“COP29 is very structured and inclusivity remains a top priority of the COP process.”
This is the defender of the rights of the indigenous peoples of the Commonwealth of Dominica located in the Caribbean region. Fernando Valmond Oku.Azhe declared in his statement. He made history as the youngest Dominican and the first representative of indigenous peoples to be appointed to the UN climate change team.
According to Valmond, the Caribbean is one of the most vulnerable regions in the world to the effects of climate change.
“We expect adequate funding for indigenous peoples and small island developing States. We need funds for sustainability and adaptation,” said the indigenous peoples’ rights advocate.
He noted that Dominica periodically faces hurricanes and droughts. Hurricane season runs from June to September, forcing a halt to national development efforts and disaster preparedness. After a Category 5 hurricane hit Dominica in 2017, the country’s prime minister announced at the UN General Assembly that “Dominicana will be the first country in the world resilient to climate change.” The country also plans to switch to 100% renewable energy by 2030.
“Everything indicates that we are effectively the first country in the world resilient to climate change, and in the process we are making resilience and adaptation efforts,” said Ferdison Valmond.
Rufina Abdullayeva
