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Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips, called for deeper cooperation between the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States and African Union member states to address climate change, boost trade and advance shared development goals.
Speaking at the CELAC-Africa High-Level Forum on Sunday, Phillips said stronger South-South collaboration was critical to tackling common challenges, including climate change, food security, healthcare, digital connectivity and security.
“We have an opportunity to collaborate in sharing experiences, technical cooperation and joint advocacy in these areas which impact the development of our societies,” he said.
Phillips highlighted climate change as a priority, noting Guyana’s vulnerability as a low-lying coastal state. He reaffirmed the country’s commitment through its Low Carbon Development Strategy and support for biodiversity initiatives, while urging partners to pursue the 1.5 degrees Celsius target and financing for adaptation and loss and damage.
On food security, he called for joint research programmes, agricultural technology sharing and coordinated efforts to build climate-resilient food systems.
“There are lots of lessons to be learned and technology to be shared across our continents,” he said.
Phillips also pointed to historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, reiterating support for reparatory justice efforts led by CARICOM.
On economic cooperation, he urged the development of bi-regional trade agreements, private sector partnerships and improved transport links to enhance market access.
He further stressed the need to institutionalise the CELAC-Africa partnership, including the establishment of a joint commission to ensure sustained engagement and deliver results.
The forum, convened by Colombia and Burundi, marks a step towards formalising cooperation between the two regions.
“Let us seize this historic opportunity … to forge a sustainable and equitable future,” Phillips said, reaffirming Guyana’s commitment to the partnership process.
Prime Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d), Mark Phillips
