State Minister Cites Challenge for Climate Change Agenda

Minister of State in the Ministry of Water, Land, Environment and Climate Change, Hon. Ian Hayles, has cited the challenge governments face in attracting the involvement of stakeholders, while advancing their climate change agenda.

“Jamaica has been taking the lead in terms of (our partnership with) the Climate Investment Fund (CIF), and of trying to find a way to bring our people along. I think all of you from your respective countries (are also finding that) one of the most difficult things that you do daily, is (deciding) how to bring people along, and it is no different here in Jamaica,” the State Minister said.

He was addressing the opening plenary of the Fifth Climate Investment Fund (CIF) Partnership Forum, held at the Montego Bay Convention Centre, in St. James, on June 23.

Mr. Hayles pointed to the urgency of the Government’s stance in addressing Jamaica’s climate change issues.

“Climate change is real and it is here and it takes a level of seriousness in appealing to all our people (regardless) of where they are, to recognize the gravity of the effects of climate change,” the State Minister added.

Mr. Hayles explained that the forum is an opportunity for the building of partnerships to generate investment and foster strong, programmatic action on climate change.

Over 500 participants, including climate change innovators, policy makers, entrepreneurs, financiers, social advocates, and researchers from Africa, Asia, Europe, North America, and Latin America are taking part in the two-day international forum.

The Forum is being co-hosted by the CIF’s Administrative Unit and the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB).

The Partnership Forum takes place every 18 months and provides governments, stakeholders and others with the opportunity to learn, share and network.