BASSETERRE, St Kitts, 30th October, 2023 – St Kitts and Nevis made its contribution to the Latin America Caribbean Climate Week during the Enhanced Transparency Framework (ETF) Dialogue on 26th October, 2023 in Panama during the XXIII Meeting of the Forum of Ministers of Environment in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The ETF is a vital part of the Paris Agreement, which is a binding international treaty on climate change. It dictates how countries should report on their greenhouse gas emissions and their progress toward their Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) which comprises a national plan highlighting climate change mitigation. These mechanisms, when properly implemented, allow nations like St Kitts and Nevis to monitor their progress in real-time, adjust strategies accordingly, and showcase successful interventions to other nations.
Minister of Environment, Climate Action and Constituency Empowerment et al, the Hon. Dr. Joyelle Clarke commented that to be transparent about budget priorities of St Kitts and Nevis, the process must include the country taking its budget on the road if it wants to be recognized as a Sustainable Island State.
She said, “In the ETF presentation for the Paris Agreement, we in St Kitts and Nevis, as part of our work towards transparency, recognize it is not just for international bodies and corporations but for our domestic audience. Part of that is being clear and open with our citizens about our decision to transition our budget to achieve our Sustainable Island State Agenda. That includes taking our budget process on the road, starting with the youth, so they can tell us what their priorities are as we continue to work towards the reduction of greenhouse gases.”
In keeping with the guidelines of the Enhanced Transparency Framework, the Government of St Kitts and Nevis will host two initial Budget 2024 Community Consultations on 31st October in Lodge/Ottleys and 2nd November 2023 in Old Road.
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