…also pledges to maintain international peace, security
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd during an Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC)
Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation Minister Hugh Todd has re-emphasised Guyana’s commitment to highlight the importance of maintaining food, energy and climate security at the upcoming COP28 as well as reaffirmed support to the work of the Alliance of Small Island States (AOSIS).
The Minister made these remarks on Wednesday as he participated in the 2023 AOSIS Leaders’ Meeting, held on the sidelines of the 78th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA 78) in New York, United States (US).
The meeting was convened by the Samoan Prime Minister, Fiame Naomi Mata’afa, in his capacity as the Chair of AOSIS.
Its primary focus were high-level discussions on the next steps in operationalising the Multi-Vulnerability Index (MVI), critical outcomes for Small Island States (SIDS) at COP 28 and expected deliverables from the Fourth Small Island Developing States (SIDS) International Conference.
To be held from November 30 to December 12, COP28 refers to the 28th Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change and provides a platform for world leaders, Ministers and negotiators to develop solutions to address climate change.
Meanwhile, the Fourth SIDS International Conference – to be held in Antigua and Barbuda from May 27-30, 2024 – will similarly bring world leaders together to agree on a new programme that focuses on practical and impactful solutions to keep SIDS afloat and maintain a sustainable, safe future.
Todd highlighted Guyana’s previous endorsements of SIDS Programme of Action for Sustainable Development in anticipation of this upcoming SIDS meeting.
He also expressed Guyana’s commitment to mitigating climate change through its Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030 and the critical role of forests in effective climate action, noting that Guyana maintains over 85 per cent forest cover and has among the lowest recorded rates of deforestation since 2010.
The AOSIS meeting concluded with the adoption of the 2023 AOSIS Leaders’ Declaration, which aims to provide political direction on the way forward.
OIC
Meanwhile, on Thursday, Todd also participated in an Annual Coordination Meeting of Foreign Affairs Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), also held on the margins of UNGA 78.
During his remarks, he reiterated Guyana’s commitment to work with Council members and the entire UN membership on fulfilling the mandate of the Council in maintaining and sustaining international peace and security.
The Minister further commended the universal effort to intensify cooperation to combat conflict, including the efforts made by the OIC to promote tolerance and foster dialogue among peoples of different cultures and religions.
In September, the Guyana Government in collaboration with Research Centre for Islamic History, Culture and Art (IRCICA) and OIC General Secretariat co-organised an international symposium on “The history and legacy of Muslims in the Caribbean” in Georgetown.
This symposium, Todd noted, was the first of its kind in the Caribbean Region and highlighted the importance of encouraging member states to foster bonds of friendship, increase mutually beneficial cooperation, consolidate multiculturalism and establish peace and open perspectives for further joint actions in different fields within the OIC.
