Guyana has welcomed the World Bank’s International Development Association (IDA) as a formal partner in the Global Biodiversity Alliance, marking a milestone in the country’s push to advance environmental protection and sustainable development initiatives.
The partnership was formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on April 17, 2026, outlining cooperation to strengthen global action on the conservation, protection, restoration and sustainable use of biodiversity.
Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for finance, Dr Ashni Singh, signed on behalf of the Government, while World Bank Group Director for Environment, Dr Valerie Hickey, signed for the IDA.
The Global Biodiversity Alliance builds on Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) and its forest climate services model, aimed at linking biodiversity protection with economic development.
During the signing, Dr Singh said the World Bank’s participation signalled growing international confidence in Guyana’s approach.
“This partnership represents a major step forward in mobilizing global action and financing for biodiversity. Under President Ali’s leadership, Guyana has demonstrated that countries rich in natural capital can pursue development while safeguarding ecosystems. The World Bank’s participation further expands the Global Biodiversity Alliance and enhances our ability to scale impact globally,” Minister Singh stated.
The collaboration will focus on knowledge sharing, research, stakeholder engagement and financing for biodiversity conservation and sustainable development.
Guyana said the partnership builds on its longstanding relationship with the World Bank and aligns with global efforts under the Convention on Biological Diversity and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.
The alliance, launched by Guyana, aims to raise awareness of biodiversity loss, expand financing and promote cooperation among countries, development partners and the private sector.
