Caribbean News
Commonwealth launches e-learning course to help Caribbean countries access billions in climate finance
December 19, 2023 – A new Commonwealth e-learning course launched yesterday will improve the ability of Caribbean countries to access billions of dollars in climate finance.
The Commonwealth Secretary-General, The Rt Hon Patricia Scotland KC, launched the ‘Commonwealth Climate Finance Essentials E-learning Course’ at an event on 11 December 2023 in Dubai during the United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28).
The course builds on the extensive experience of the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub. The hub has helped 17 small and vulnerable states in Africa, the Caribbean, and the Pacific to access more than US$322 million in climate finance for projects to mitigate and adapt to the impacts of climate change.
Government officials and experts can use the course to better understand complex areas, such as the climate finance landscape, the compliance requirements set by major funders, the financial requisites for accessing funding and the specific needs of vulnerable groups.
Crucially, the course introduces officials to the core elements needed to write a successful application for securing climate finance for projects. It also unpacks the use of innovative tools, such as earth observation data, to improve project rationale and navigate red tape.
At the 2022 Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting, leaders urged developed countries to fully deliver on their commitment to providing US$100 billion every year in climate finance to help developing nations address challenges posed by climate change.
However, access to funding remains a barrier. Some small island developing states report spending two to three years to develop a climate project proposal. This is followed by another year of legal and implementation arrangements before governments receive funds and can start projects.
Speaking at the event, Secretary-General Patricia Scotland said:
“Despite contributing least to the problem, small and vulnerable states are bearing the biggest burden. Increasingly frequent and extreme weather events are causing widespread destruction to livelihoods and infrastructure – and destroying economies.
“While the international community is stepping in to provide support, it’s not enough. Small and vulnerable states also need to navigate the demanding conditions necessary for accessing available climate funds.
“The Commonwealth’s e-learning course is a significant step towards helping government officials better understand the complex structures of multi-billion-dollar funds and access the finance they need.”
During the event, Saber Hossain Chowdhury, Special Envoy of the Prime Minister of Bangladesh for Climate Change, drew attention to the capacity challenges faced by developing countries in accessing climate finance on time.
He specifically pointed to the prolonged approval process, citing instances where Bangladesh had to wait nearly nine years to receive funds after submitting project applications.
Mr. Chowdhury said:
“The course is a great tool. All the good practices from the Commonwealth are brought together and are now available in the form of e-learning. It will help with building that capacity that is so very essential.”
Through this course, he added, countries equipped with the necessary capacity would not only have priority in
accessing funds, but also ensure support reaches those most in need.
Orlando Habet, Belize’s Minister of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management, endorsed the new course.
He said: “Climate finance is critical for small island developing states and least developed countries. We have been told that the process of finding finance takes too long. This course will assist us to cut down on that time.”
The minister also thanked the Commonwealth Secretariat for deploying a national climate finance adviser to Belize. He added that the adviser has been assisting his country in securing funding to implement the national climate plans.
The course is part of a package of resources developed by the Commonwealth Secretariat to support its 56 member countries in tackling the global climate crisis.
Caribbean News
Sandals Resorts and Beaches Resorts celebrate a night of wins, and take home a total of 16 titles at the 32nd Annual World Travel Awards
Providenciales, Turks and Caicos Islands (October 6th, 2025) – CaribCon, the Caribbean conference celebrating culture, innovation, and creativity, will welcome some of the region’s most influential voices to its inaugural edition in the Turks and Caicos Islands. The event, set to be a dynamic gathering of thought leaders and cultural icons, will feature impactful panel discussions, inspiring and intimate fireside chats and a flow of knowledge from some of the Caribbean’s brightest and best in the creative sector.
Elizabeth “Lady” Montano
Jamaica’s own Dr. Terri-Karelle Johnson, celebrated communications specialist, media personality, and global keynote speaker, will headline CaribCon as the official keynote speaker. Known for her ability to connect authentically and inspire audiences worldwide, Dr. Reid will share her insights on Caribbean identity, storytelling, and the power of representation in shaping global narratives. Another highlight of CaribCon will be the presence of Elizabeth “Lady” Montano, mother and former manager of soca superstar Machel Montano. Lady will launch her award-winning book, King of Soca, in which she is positioned as the ultimate insider, chronicling the evolution of one of the Caribbean’s most iconic entertainers. She will also share her invaluable experiences on nurturing talent, building a brand, and sustaining longevity in the competitive music industry in an intimate fireside chat. Adding further star power to the event is Simon Baptiste, CEO of Question Mark Entertainment, co-founder of ODOS, a global collective network spanning over 1000 professionals in 35 countries, film director, talent manager and creative strategist. Baptiste will bring his expertise to conversations on shaping the region’s creative sector and talent.
Simon Baptiste
“CaribCon is where the Caribbean’s voices, ideas, and creativity converge,” says Omega Simmons, founder of CaribCon and CEO of SOS Media. “Having leaders like Terri Karelle, Lady Montano, and Simon Baptiste share their stories and expertise truly embodies the spirit of this event. Their presence reinforces the power of Caribbean culture to inspire and influence on the world stage.” CaribCon will take place at the Shore Club in Providenciales, the Turks and Caicos Islands, from October 23rd to 26th. Attendees can look forward to networking opportunities, panel discussions, and meaningful dialogue to foster an ecosystem that develops the region’s creative sector and propels it onto the global stage.
Sponsors are:
Signature Experience Partners: Ministry of Tourism, Experience Turks and Caicos, and The Shore Club.
Other sponsors: PPID, Invest TCI, InterCaribbean Airways, Subtronic Sounds, Spotlight Communications.
Hotel partners: Ocean Club Resorts, Waterloo Hotel Management, The Somerset on Grace Bay and Ports of Call Resort.
For more information, tickets, and updates, visit www.caribcon.co or follow @caribconhq on all social media platforms.
For more information please email: contact@caribcon.co
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