Grenada’s PM Dickon Mitchell attends COP 29 in Baku

The Prime Minister of Grenada, Dickon Mitchell has again emerged as the voice of the Small Island Developing States (SIDS), at the ongoing COP 29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, from 11^th to 22^nd November, shedding light on the obstacles being faced by them.

He also highlighted about the need for every nation to work together as one planet and collaborate for the welfare of SIDS. He emphasized on the importance of their partnership to climate adaptation and resilience that could serve the best interests of the planet and all humankind.

During his address, the Prime Minister Dickon Mitchell said that they stand ready to work in partnership with all the members towards a successful and truly impactful COP 29 summit.

Challenges faced by Small Island Developing States like Grenada

PM Mitchell focused on the challenges faced by Grenada, and said that he leads a nation which has experienced a 15-year drought for the first half of the year. He further mentioned about experiencing the devastating effects of a Category five hurricane on the first day of the second half of the year.

The Prime Minister asserted that these disastrous effects of the Hurricane Beryl resulted in causing severe damages to their islands of Carriacou and Petite Martinique. He therefore, said that he stands here at the COP 29 conference addressing everyone and yet again, his island is being devastated by flash flooding, landslides and excessive rainfall.

He stated that this is the reality lived by Small Island Developing States. He also said that it has taken him a lot of courage to come to this event to highlight the challenges that SIDS are going through.

Focus on Climate Adaptation and Resilience

PM Dickon Mitchell asked the international leaders to contribute their share in order to help them address the devastating impacts of climate change. He added that they are not here to beg or to ask for sympathy. However, they are here to say that it is one planet.

“It may be small island developing states today. It will be Spain tomorrow. It will be Florida the day after. It’s one planet. It’s one out,” stated PM Dickon Mitchell.

Grenada PM added that this partnership they are asking for is to finance climate adaptation, and resilience, aiming to work for the welfare of all the citizens of SIDS.

While asking for the help from the global world, PM Mitchell said, “So whether it’s innovative financing tools like our catastrophic parametric risk insurance or whether it’s not using a big word like operationalize the loss and damage fund, but actually put the money in the fund and make it available for those of us who suffer the loss and damage.”

PM Dickon Mitchell said that this partnership would play a significant role and bring mutual benefits to the entire world as well. He shed light on the lessons they learned in SIDS like of resilience, adaptability and sustainability.

He added that these lessons are something that can be shared with the entire world, benefitting other nations as well.