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.
KINGSTON, May 1 (JIS):
Ground has been broken at the tuition-free Christel House at Twickenham Park, St. Catherine, for the construction of a high school.
Minister of Education and Youth, Hon. Faval Williams, who delivered the keynote address at the site, today (May 1), said Christel House’s dedication to breaking the cycle of poverty and empowering vulnerable children is “nothing short of inspiring”.
“Your decision to invest in Jamaica speaks volumes about your belief in our nation’s potential, and your dedication to making a meaningful difference in the lives of our youth is appreciated,” Minister Williams said.
She added that the partnership between the Government and the organisation, forged through a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) in 2019, is a “prime example” of what can be achieved when public and private entities come together with a shared vision and purpose.
Further, the Minister said a foundation is being laid for a brighter future, one where every child has the opportunity to thrive and fulfil their potential, regardless of their circumstances.
She said that Christel House Jamaica, which now operates a kindergarten school at the location, will in time be more than just a school.
“It will be a symbol of optimism, a sanctuary of learning, and a catalyst for positive change in our community,” the Minister said.
“By providing comprehensive support, including education, nutrition, healthcare, and mentorship, Christel House will empower students to break free from the chains of poverty and chart a course towards a better tomorrow,” she added.
Mrs. Willliams said the shared goal between the Administration and Christel House extends beyond the construction of a building, as it is about nurturing the next generation of leaders, innovators, and change-makers who will shape the destiny of the nation.
“Together, we are sowing the seeds of prosperity, equity, and social justice, ensuring that no child is left behind,” she said.
The school provides breakfast, lunch and an afternoon snack, as well as transportation for children living far distances from the school. It also provides uniforms and textbooks, and counselling services for its students who have to contend with psychological and other emotional issues.
Founder of Christel House International, Christel Dehaan, emigrated from Germany to the United States (US) in 1962, and was an accomplished businesswoman.
In 1996, she sold her global enterprise, Resort Condominiums International (RCI), which had offices in 38 countries, and devoted her resources to philanthropic work from her headquarters in North Meridian Street, Indianapolis.
With support from dedicated donors, schools are run in India, Jamaica, Mexico, South Africa, and the US.
CONTACT: GARFIELD L. ANGUS
-
Crime2 days agoUnlocking Perspectives: Serious Tourist Incidents unveiled in TCI
-
TCI News2 days agoRegional SDGs Update; 22% to be reached by 2030
-
Latin America and Caribbean1 week agoRegional SDGs Update
-
Bahamas News1 week agoEnvironment State-Minister updates ‘Our Ocean’ forum on The Bahamas as SIDS leader in sustainable tourism
-
Bahamas News1 week agoPacesetting Cohort of Eleuthera Residents Graduate from Leading Light Programme
-
Bahamas News1 week agoNassau Cruise Port Donates Nearly $2 Million Towards Food Security
-
Bahamas News2 days agoCIBC Caribbean announces the closure of Bay Street Branch
-
Health1 week agoIncreased cases of Chicken Pox Prompts Ministry of Health and Human Services Response