Guyana pushed climate justice, biodiversity at UN side events

Fresh from high-level engagements at the 80th United Nations General Assembly, President Ali highlighted Guyana’s leading role in climate and biodiversity negotiations, saying the country is not just “a listener, but a leader.”

In his early morning exchange on Tuesday, Ali pointed to Guyana’s alliances on forests and biodiversity, including joint work with Brazil’s President Lula and engagement with Saudi Arabia, the UAE and Qatar on market-based mechanisms for biodiversity services.

“We’ve cemented our place globally as a responsible country, taking on bold challenges. The world trusts us because we’ve demonstrated commitment, even as we develop our energy sector,” Ali said.

He emphasised the need for balance between climate action and energy security, noting that billions still live without electricity while the digital and AI-driven revolution demands vast amounts of power.

“Climate change is linked to energy. The real question is: how do we achieve balance? How do we ensure energy access while cutting the carbon footprint? That is where Guyana is helping to shape the debate,” the President explained.

Ali said climate justice must also address financing, pointing to the unfair burden small states like Guyana face in borrowing at high international rates to protect vulnerable coastal zones.

“This is not a one-off investment. We spend continuously to protect our people, yet financing for adaptation remains unfair and inadequate. That is the essence of climate justice,” he argued.

He described Guyana as a “trusted voice” on behalf of the Caribbean and Pacific, regions among the hardest hit by climate disasters.