Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit called upon the bigger economies to support small nations in a flight against climate change.
While speaking at the MEDays Conference in Morocco on Saturday, he said it is right time to hold more discussions on the forum’s theme, “Sovereignties and Resiliences: Towards a New Global Balance”.
He called upon world leaders to address the urgent need, adding that climate change is a shared responsibility and must become a priority on the global agenda.
Resilience is matter of Survival: PM Roosevelt Skerrit
Shedding light on the devastating effects of climate change, PM Skerrit said that they are on the frontlines and have been facing severe storms, unpredictable weather patterns and rising sea levels.
“The Caribbean, and Dominica in particular, has experienced firsthand the devastating impacts of climate change. For us, resilience is a matter of survival,” noted PM Skerrit.
Focussing on resilience, PM Skerrit stated that it is significant for the survival of all nations, either large or small. Therefore, he recognized the urgency of rethinking how they define resilience and cooperation in an increasingly interconnected and interdependent world.
He also urged their partners to uphold their commitments under the Paris Agreement and beyond, aiming to extend support to small island nations through climate financing, knowledge exchange, and capacity building.
The leader of Dominica noted that it is the ultimate time for them to redefine resilience as a global imperative, shared across borders and strengthened by collective responsibility.
Calls for Multilateralism approach
The Prime Minister noted that the global community needs to renew its approach to multilateralism. He added that today’s world requires a multilateral system that reflects the diversity and interdependence of their nations.
PM Skerrit added that they require a global balance where every voice is being heard, policies and inclusive and vulnerabilities are addressed with empathy and urgency.
“As we look towards a new global balance, let us remember that a resilient nation is one that finds strength within itself and also in its partnerships and alliances,” stated PM Roosevelt Skerrit.
He asked everyone to commit to a future where every nation- regardless of of size or wealth—can stand resilient and sovereign. The Prime Minister urged the world’s largest economies to contribute its unique strengths to a global community that is balanced, fair, and just.
“Let us go forward with the commitment that together, we can build a sustainable, resilient, and inclusive global community,” PM Skerrit noted.
Dominica on its path to sustainable development
Highlighting on the developments witnessed by Dominica over the years, PM Roosevelt Skerrit asserted that they are moving towards sustainable development models that prioritize self-sufficiency and local resources.
He added that they are focussing on several sectors of the country, be it, agriculture, eco-tourism, and renewable energy, aiming to create a robust and diversified economy that serves their people’s needs while protecting the natural environment.
Morocco Celebrated PM Skerrit, PM Dickon Mitchell and PM Philip Pierre
In his visit to Morocco, the Prime Minister Roosevelt Skerrit was joined by the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, Philip Pierre and Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell for the 16th edition of the International MEDays Forum, held from November 27 to 30, 2024 in Tangier.
During the closing ceremony of the MEDays Forum, all the three Caribbean leaders were awarded. This recognition highlights the multidimensional ties of cooperation that unite both Morocco and the Caribbean region.
The MEDays Grand Prix 2024 honoured the leadership of these three heads of government, especially in the area of socio-economic development of their respective countries and in their services to regional prosperity.
