Suriname presenteert groene ontwikkelingsstrategie op top in Rome

Suriname took center stage at the 12th bi-regional dialogue between Italy and the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean, held recently in Rome. The event, attended by over 35 nations, saw Suriname present its national vision for sustainable development and energy security. Leading the Surinamese delegation was Ambassador Miriam Mac Intosh, Director of Foreign Affairs at the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, International Trade, and Cooperation. In her address, Mac Intosh emphasized that energy security and safety are strategic priorities for the region. She stated, ‘Our primary objective must be to achieve this collectively,’ while also announcing that Suriname is finalizing its Third Nationally Determined Contribution. ‘This is not merely a document of goals but a declaration of our national identity—as a carbon-negative nation and a proponent of a just model for climate action.’ Suriname further introduced its Green Development Strategy as a national roadmap for a resilient, sustainable economy. The strategy integrates the utilization of new offshore energy resources with a swift transition to a carbon-free domestic economy, leveraging revenues from oil and gas to green the energy system. The participating countries also discussed cooperation in combating transnational organized crime, with Italy pledging to share its expertise in this area. The meeting concluded with the adoption of a 21-point Declaration, reaffirming the nations’ mutual friendship, collaboration, and shared commitment to sustainable development.