CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett advocated for Strategic Cooperation at the 9thLatin American & Caribbean Forumon Sustainable Development, held from April 13 to 16 in Santiago, Chile

CARICOM Secretary-General Dr. Carla Barnett recently joined the Ninth Meeting of the Forum of the Countries of Latin America and the Caribbean on Sustainable Development, held from April 13 to 16 in Santiago, Chile. 

During a panel discussion focused on implementing the Antigua and Barbuda Agenda for Small Island Developing States (ABAS), Dr. Barnett highlighted the diverse ways CARICOM Member States are utilizing regionally designed best practices. 

These efforts include technical cooperation, the establishment of regional training hubs, and collective action regarding climate resilience and disaster response networks, all aimed at fostering economic integration and institutional strengthening within the region. 

Dr. Barnett asserted that creating the right enabling environment is essential for effective South-South cooperation. She emphasized the importance of reaching an agreement on priority areas to ensure a workable program that addresses the most pressing challenges facing the region. 

Furthermore, the Secretary-General noted that resource mobilization must involve securing international funding that specifically acknowledges and addresses the priorities of Small Island Developing States through targeted initiatives