Belmopan, October 4, 2022. 9:45 a.m.
On October 3, 2022, Hon. Oscar Requena, Minister of Rural Transformation, Community Development, Labour and Local Government, virtually addressed the 4th Urban Economy Forum held at the World Urban Pavilion at Regent Park in Toronto, Canada.
Minister Requena was among the keynote speakers who spoke on this year’s theme of ‘Sustainable Urban Financing,’ which aims to advance the achievement of the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goal 11 of building sustainable cities and communities.
In his presentation, Minister Requena focused on the critical challenges affecting the urban sector, such as insufficient financing and budget constraints, climate change impacts, urbanization, rising costs, infrastructure, and other economic and social issues. While highlighting these challenges, the minister also concentrated on the opportunities available for urban governments to build urban sustainability and resiliency through enhanced engagement with central government, the private sector, and especially, public-private partnerships, including strengthening relationships with the financing sector. These efforts, according to the minister, should be based on shared and collaborative partnerships that are driven by innovation and evidence.
From a national perspective, Minister Requena emphasized the enabling environment created by the Government of Belize through the enhancement of legal and policy frameworks to support Belize’s investment and economic climate, including meaningful climate action.
Ends
For more information, please contact:
Ginéé Neal
Public Relations Officer
Ministry of Rural Transformation, Community
Development, Labour & Local Government
Read the minister’s keynote address here.