Regional and international leaders, development partners, investors, financiers and youth advocates convened in Grenada from March 31- April 2 for the Third Caribbean Nationally Determined Contributions Finance Initiative (NDCFI) Investment Forum and Marketplace, under the theme, “Investing in Climate Action for a Resilient Caribbean.” Hosted by the Government of Grenada and the OECS Commission in partnership with the Government of Saint Lucia, the event mobilised dialogue partnerships, and financial commitments to accelerate climate action across the Eastern Caribbean.
In his opening remarks to attendees, OECS Director General Dr. Didacus Jules noted that the NDC Investment Forum has grown to become the Caribbean’s signature climate action event – a space not just for dialogue, but for action. The first and second forums, held in Saint Lucia in 2018 and 2022, respectively, laid the groundwork.
He stated: “The NDCFI was designed to do something radical: to empower Caribbean nations to finance their own future. To move beyond declarations to implementation. To bring together governments, development banks, private financiers, and communities around a common purpose – to make our Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) real, measurable, and bankable.”
Hon. Kerryne James, Minister for Climate Resilience, the Environment and Renewable Energy of Grenada, in her opening address, emphasised the urgency of taking concrete action in the region.
“The time for incremental change is over. The survival of our people, economies, and ecosystems depends on how effectively we can implement projects and hold international partners accountable for their pledges. It is our time to deliver rapid action on climate issues.”
Keynote speakers included senior representatives from the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change UNFCCC, the European Union, the Caribbean Development Bank, the OPEC Fund for International Development, the NDC Partnership, and the Global Green Growth Institute, all of whom reiterated their commitment to financing climate resilience through strategic partnerships and innovative tools.
Dr. Grant Kirkman of the UNFCCC Secretariat reminded participants of the three imperatives for the Caribbean when dealing with climate change: He stated:
“We must unlock finance at scale, turn ambition into action, and empower communities and youth. Every step taken here saves lives and secures livelihoods.”
Several sessions were hosted by key partners that sought to build on the progress that has been made and chart a sustainable, climate-resilient future. A key partner, the European Union, hosted a dedicated session jointly organised with the OECS Commission to promote investment in the region under the framework of the EU-OECS Global Gateway Investment Agenda. The event gathered government officials, international partners, and European private sector representatives, showcasing investment projects in renewable energy, water management, and the circular economy, with a focus on resilient infrastructure, climate adaptation, and biodiversity-positive investments.”
Presenters joined the OECS Director General in underscoring the importance of accessible finance mechanisms, which are accessible, inclusive, and grounded in the realities of our communities across the OECS Member States.
Saint Lucia’s Permanent Secretary for Sustainable Development, Mrs. Anita Montoute, lauded the region’s leadership and reaffirmed her country’s commitment:
“Saint Lucia is proud to be the first Caribbean country to submit its third NDC. We are sending a strong signal—we are ready to collaborate on ambitious global action.”
As discussions continue, forum organisers hope to match investment-ready projects with international funding and forge lasting partnerships that will power resilient, low-carbon futures for Caribbean nations. As the forum concluded, there were clear indications that the attendees took the words of the Executive Secretary of the UNFCCC, Mr. Simon Stiell, to heart: “This forum must be a catalyst for tangible outcomes—projects funded, partnerships signed, and lives protected.”
