The Caribbean is a priority for my government, for this reason I launched the initiative called: Costa Rica from the Caribbean, for the development of the costarican Caribbean coast. This proposal brings together a number of projects agreed between the private productive sector, social organizations, local governments and other public institutions for the well being of all. This initiative is framed in the context of our common environment: The Caribbean sea.
On the road to the COP21, Costa Rica is committed in continuing the coordination and finding the common point we have with CARICOM, in particular the recognition of the equal parity that “adaptation” to climate change as well as “Loss and Damage” must have in the future Paris-Agreement. This is Costa Rica and AILAC´s position in the climate change negotiations.
Costa Rica’s President Luis Guillermo Solís at a High- Level Breakfast for CARICOM´s Heads of State and Government, on the margins of this week’s 70th UNGA in New York.
Read the President’s full Statement:
Costa Rica values a closer relationship with CARICOM Member States in different areas. As we share geography and challenges, I propose we strive for broader and deeper understanding and dialogue for shared political cooperation and action, bilaterally and multilaterally, to make our concerns global and find ways forward. This is the main reason why we are having this meeting this morning.
The Caribbean is a priority for my government, for this reason I launched the initiative called: Costa Rica from the Caribbean, for the development of the Costa Rican Caribbean coast. This proposal brings together a number of projects agreed between the private productive sector, social organizations, local governments and other public institutions for the well being of all. This initiative is framed in the context of our common environment: The Caribbean sea.
On the road to the COP21, Costa Rica is committed in continuing the coordination and finding the common point we have with CARICOM, in particular the recognition of the equal parity that “adaptation” to climate change as well as “Loss and Damage” must have in the future Paris-Agreement. This is Costa Rica and AILAC´s position in the climate change negotiations.
We know that CARICOM as well as AOSIS are striving to have “Loss and Damages” be an integral part of the agreement. In particular, ensuring the resources needed by the most vulnerable countries, like the islands, to recuperate after they have been impacted by climate change events such as floods, increase in the sea level, salinification of drinkable water, etc.
It is crucial for my Government to reiterate the support that Costa Rica has given and continue to give AOSIS during the climate change negotiations. We will have the opportunity to meet informally prior to the COP21, during the Cartagena Dialogue as well as the CELAC ministerial meeting in Quito to strengthen our common positions vis-à-vis the COP21 and the ambitious outcome we expect. Let´s continue moving forward with our common objectives!
There is now widespread recognition that climate change undermines Human Rights and a failure to integrate Human Rights into climate action can undermine people´s rights.
I would like now respectfully invite the CARICOM countries to consider the strong linkages between Human Rights and Climate Change and to incorporate this vision in their positions towards the COP21.
Integrating a rights perspective is important to understand our obligations as international community when what is at stake is the right to life and, as Pope Francis rightly pointed out, the right to existence of human nature itself.
We are convinced that ensuring a people-centered approach to climate action and the integration of human rights into climate change policies can improve effectiveness and result in benefits for people and the planet.
We invite you to join us in the Geneva Pledge and voluntary initiative linking Climate Change and Human Rights.
I also take this opportunity to extend the invitation to the global forum called ECOIN, which we will host in Costa Rica on November, which is aimed for youth from around the globe to address climate change issues, in particular challenges and how they may be approached. The youth is our future. We encourage the participation of young representatives of CARICOM.
But not only con Climate Change we have the opportunity to move forward. We need to increase our commercial relations.
The CARICOM-Costa Rica Free Trade Agreement created a combined market of ten million, with CARICOM exporters from all Member States having access to the four million Costa Rican market, for a wide range of products.
In 2014 trade between Costa Rica and CARICOM reached an amount of US $ 233.8 million, the third highest amount recorded since 2003, we could do it better. This is another reason for my government to continue strengthening the collaboration with CARICOM, and to increase mutual and beneficial trade.
In relation to International Cooperation, Costa Rica has some experience to share with CARICOM, through Triangular Cooperation Programs. For example, the Costa Rica-Spain, Triangular Cooperation Program, offers technical cooperation in areas of environment and climate change, to some countries of the Caribbean like Belize, Trinidad and Tobago, Jamaica and Haiti.
All organizations and public institutions in those countries that may be interested in participating are invited to present project proposals between October and November this year. The Program will select and finance those proposals that best meet the established criteria.
I know that working together we can find other possibilities to increase triangular cooperation, in the framework of CELAC or with China. Let´s explores those avenues!
Recently, I appointed Lydia Peralta as Ambassador to the CARICOM, with the special assignment to enhance our bilateral relations.
The outcome of this meeting will constitute an essential part of her road map. The implementation of all our ideas, exchanges and suggestions would guide her actions.
This partnership must be totally action-oriented, it`s my conviction!
We need to work together hand by hand for the benefits of our people.
As small countries we must be creative and sort together our commons challenges. I come from the region, I am a Caribbean and I am committed to our partnership.
With this commitment, I respectfully want to invite you to Costa Rica to a summit Limon-CARICOM 2017 to reach our achievements and take concrete decisions on our way forward. I firmly believe we can do it together!
Finally, I want to express my concern for the damaged and devastation caused by the tropical Storm Erika in the island of Dominica. I make my votes for the nation to rebound in rapid time.
