authorized Multinational Security Support Mission [MSS], led by Kenya, as a crucial step towards stabilising the security situation. We call on the international community to urgently scale up financing for the MSS and secure its renewed authorisation so that the Mission can succeed.”
He also spoke of the need to address Haiti’s humanitarian crisis. “We must also address the dire humanitarian situation where almost half of Haiti’s population suffers from acute hunger, mass displacement and women and girls are enduring brutal violence, including sexual violence. Guyana is leading CARICOM’s efforts in mobilising humanitarian efforts and support for Haiti. Excellencies, I will be reaching out to you for your support. We must stay the course with our Haitian brothers and sisters in their quest for durable peace and sustainable development. The people of Haiti deserve nothing less.”
‘Justice’
Still focussing on the region, Ali bemoaned Cuba’s suffering brought on by economic embargos, as he called for their revocation. “Turning to our brothers and sisters in Cuba, their right to development continues to be stymied by the economic embargo. Guyana renews its call for revocation of the embargo and the removal of Cuba from the list of state sponsors of terrorism.”
And further afield in Ukraine where Russia has launched a war, Ali contended that “decisive action by the United Nations Security Council remains fettered by the veto” in what would be seen as a reference to Moscow.
He told the assembly, “Justice demands that we defend the territorial integrity of all states – large, small, powerful and weak.”
Further, equally concerning, to this country is the conflict in Sudan, which rages on with devastating consequences for its people, including famine and mass displacement. “This conflict will continue to undermine efforts to achieve lasting peace and sustainable development,” he said.
Turning to Afghanistan, the president urged the UN to condemn the continued oppression and persecution by the Taliban, of women and girls in Kabul who face, “not just lack of access to education and restrictions on their movements, but now even their voices cannot be heard in public.”
And as peace in Gaza currently seems a distant prospect, he underscored that stability and safety too is needed, as he urged that a two-state solution should be pushed by the UN.
“Guyana reiterates its strong condemnation of the October 7 attacks by Hamas on Israel. However, the collective punishment of an entire population, including the indiscriminate slaughter of civilians, most of whom are women and children, has long gone beyond the realm of self-defence. As the world watches on helplessly, Israel continues to flout its international obligations, including the orders of the ICJ and successive Security Council resolutions. Instead, the right of self-defence is being used as a weapon of mass extermination, stoking legitimate fears of genocide.”
He underscored that the war in Gaza must cease immediately. “No state, large or small, should feel comfortable and safe when such atrocities are allowed to continue with impunity. The war in Gaza must end now. We reiterate our demand for an immediate ceasefire and the release of all hostages and Palestinians illegally detained,” he added.
The President posited that the Palestinian people have too long been denied their right to self-determination and that the UN “must advance the two-state solution as this remains the only viable option for a future where Palestinians and Israelis live in peace and security.”
To the UN body, he advised that it should not be found wanting in the execution of its mandate.
“The future we seek, a future where no one is left behind, it demands courageous action. The UN must fulfill its role as a custodian of greater global peace, the foremost promoter of sustainable development and an unflinching protector of human rights, human dignity and international law. And since the UN is all of us, this body of nations, this is a collective responsibility for us all,” Ali said
“Let us not be found wanting. Let us act together, for the advancement of peace, for the achievement of sustainable development, and the preservation of human dignity, now and for generations to come,” he added.
