Premier Dr. the Honourable Natalio Wheatley is in attendance at the 2023 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP28) in Dubai, United Arab Emirates which commenced today Thursday, November 30.
The objective of this 28th annual United Nations (UN) climate change conference which runs until Wednesday, December 6 is to determine the responsibilities of governments, and other global leaders to accelerate actions towards combatting the effects of climate change.
Speaking ahead of the conference, Premier Wheatley said “the meeting presents an excellent opportunity to advocate in an international forum for the needs of Small Island Developing States (SIDS) that are especially vulnerable to ill-effects of climate change.”
“We will advance for climate justice, where major polluters recognise their responsibility to assist those disproportionately affected, in adaption and mitigation, by adopting metrics which properly assess eligibility for concessional finance. We will also promote the Virgin Islands’ readiness to receive funding and investment, due to our advanced legislative framework, our Climate Change Trust Fund, and a bevy of costed approved projects,” he added.
COP28 will explore the climate-health nexus, where bilateral discussions on health concerns and implications of climate change will be held.
The Premier is accompanied by Minister for Health and Social Development, Honourable Vincent Wheatley; Climate Change Officer in the Ministry of Environment, Natural Resources, and Climate Change, Ms. Angela Burnett-Penn, and the Acting United Kingdom/European Union Representative Ms. Tracy Bradshaw.
Minister for Communications and Works Honourable Kye Rymer has been appointed to carry out the duties of Premier and Minister of Finance for the period November 28 to December 1, 2023.
This is due to the absence of the Deputy Premier, Honourable Lorna Smith, OBE who is also away from the territory until December 1.
On Smith’s return, she will be appointed to carry out the duties of Premier and Minister of Finance during the period December 2 to 5.