By: Tiana Cole | HGP Nightly News|
President Irfaan Ali on Thursday called on world leaders to prioritize forests within the global climate agenda, as he delivered opening remarks at the 30th Conference of the Parties (COP30) to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) in Brazil.
The Guyanese Head of State reminded delegates that Guyana has already demonstrated how fair, practical, and effective climate solutions can succeed, referencing the launch of the Low Carbon Development Strategy (LCDS) in 2009. This initiative was initially met with skepticism but has since become a model for sustainable forest management.
“Guyana has proven that forests can form the backbone of a successful, inclusive, and results-oriented climate solution,” President Ali said.
He noted that Guyana remains a net carbon sink, with its forests storing approximately 19.5 gigatons of carbon. The country’s efforts, he added, have resulted in landmark carbon credit sales agreements, with revenues being reinvested directly into Indigenous and local communities, renewable energy development, job creation, and climate adaptation programs — the largest in Guyana’s history.
“We must act on forests. Forests must be mainstreamed in this agenda,” President Ali emphasized. “They account for about one-third of global emissions reductions and remain the most viable and cost-effective opportunity for mitigation by 2030.”
He urged that forests must no longer be an afterthought in climate negotiations.
“We must not have to fight for forests to be on any agenda,” he asserted. “If we are serious about climate change, forests must occupy a permanent place in global discussions.”
President Ali also outlined three key priorities that he believes the international community must recommit to to address the modern climate challenges, noting that the world has undergone dramatic changes over the last 30 years.
These include:
- Embracing the digital revolution,
- Leveraging artificial intelligence and automation to reshape economies, and
- Managing the rising global energy demand, especially for data-driven systems.
“We must accelerate the energy transition while simultaneously expanding energy security,” the President stressed.
President Ali’s address reinforced Guyana’s ongoing leadership role in promoting forest-based climate action and sustainable development, aligning with the nation’s long-standing commitment to balancing economic growth with environmental protection.
