The British Virgin Islands has issued a call for the Caribbean region to strengthen its cooperation with other world regions on sustainable development. This initiative is designed to create a buffer against the negative impacts of ongoing geopolitical turmoil, economic volatility, and international conflict.
During the second meeting of the United Nations ECLAC’s Second Regional Conference on South-South Cooperation in Latin America and the Caribbean, held in Santiago, Chile, BVI Special Envoy Benito Wheatley addressed participants virtually. Wheatley, who serves as a Vice Chair of the Regional Conference, urged for the expedited finalization of cooperation modalities involving the Caribbean, Latin America, and other global regions.
Wheatley argued that the Caribbean’s limited size and influence make it difficult for the subregion to navigate the current international environment independently. He highlighted the necessity for reliable partners in the Global South to support the region’s sustainable development goals. The Special Envoy emphasized that regional cooperation facilitated by established organizations is increasingly vital as international cooperation faces strain from pressures on the multilateral system.
Climate justice and resilience were also central themes in the address. Wheatley stressed the need for collective advocacy on climate justice, noting the specific vulnerabilities of Caribbean nations. He pointed out that many countries in the region remain ineligible for climate finance, despite their ongoing efforts to strengthen resilience.
The proposal includes integrating South-South and triangular cooperation into the post-2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development framework. Wheatley stated that a clear and efficient framework for such cooperation could provide essential development assistance that is less susceptible to disruptions from foreign conflicts and economic shifts.
Looking toward the future, the Special Envoy noted that the British Virgin Islands and the broader Caribbean would benefit from closer ties with partners in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Asia. These partnerships are viewed as crucial for pursuing sustainable development goals beyond the year 2030.
The British Virgin Islands currently holds a leadership role as a Vice Chair of the Regional Conference on South-South Cooperation on Sustainable Development in Latin America and the Caribbean, which functions as a subsidiary body of UN ECLAC.
