News item | 2023-03-20 | 5:00 PM
Small islands, such as in the Caribbean Netherlands, are extra vulnerable to climate change and are already experiencing the negative effects. The Netherlands and Aruba want to promote cooperation on climate action between small islands worldwide. From 10 to 12 May, they are organizing the first Caribbean Climate & Energy Conference (CCEC) in Aruba.
The Netherlands and Aruba want to make the islands in the Caribbean an example for the climate approach on small island states. At the invitation of Prime Minister of Aruba Evelyn Wever-Croes and Minister for Climate and Energy Rob Jetten, representatives of countries and organizations meet in Aruba. This concerns representatives of islands from the Caribbean region itself, but also from relevant parties outside it, such as island states in the Pacific Ocean, UN organisations, knowledge institutes and financial institutions.
The first day of the conference will focus on the climate and energy transition within the Dutch Kingdom. The Caribbean islands of the Kingdom are discussing what cooperation is needed to achieve the Paris climate goals. Day two of the conference is internationally oriented; then a broad panel of countries and organizations will discuss the climate action that is needed for islands worldwide. On the third day, the participants visit energy projects in Aruba and talk to young people about the climate and energy transition on the island.
During the climate summit in Sharm-el-Sheikh (COP27), the Netherlands made efforts to accelerate the climate and energy transition in small island states, such as those in the Caribbean part of the Kingdom. To this end, the Netherlands has joined initiatives such as the Local2030 Islands Network and the SIDS Lighthouse Initiative. The cabinet wants to build on this with the Caribbean Climate & Energy Conference in Aruba.