By Iddi Yire
Accra, Nov. 03, GNA – Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey, Commonwealth Secretary-General, has announced a series of nature and climate proposals for consideration at this year’s Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting (CHOGM) in St John’s, Antigua and Barbuda.
The proposal, dubbed, the Commonwealth Nature Initiative to Restore Habitats, includes funding support aimed at addressing environmental degradation and strengthening climate resilience across member states.
“For our planet, scarred by decades of environmental degradation, a new Commonwealth Nature Initiative to restore habitats. Heads of Government, our people will judge this meeting by what it delivers for them,” Madam Botchwey said.
“Each of you brings the authority to act on behalf of your country. Together, you can deliver for a third of humanity. I urge you to seize this chance to build resilience and share prosperity together. That spirit is captured in the motto of our hosts.”
The Secretary-General warned that as a major El Niño phenomenon gathers force in the Pacific, countries that have contributed the least to climate change stand to suffer some of its most severe consequences.
She cited the destruction caused by hurricanes in Caribbean states as evidence of the disproportionate impact of climate-related disasters on vulnerable nations.
Madam Botchwey outlined a two-pronged response to the climate challenge, involving collaboration with the private sector to unlock new sources of capital and the provision of financing mechanisms to support renewable energy investments in countries with limited fiscal space.
“So, we are working with the private sector to unlock new capital. For countries that cannot finance their renewable energy ambitions, new credit to finance investment,” the Secretary-General stated.
“For a family whose livelihood depends on a single fishing boat, and for countries, new work with insurers to speed up payouts after a disaster,” she said.
Madam Botchwey noted that the motto of Antigua and Barbuda, “Each Endeavouring, All Achieving,” reflected the spirit of cooperation underpinning the Commonwealth.
She said the motto served as a reminder that democratic cooperation was not a zero-sum undertaking.
“Each nation, large or small, gains from what we all achieve together,” she said.
“When we leave St John’s, let us leave as champions of our Commonwealth, ready to carry forward what we have started this week, and to put its full strength to work: making progress our people can feel and creating opportunities they can share.”
The Secretary-General’s remarks underscored the Commonwealth’s commitment to mobilising climate finance, restoring ecosystems and strengthening disaster resilience, particularly for small and vulnerable member states.
This year’s CHOGM, being held on the theme: “Accelerating Partnerships and Investment for a Prosperous Commonwealth,” is being attended by President John Dramani Mahama.
The Commonwealth, headed by King Charles III of the United Kingdom, is a voluntary association of 56 independent and equal countries.
It is home to approximately 2.7 billion people and comprises both advanced and developing economies.
Thirty-three Commonwealth member states are classified as small states, including many island nations.
GNA
Edited by Lydia Kukua Asamoah