Ministry of Sustainable Development Responds to False List of COP28 Delegates

Belmopan, November 17, 2023.

The Ministry of Sustainable Development, Climate Change and Disaster Risk Management strongly condemns the attempts by members of the United Democratic Party to misinform the public about Belize’s delegation at the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change Conference of Parties (COP28).

The ministry, therefore, present the facts:

1. There is no final list prepared for COP28. At the start of preparations, ministries and partners are asked to indicate initial interest in participating in the event based on thematic areas that will be negotiated. This list is revised and finalized only a few days before the COP.
2. Belize’s delegate list normally comprises the Government of Belize officials, local and international partners in climate change, local media, and youth representatives.
3. GOB officials lead negotiations on behalf of the Alliance of Small Island Developing States and CARICOM.
4. ALL Government of Belize officials are funded by external sources.

UNFCC COP is an important process through which GOB safeguards Belize’s interest, ensuring that Belize’s vulnerabilities are always championed and lobbying for the necessary finances to build climate resilience in Belize.

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