SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS CHAMPIONS COOPERATION, CLIMATE RESILIENCE AND NATURE-POSITIVE DEVELOPMENT AT 8TH GEF ASSEMBLY

Basseterre, Saint Kitts, June 04, 2026 (SKNIS): Saint Kitts and Nevis has reaffirmed its commitment to sustainable development, climate resilience and inclusive environmental action at the Eighth Assembly of the Global Environment Facility (GEF), with a call for strengthened international cooperation and accelerated support for Small Island Developing States (SIDS).

Addressing delegates at the Assembly in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, today, June 04, the Honourable Dr. Joyelle Clarke, Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment, highlighted the critical role of the GEF in empowering local communities, protecting ecosystems, strengthening institutions and enhancing adaptive capacity through initiatives such as the System for Transparent Allocation of Resources (STAR) and the Small Grants Programme.

“As the world enters the final sprint toward 2030 … overcoming the interconnected challenges of biodiversity loss, climate change and pollution requires bold and urgent action grounded in our greatest strength—cooperation,” Minister Clarke stated.

Speaking on behalf of the Federation’s priorities, Minister Clarke emphasised that for SIDS and other vulnerable groups, including rural and coastal communities, youth, women, older persons and Indigenous Peoples, addressing the triple planetary crisis demands integrated,  nature-positive solutions, accelerated financing mechanisms and implementation at an unprecedented pace and scale.

In outlining the Federation’s position on key global environmental priorities, Minister Clarke welcomed the use of the Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (MVI) as a mechanism for better reflecting the realities faced by vulnerable nations. She further recognised biodiversity as a critical asset for resilience, supported the direct channelling of resources to frontline communities, and called for renewed multilateral commitments to sustainable development.

“To endure until the end of this race and beyond, we must lead with collective resolve,” Minister Clarke said. “Saint Kitts and Nevis will do so openly, transparently and inclusively.”

The Eighth GEF Assembly convenes ministers, government representatives, civil society organisations, development partners and environmental experts from around the world to determine strategic priorities and investments aimed at addressing the world’s most pressing environmental challenges.

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