As the curtain falls on COP28 in Dubai, the resounding contributions of Caribbean cities to the global climate dialogue stand out prominently. Belmopan, Belize, and Georgetown, Jamaica, both committed members of the Global Covenant of Mayors for Climate and Energy, took center stage at key sessions, bringing their unique perspectives and initiatives to the forefront.
Mayor Sharon Palacio Champions Urgency at MDB Session
Mayor Sharon Palacio 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 from 13:30 to 15:00, 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.
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 endeavours. The discussion underscored the need for collaboration among MDBs and other stakeholders to amplify the impact of sustainable urbanization efforts.
Mayor Alfred Mentore Explores GCoM Impact Report at EU Pavilion
Mayor Alfred Mentore of Georgetown, Jamaica, took part remotely in the "GCoM Impact Report Deep Dive" session at the EU Pavilion on December 11 at 16:30 Dubai Time. The session delved into the Global Covenant of Mayors' Impact Report, showcasing the remarkable progress made by cities in addressing climate ambitions, tackling energy poverty, and fostering collaboration to reduce emissions.
Mayor Mentore presented compelling cases from Georgetown, demonstrating the city's commitment to climate action and the co-benefits derived from these efforts. The session provided key insights from aggregated data representing the GCoM network's 13,000 cities globally.
As we reflect on the outcomes of COP28, the active participation of these Caribbean cities underscores the vital role of local initiatives in the global fight against climate change. The events featuring Mayor Palacio and Mayor Mentore 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.