The Caribbean is facing the biggest challenge of our world today.

As the UN chief arrived at the Assuria Event Centre in Paramaribo, he was met with five distinct music and cultural performances. The short walk showcased Suriname’s unique ethnic diversity, which is a product of its complex colonial history: Afro-Surinamese (Creole and Maroon), East Indian (Hindustani), Indigenous natives, Chinese and Javanese descendants presented their traditional dances and folkloric sounds.

The opening of this CARICOM Conference included a series of speeches by CARICOM leaders, the CARICOM Secretary- General, the UN Secretary-General and the President of Suriname as the current CARICOM Chair. These speeches all highlighted an element of leadership and unity in diversity and within the Caribbean Community of which Suriname is a very good example. The Secretary-General expressed that he was also inspired by the many efforts the CARICOM has shown to safeguard its incredible biodiversity and natural gifts, including the efforts of the indigenous communities.

The leadership shown by the Caribbean to address threats and vulnerabilities shared by the small island and low-lying coastal states of the Caribbean is commendable.  Mr. Guterres recognized this by stating that the small island low-lying coastal states of the Caribbean are especially vulnerable to what he called “the biggest challenge facing our world today” — the climate crisis.

Considering the relatively low effect that Caribbean nations have on worldwide emission of greenhouse gasses and the threats that climate change pose to them, Caribbean nations are at the frontline of this challenge. “The Caribbean is ground zero for the global climate emergency,” he said.

UN chief states that “more ambition and climate action are needed by all, especially with the G20, who account for 80 per cent of global emissions,” as he implores that developed countries lead the way to a just and equitable renewables revolution and provide developing countries with much needed finance and technology.

He continued by stating that “this year’s CARICOM Summit comes at a moment of maximum peril – for people and planet alike,” referring to the devastating effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on health systems and tourism, as well as on economic growth and foreign investment, now exacerbated by the war in Ukraine.

Support from developed countries to the small island and low-lying coastal states of the Caribbean will aid them in becoming more resilient to the effects of climate change. The mangrove rehabilitating sites along the coast of Suriname are a prime example of this. “Rich in diversity, uniting land and sea, and protecting fragile coastal ecosystems, mangroves are a fitting symbol of Caribbean nations – facing challenges, seizing opportunities, preserving natural gifts,” said the UN chief to the CARICOM Heads of State and Government, inspired by the wonders he had seen at Weg naar Zee Paramaribo.