In a landmark achievement, Guyana has been elected to the Executive Board of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) for the first time in five decades. This significant milestone underscores the nation’s growing influence in global education, science, culture, and communication. The election, held on October 31 during the 43rd UNESCO General Conference in Samarkand, Uzbekistan, positions Guyana to play a pivotal role in shaping international standards and fostering collaboration among UNESCO’s 194 member states. On November 7, Guyana’s Ministry of Education hailed the achievement as a proud moment, emphasizing the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to UNESCO’s mission of promoting peace and sustainable development. Education Minister Sonia Parag, addressing the General Conference, reaffirmed Guyana’s commitment to educational equality and inclusion, highlighting efforts to preserve cultural heritage and boost cultural industries as drivers of economic growth. President Dr. Mohamed Irfaan Ali also reiterated Guyana’s dedication to Sustainable Development Goal 4, focusing on inclusive, quality education through initiatives like curriculum reform, ICT integration, and expanded access to learning resources. Guyana’s election strengthens its voice in global policy-making, advancing inclusive, knowledge-based societies worldwide.
分类： world
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World Bank Confirms $150 Million Disaster Payout to Jamaica After Melissa
In a significant move to aid Jamaica’s recovery from the catastrophic impact of Hurricane Melissa, the World Bank has confirmed a $150 million payout under its catastrophe bond. This financial injection, the first full payout triggered by Jamaica’s 2024 bond, is a critical step toward rebuilding the nation’s shattered infrastructure and economy. However, the funds represent only a fraction of the estimated $6 to $7 billion in damages—nearly one-third of Jamaica’s annual GDP—caused by the Category 5 storm. The hurricane’s ferocity claimed 32 lives, left thousands homeless, and severed access to essential services in rural areas, with 36,000 people urgently requiring food aid. The payout, activated by pre-agreed parametric triggers linked to the storm’s central pressure and path, highlights the role of innovative financial tools in disaster risk management. World Bank Vice President Jorge Familiar praised Jamaica’s proactive approach as a model for enhancing financial resilience in climate-vulnerable nations. Despite the payout, the disaster underscores the growing disparity between financial preparedness and the escalating scale of climate-induced destruction. As Jamaica transitions from recovery to reconstruction, World Bank Vice President Susana Cordeiro Guerra emphasized the opportunity to build more resilient infrastructure and leapfrog toward sustainable development.
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India donates 20 tons of aid to Jamaica post-Hurricane Melissa
In a significant display of international solidarity, India has stepped forward to assist Jamaica in its recovery efforts following the devastation wrought by Hurricane Melissa. The High Commission of India in Jamaica announced via social media that an Indian Air Force aircraft delivered approximately 20 tons of essential relief supplies to the Caribbean nation on November 6. The aid package, which was formally handed over by India’s High Commissioner to Jamaica, Mayank Joshi, to Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs & Foreign Trade, Kamina Johnson Smith, includes a range of critical resources designed to support the island’s rebuilding process. Among the supplies are the specialized BHISHM Medical Trauma Unit, power generators, temporary shelters, bedding, mats, kitchen sets, solar-powered lanterns, and hygiene products. This initiative underscores India’s commitment to its philosophy of ‘Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam,’ which translates to ‘the world is one family.’ The timely delivery of these materials highlights India’s proactive approach to global humanitarian crises and its dedication to fostering international cooperation in times of need.
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Jamaica receives relief items from Guyana
Jamaica has welcomed a significant shipment of essential relief supplies from Guyana, marking a pivotal step in the island’s recovery from the devastation caused by Hurricane Melissa. The consignment, comprising tarpaulins, generators, and chainsaws, was coordinated with the support of Guyana’s private sector and arrived at Kingston Wharves on Friday. The delivery was facilitated through the Dominican Republic, underscoring the logistical efforts involved in the operation.
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Jamaica’s Consul General to New York, Alsion Roach Wilson has died
KINGSTON, Jamaica — The Jamaican diplomatic community is in mourning following the sudden passing of Alsion Roach Wilson, the Consul General to New York, who served with distinction since 2019. Her death was announced by Kamina Johnson Smith, Jamaica’s Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, in a heartfelt statement on Saturday. Wilson, who passed away at her home in New York, was the eleventh individual to hold this prestigious position. Johnson Smith lauded Wilson’s unwavering dedication to her role, emphasizing her exceptional service and profound commitment to Jamaica, its foreign service, and the Jamaican diaspora. Wilson’s illustrious career extended beyond diplomacy; she was a seasoned finance professional with a notable Wall Street background, having founded her own financial consulting firm, the Alsion Road Group. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Wilson played a pivotal role in mobilizing an assistance program for Jamaican medical professionals abroad to support their homeland. Her contributions were recognized with the Order of Distinction in the rank of Commander. Johnson Smith described Wilson as an ‘ever patriotic, generous, and beautiful soul,’ expressing deep condolences to her family, including her husband Omar and children Brian and Vanessa. Wilson’s legacy as a warm, professional, and loyal diplomat will be remembered by all who had the privilege of knowing her.
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Philippines halts search for typhoon dead as huge new storm nears
The Philippines is on high alert as Typhoon Fung-wong, predicted to intensify into a ‘super typhoon,’ approaches the archipelago. The storm, with a potential radius covering nearly the entire country, is expected to bring devastating winds and torrential rains, raising fears of widespread flooding. Meteorologist Benison Estareja warned of rainfall exceeding 200 millimeters, which could overwhelm major river basins and low-lying areas. As of Saturday morning, Fung-wong was moving westward toward Luzon, the nation’s largest island, with sustained winds of 140 kph and gusts up to 170 kph. In Aurora province, where the typhoon is anticipated to make landfall by late Sunday or early Monday, rescuers are conducting preemptive evacuations in high-risk zones. Meanwhile, on Catanduanes Island, residents are fortifying their homes against the storm’s fury. The looming threat has also halted search and rescue operations in Cebu province, still reeling from Typhoon Kalmaegi, which claimed 204 lives and left 109 missing earlier this week. Authorities are prioritizing safety, with rescue official Myrra Daven emphasizing the need to protect rescuers from becoming casualties themselves. As the nation braces for Fung-wong, officials are striving to minimize loss of life, drawing on lessons from past disasters.
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Simons: Klimaatfinanciering geen liefdadigheid; gedeelde verantwoordelijkheid
At the Belém Climate Summit in Brazil, President Jennifer Simons of Suriname urged the international community to expedite access to climate financing for High Forest, Low Deforestation (HFLD) countries. Speaking during the summit’s opening session on November 6, Simons emphasized that funding climate action is not an act of charity but a shared global responsibility crucial for collective survival. She highlighted Suriname’s unique position as the country with the highest percentage of forest cover globally, yet stressed that this recognition alone does not bolster the nation’s economy. ‘We remove carbon from the atmosphere but receive no compensation for our efforts, which undermines our ability to preserve our forests,’ she stated. Simons pointed out that 75% of Suriname’s population resides in low-lying coastal areas already experiencing the impacts of rising sea levels. Indigenous and tribal communities inland are also feeling the effects of climate change, including floods, biodiversity loss, and extreme weather. These changes directly threaten livelihoods and key sectors like agriculture and tourism. The President expressed solidarity with countries recently hit by Hurricane Melissa, including Jamaica, Haiti, and Cuba, and called for swift and sustained international aid. Despite Suriname’s contributions to global CO₂ reduction through forest preservation, Simons noted the country’s ongoing challenges in accessing financial mechanisms agreed upon in the Paris Climate Agreement. Suriname has accredited 4.8 million Internationally Transferable Mitigation Outcomes (ITMOs) for 2024 and submitted its Net Zero Forest Reference Emission Level in January 2024, but it awaits official recognition from the UN Climate Secretariat. Simons called for predictable, long-term support for HFLD countries and the urgent removal of financial barriers. She also voiced support for Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva’s Tropical Forest Finance Facility initiative, aimed at achieving equitable climate financing and better recognizing the value of standing forests. Simons detailed Suriname’s recent submission of its Nationally Determined Contribution, reaffirming its commitment to sustainable development and the Paris Agreement. The strategy focuses on diversifying the economy through responsibly managed natural resources, including oil, promoting green growth, and protecting forests. ‘Suriname is doing its part. We expect major emitters to do theirs,’ she concluded, urging world leaders to support and implement the Belém Declaration on combating environmental racism.
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Antigua and Barbuda Delegation Participates in SIDS Preparatory Meeting at COP30 in Belém, Brazil
The delegation from Antigua and Barbuda actively participated in the Small Island Developing States (SIDS) Preparatory Meeting during the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) in Belém, Brazil. This year’s COP, hosted by Brazil, has been labeled as an Implementation COP, emphasizing the urgent need to protect and manage forests as a critical strategy to achieve the global temperature goal of 1.5°C. Forests, particularly the Amazon, are indispensable in maintaining the planet’s climate balance and advancing global mitigation efforts. The Antigua and Barbuda delegation is operating through two parallel tracks: the Leaders’ Summit and the SIDS Coordination Process. Ambassador Ruleta Camacho-Thomas, the nation’s Climate Change Ambassador, is supporting Prime Minister Gaston Browne at the Leaders’ Summit, while Diann Black-Layne, Director of the Department of Environment, is leading the SIDS negotiating team. The delegation also includes Zachary Phillips, Crown Counsel at the Attorney General’s Chambers; Arry Simon, Climate Assessment and Information Officer; and Gita Gardner, Monitoring and Evaluation Officer and Green Climate Fund (GCF) Operational Focal Point. Black-Layne emphasized the shared responsibility of all nations, especially SIDS, to advocate for forest conservation as part of the global effort to curb climate change. She highlighted the non-negotiable nature of the 1.5°C goal and stressed the importance of supporting Brazil’s initiatives to protect and restore forests. “This COP is about turning commitments into tangible actions,” she stated. “Forests are vital to our survival, and their preservation is key to achieving real results.” This participation underscores Antigua and Barbuda’s commitment to climate action under the leadership of Prime Minister Gaston Browne.
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PM Gaston Browne | “The warming has reached 1.5°C. Our survival is officially on the line”
In a stark and urgent address, Prime Minister Gaston Browne of Antigua and Barbuda highlighted the alarming reality of global warming, emphasizing that the planet has already reached the critical threshold of 1.5°C above pre-industrial levels. Speaking with a tone of grave concern, Browne declared that the survival of vulnerable nations, particularly small island states like his own, is now officially at risk. He underscored the disproportionate impact of climate change on these nations, which contribute minimally to global emissions yet face existential threats from rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and ecosystem collapse. Browne called for immediate and decisive global action, urging wealthier nations to fulfill their commitments under the Paris Agreement and provide adequate financial and technological support to those most affected. His speech resonated as a clarion call for solidarity and urgency in the face of an escalating climate crisis.
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Antigua PM and other World leaders ditch ties at sweaty climate summit
In an unconventional departure from traditional diplomatic norms, leaders and delegates at a climate meeting in Belem, Brazil, embraced a more relaxed dress code as they grappled with the sweltering Amazonian heat. Despite the organizers’ suggestion to adopt informal attire, several heads of state and government arrived in full business suits, only to quickly shed their ties in response to the oppressive 30-degree Celsius (86-degree Fahrenheit) temperatures. Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, who typically sports his signature ‘lucky tie’ in the colors of the Brazilian flag, set the tone by opting for a tie-less look. This move was soon mirrored by other attendees, including Antigua and Barbuda’s Prime Minister Gaston Browne, who removed his tie even before entering the venue. The decision to encourage a ‘tie-less’ summit was announced last month by COP30 president Andre Correa do Lago, aiming to enhance comfort and infuse the event with a distinctly Brazilian informality. As delegates navigated the outdoor walkways under the blazing sun, neckwear became a low priority, with many attendees visibly perspiring. Inside the air-conditioned conference center, however, the atmosphere remained cool and comfortable. Brazil has pledged to offset all carbon emissions generated by the summit’s cooling systems. Among the leaders who embraced the open-collar look were United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres and the presidents of Finland, Chile, Mozambique, and Colombia. The two-day summit precedes the 30th UN Climate COP, which opens on Monday.