The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC), the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) institution mandated to coordinate the Caribbean’s response to climate change, is proud to announce the celebration of its 20th Anniversary.
This milestone marks two decades of steadfast leadership, scientific innovation, meaningful collaboration, and measurable progress in advancing climate resilience across the Caribbean.
To commemorate this historic occasion, the CCCCC will host its 20th Anniversary Banquet and Awards Ceremony at the Best Western Plus Belize Biltmore Plaza in Belize City on Wednesday, 25 June 2025. The evening will celebrate the CCCCC’s remarkable journey, honour its pioneers and visionaries, and acknowledge the invaluable partnerships that have shaped the CCCCC’s evolution, growth, legacy and regional influence.
The Anniversary Banquet will be preceded by a series of afternoon panel discussions beginning at 1:30pm, which will explore the factors that led to CCCCC’s establishment, its operationalisation and expansion, and its future direction in the face of intensifying climate challenges.
Guests in attendance will be a wide cross-section of dignitaries, including Heads of Government, regional ministers, members of the diplomatic corps, development partners, academic leaders, private sector stakeholders, civil society champions and CCCCC staff.
Their presence underscores the growing importance of climate leadership, regional and international collaboration and strategic partnerships, and affirms the central role the CCCCC has played since its official opening in 2005.
“For two decades, the CCCCC has stood as a pillar of knowledge, support, and innovation in the region’s collective response to climate change,” said Colin A. Young, PhD Executive Director of the CCCCC.
“From strengthening water security in drought-prone nations and safeguarding coastlines through nature-based solutions, to unlocking over $200 million in climate finance for our Member States, the work of the CCCCC continues to impact lives and livelihoods across CARICOM and beyond. This celebration not only honors our shared past and the individuals who helped build this institution – it also sets a vision for where we’re headed as a region in the decades ahead.”
The 20th anniversary celebration will highlight major achievements, recognise the dedication of staff and partners, and honor individuals and institutions who have made significant contributions to the Caribbean’s climate agenda. Attendees will also get a glimpse of the CCCCC’s forward-looking initiatives in climate innovation, data services, and sustainable development.
Belize’s Prime Minister, Honourable John Briceño, a long-standing advocate for climate action and whose government hosts the CCCCC’s headquarters, lauded the CCCCC’s enduring legacy and leadership.
“Since its establishment in Belize in 2005, the CCCCC has evolved into a true Centre of Excellence—advancing climate science, supporting national and regional policy frameworks, and mobilising climate finance for adaptation and mitigation across our Caribbean nations.”
As the CCCCC looks ahead to the next 20 years, it is driven by an ambitious vision to deepen its regional footprint, deliver value to its Member States, expand access to inclusive climate finance, foster greater awareness and knowledge of climate change among our citizens, and strengthened partnerships that prioritize the most vulnerable communities across the Caribbean.
The CCCCC extends its heartfelt appreciation to the Member States of CARICOM, the Government of Belize, development agencies, international partners, implementing partners, academic institutions, and grassroots organisations whose support has been critical to the CCCCC’s mission. Their contributions have sustained the work of the CCCCC and helped steer the Caribbean toward a more climate-resilient and sustainable future for all. (CCCCC Press Release)
About the Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre (CCCCC)
The Caribbean Community Climate Change Centre is an intergovernmental organisation established by the Heads of Governments of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) to coordinate the region’s response to managing and adapting to climate change. The CCCCC also serves as a delivery partner for climate finance for the Region, a repository for regional climate change information and data provider of climate change-related policy advice and guidelines to the CARICOM Member States.
