Guyana is calling for the value of natural resources protected by climate-vulnerable countries to be recognised in how debt sustainability and climate financing are assessed.

Senior Minister in the Office of the President with responsibility for Finance Dr. Ashni Singh made the call at the Fourth Climate Vulnerability Forum (CVF) Leaders Meeting at United Nations Headquarters in New York.

There, Guyana joined other vulnerable developing countries in discussions on climate finance, resilience and sustainable development.

The meeting was held on the margins of the 81st session of the UN General Assembly and was led by Barbados Prime Minister, Mia Mottley.

Singh urged the CVF to advance three priorities, including having multilateral financial institutions account for natural capital when assessing debt sustainability. He also called for debt-for-nature swaps to become standard financing instruments, supported by common terms, faster execution and multilateral guarantees.

He further advocated for properly designed biodiversity credits, with transparent measurement, independent verification and meaningful benefit-sharing with communities responsible for conservation.

Singh said financing for vulnerable economies must reflect the value of the nature they protect while strengthening access to predictable and concessional financing for climate resilience and sustainable transformation.

He pointed to Guyana’s Low Carbon Development Strategy as an example of how natural capital can be monetised.

Singh also welcomed the Vulnerability to Viability Compact and Lifeline Fund, endorsed the CVF Leadership Declaration and supported the forum’s call for UN observer status and the extension of Barbados’ leadership.