The Government of Guyana and the United Nations have signed a Declaration of Intent to formalise UN participation in the Global Biodiversity Alliance, strengthening cooperation on biodiversity conservation, climate resilience and sustainable development.
The agreement was signed on Monday by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance Gail Teixeira and UN Resident Coordinator Jean Kamau.
The signing ceremony, hosted by President Dr Irfaan Ali at the Office of the President, was attended by senior government officials and representatives of UN agencies, funds and programmes in Guyana.
President Ali said the partnership reflects Guyana’s commitment to responsible stewardship of its forests, biodiversity and natural resources, adding that UN participation in the Guyana-led Global Biodiversity Alliance is an affirmation that biodiversity protection must remain central to global development.
He said Guyana’s experience demonstrates that innovative partnerships can support environmental stewardship, and that the country remains committed to sharing lessons with the international community.
“The United Nations is pleased to join this important initiative, which closely aligns with the world’s shared objectives of sustainable development goals (SDGs) while championing South-South cooperation,” Kamau said.
Under the Declaration of Intent, both sides reaffirmed commitments to integrating biodiversity considerations into national development planning and sustainable investment frameworks, aligned with Guyana’s low-carbon and climate-resilient development agenda.
The agreement also emphasises inclusive participation, including the meaningful involvement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities in biodiversity conservation.
The partnership is expected to strengthen coordination, data sharing and information exchange on biodiversity action within UN cooperation frameworks and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework, while supporting Guyana’s leadership in climate and biodiversity diplomacy.
