Grenada has been invited to co-convene the soon to be launched Global Commission on Adaptation and Prime Minister, Dr. the Right Honourable Keith has readily accepted.
According to the invitation letter addressed to the Prime Minister, “the purpose of this new commission is to forge a bold strategic vision for adaptation.” The letter further states that the commission is meant to be a “catalyst for large-scale, transformative action and partnerships to help vulnerable countries and communities become more resilient, tackle extreme poverty and achieve the Sustainable Development Goals.”
The letter to Dr. Mitchell speaks in glowing praise of Grenada’s leadership in the area of climate change adaptation. It states, “Grenada has played and continues to play a pivotal role in the fight gainst climate change. Your leadership is crucial in ensuring the implementation of the Paris Agreement, and we are grateful for your continued support and increasing engagement.”
Referencing Dr. Mitchell’s leadership on the subject of climate change, the letter further states, “we strongly believe that your personal participation in the commission and Grenada’s engagement as a co-convener will be critical to the GCA’s success”.
Accepting the invitation to co-convene Prime Minister Mitchell said, “Grenada welcomes the opportunity to be among the voices that champion the need for immediate action on climate change adaptation to improve the resilience of all small states.”
Dr. Mitchell said the invitation is significant and represents an endorsement of Grenada as a strategic partner in addressing climate change. “Government’s creation of a Ministry of Climate Resilience has sent a very clear signal of the importance we place on climate change adaptation and is indicative of an unwavering commitment to build resilience.
Grenada was instrumental in the establishment of the Caribbean Climate Smart Accelerator which has attracted significant funding from international partners and we are moving to make our capital, the first Climate Resilient City in the Caribbean. Grenada is therefore positioned at the forefront, as a champion of climate change adaptation and sustainable development which is why we are being increasingly recognised as a critical strategic partner on the subject of climate change.”
The Global Commission on Adaptation will be launched in The Hague on October 16. It is being established by the Government of the Netherlands in collaboration with the Global Centre on Adaptation. Former UN Secretary General Ban Ki-Moon, Microsoft Founder, Bill Gates and World Bank Group CEO, Kristalina Georgieva have been invited to lead the GCA.
