Remarks

Uncut Conversations on Climate Change

UNDP Resident Representative a.i., Dr Elsie Laurence-Chounoune

9 May 2019, Terra Nova Hotel

Greetings & Acknowledgements

• Minister of Science, Energy and Technology, Hon Fayval Williams
• Minister without Portfolio, MEGJC Senator, the Hon. Pearnel Charles Jr.,
• Senator Matthew Samuda
• Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation (MEGJC), Audrey V. Sewell
• Ms Una-May Gordon, Principal Director, Climate Change Division
• Mr. Robert Bradley –– Knowledge and Research Director, NDC Partnership Support Unit
• Representatives of our International Development Partners
• Other Members of the Climate Change Advisory Board
• Distinguished panellists
• Members of the Media
• Ladies and gentlemen

Good morning

It is an honour and a privilege to be here at this important function. I distinctly remember where I was when Jamaica announced its ratification of the Paris Agreement. I was right here, on this property, at the first Uncut event two years ago in April 2017. UNDP was extremely pleased and happy that Jamaica had ratified the Agreement. We said then and we say today, that Jamaica has reflected its commitment to Climate Change adaptation and mitigation through consistent, exemplary Climate Action.

I congratulate the Government and people of Jamaica not only on this anniversary but for providing powerful leadership and positive examples worthy of emulation across the region and the world. UNDP is very grateful for the productive partnership with the Government, which has produced so many significant and lasting achievements.  

Jamaica boasts concrete achievements in climate change adaptation and mitigation,  consistently meeting its international commitments under the United Nations Framework Convention of Climate Change (UNFCCCC); gaining international recognition for being the first Small Island Developing State to complete its Biennial Update Report; completing the National Database for compiling Jamaica's Greenhouse Gas emissions, building national and local capacity for climate change adaptation and scaling up actions to protect the ozone layer from ozone depleting substances.

Climate change and its noticeable impacts remain, however, the single biggest threat to sustainable development. It threatens our very existence.  So, while we celebrate Jamaica’s achievements, we acknowledge that there is much work to be done to ensure that we include those most vulnerable to Climate Change impacts, including coastal and farming communities, the poor and persons living with disabilities. Climate Change hits them hardest and our policies must be flexible and sensitive enough to ensure no one is left behind, the mantra of the SDGs.

Proactively, UNDP has been helping Jamaica and countries across the world to enhance their resilience to climate change.  The primacy of resilience is reflected as part of our suite of signature solutions designed to advance sustainable development, with signature solution 3 focusing on Enhancing prevention and recovery for resilient societies. With our core mandate being human-centred development, UNDP works with the Government to generate resilient solutions that addresses the impact of climate change on economic development, social well-being, poverty and livelihoods and achieving the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). Since Jamaica’s economic development is so highly dependent on its natural resources, sustaining livelihoods for those who depend on the country’s environmental assets for a living is paramount.

We welcome the Uncut conversation series which is effective and catalytic in providing platform for frank dialogue around gaps and best actions, and for allowing an environment to garner the views and perspectives of diverse stakeholders including the general public. This conversation is necessary as rising sea levels, eroding coastlines, rising temperatures and more frequent and severe weather events are likely to continue, impacting resilience and levels of poverty.

Today’s focus on Tourism and Climate Change and public and private sector partnership has the potential to unlock innovative, climate-friendly ideas in support of economic development. But we need resources to convert ideas to work on the ground. Charting sustainable paths for climate change action in Jamaica hinges on climate financing and multi sectoral partnerships. Our quick action in accessing the green climate fund, in packaging investment solutions for private sector investment and in tapping other donor resources will be especially crucial in ensuring the sustainability of Climate Action. UNDP encourages Jamaica to continue to identify opportunities for funding to support the country’s adaptation and mitigation work.  Jamaica has also been recognized as a leader in tackling tough development issues at the negotiation tables, and in undertaking concrete actions to address climate change. You must continue to be alert, bold, persistent and creative.

UNDP stands ready to support Jamaica in mobilizing financial and technical resources including policy advice, strategic planning, capacity development and knowledge management in this regard.  We also continue our work in partnership with government and civil society on a number of projects making their mark in climate change mitigation and adaptation in Jamaica.

We expect the conversations to hold true to this noteworthy trend. We also expect that the consultations and discussions will catalyse tangible and sustained actions and also set the stage for further deliberations. We wish you all the best as we remain a committed partner in supporting the country in addressing the challenges posed by a changing climate. Tacking climate change is essential if we are to Leave No One Behind.