Bridgetown: Barbados Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley on Wednesday called for proactive climate action at the Conference of Heads of Government of the Caribbean Community. In her opening speech, Mottley emphasized that the climate crisis presents global risks and challenges such as food security, which impact not only the Caribbean but all regions. She urged Caribbean nations to take proactive steps in addressing the climate crisis and other urgent matters.

According to Namibia Press Agency, the 48th regular meeting of the conference commenced in Bridgetown, the capital of Barbados, on Wednesday. Mottley addressed the gathering in her role as the rotating chairperson of the conference. Grenadian Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell, the outgoing chairperson, commended the conference and other international organizations for their efforts in tackling climate change and other global challenges.

Carla Barnett, the conference’s secretary-general, noted that beyond climate change, global issues like biodiversity loss, pollution, and crime highlight the necessity to enhance international cooperation, multilateralism, and respect for international law.

The meeting also saw the participation of special guests, including UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. The agenda of the meeting encompasses topics such as food and nutrition security, climate change, and digital resilience.