Guyana receives global recognition for climate leadership at COP29

The Guyana Government has emerged as a global leader in climate action at the 29th Conference of the Parties (COP29) to the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), currently being held in Baku, Azerbaijan, from November 11th to 22nd.
Guyana’s pioneering initiatives in sustainable development and forest conservation have garnered widespread international recognition, including prestigious awards and significant roles in shaping global climate policies.
In fact, the country was awarded the Transparency Award at the Biennial Transparency Report (BTR) event. Presented by Executive Secretary of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC), Simon Stiell, and accepted by Senior Director of Climate and REDD+ at the Ministry of Natural Resources, Pradeepa Bholanath, the award recognizes Guyana’s outstanding commitment to transparent climate reporting.
Notably, Guyana was one of the first countries worldwide to undergo an in-country review of its Biennial Transparency Report, setting a benchmark for other nations.

Co-Chairmanship of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership
In addition, building on its past leadership of the Carbon Markets Working Group, Guyana has been appointed co-chair of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP), alongside the United Kingdom.
The FCLP, established at COP26, unites over 30 countries in the mission to halt and reverse forest loss and land degradation by 2030.
Guyana’s leadership role was celebrated during the announcement which highlighted its groundbreaking achievements in forest carbon finance. Minister of Natural Resources, Vickram Bharrat, noted that Guyana has secured over US$227 million in results-based payments from the Guyana-Norway Agreement and an additional US$237.5 million from its partnership with Hess for ART-TREES credits, making it a global leader in this domain.
In his remarks, Bharrat emphasized the importance of moving beyond theoretical debates to implement measurable actions, stating, “The Government of Guyana is pleased to join the United Kingdom as co-chairs of the Forest and Climate Leaders’ Partnership (FCLP). The coming year will be vital for global efforts on forests, with Brazil’s hosting of the next COP bringing much-needed focus to this priority. The good news is that forest countries and communities are not lacking in ambition, what they need is to be able to access practical pathways to realise that ambition.
“Countries in the FCLP, as well as others, are already advancing a menu of solutions, so we must create the opportunity in the coming year to go further and faster.”
He added, “We know from experience that results-based payments and carbon credits can combine action on forests with sustainable development and ambitious climate action. We know how this can be scaled, so now is not the time for endless theoretical debates on obscure matters; it is time for measurable, accountable action. The Forest Climate Leaders Partnership has set itself ambitious objectives and a credible roadmap for action. If their members, and other countries working alongside them, manage to achieve these objectives, it could result in the single biggest contribution to averting catastrophic climate change between now and 2030. This could be the difference between success and failure in meeting the goals of the Paris Climate Agreement.”

Advocacy for Indigenous Communities
Further, Guyana showcased its commitment to inclusivity by highlighting the pivotal role of Indigenous peoples in forest conservation. Pradeepa Bholanath, along with the Deputy of the National Toshaos Council, Sonia Latchman, shared insights on integrating Indigenous perspectives into climate solutions, emphasizing community-led conservation efforts.

Key role in climate negotiations
Meanwhile, Guyana remains actively engaged in negotiations surrounding the Paris Agreement’s implementation, focusing on Article 6 (carbon markets), REDD+ mechanisms, climate finance, and adaptation.
The country continues to advocate for pragmatic, results-oriented approaches that align ambitious climate goals with sustainable development.
These negotiations aim to finalise frameworks that enable countries to implement effective market and non-market mechanisms, access finance for forest conservation, and enhance resilience to climate change impacts.
Guyana continues to advocate for practical, results-based approaches that integrate ambitious climate action with sustainable development.
The LCDS’ Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator, Vanessa Benn, participated in an event hosted by Commonwealth Secretary-General Baroness Patricia Scotland, where Guyana’s pioneering experience with carbon markets was included in a Commonwealth publication aimed at helping member states access climate finance. During the event, the Commonwealth Finance Hub, an initiative launched by former President Dr. Bharrat Jagdeo, was highlighted by the Secretary-General. This initiative has now enabled Commonwealth developing countries to access hundreds of millions of dollars in climate finance, significantly advancing their climate and development goals.

International commendation
Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) 2030, which harmonizes environmental sustainability with economic progress, has been praised by international leaders. UK’s Secretary of State for Energy Security and Net-Zero, Ed Miliband, hailed it as a model for other nations. Outgoing FCLP chair, President Nana Akufo-Addo of Ghana, also applauded Guyana’s contributions to sustainable forest management and global climate initiatives.
With its proactive stance at COP29, Guyana has firmly positioned itself as a trailblazer in climate action. As the conference progresses, the nation’s strategies continue to inspire and shape international efforts to combat climate change.