— urges unified action on climate, food security, trade amid global uncertainty
PRIME Minister, Brigadier (Ret’d) Mark Phillips on Saturday issued a strong call for deeper integration between Latin America, the Caribbean and Africa, urging leaders to “seize this historic opportunity” to forge a more resilient and equitable global partnership.
Addressing the CELAC-Africa High-Level Forum in Colombia, Phillips positioned South-South co-operation as critical in an increasingly volatile global environment marked by climate threats, food insecurity and geopolitical instability.
“We have an opportunity to collaborate in sharing experiences, technical co-operation and joint advocacy in these areas which impact the development of our societies. Issues of the environment; climate change; food security; improved health-care systems; digital connectivity and technology and peace and security, which continue to be of interest and concern to both our regions, can in reality be honed as the pillars of our development co-operation,” he said.
With Guyana among the countries most vulnerable to climate change, the Prime Minister warned that small and developing states must act collectively to secure financing and meet global targets.
He called for renewed commitment to the 1.5°C climate goal, alongside increased support for adaptation, resilience-building and loss and damage.
On food security, Phillips urged coordinated efforts to strengthen agricultural systems across both regions through joint research, technology sharing and knowledge exchange.
“There are lots of lessons to be learned and technology to be shared… to support sustainable and climate-resilient agri-food systems,” he said.
Turning to economic co-operation, he identified trade and investment as central to unlocking growth, proposing targeted private-sector partnerships, improved transport links and formal trade agreements between CELAC and African nations.
Phillips also emphasised the importance of institutionalising the partnership, calling for the establishment of a Joint Commission to drive sustained collaboration and deliver measurable outcomes.
He further highlighted the deep historical and cultural ties between Africa and the Caribbean, while reaffirming CARICOM’s push for reparatory justice.
The Prime Minister said stronger alignment between developing regions is no longer optional, but necessary, as global systems become more fragmented and unpredictable.
The forum, led by Colombia and Burundi, marks a significant step towards formalising co-operation between the two regions.
“Let us seize this historic opportunity as leaders of countries within our regions, to demonstrate our determination and resolve to forge a sustainable and equitable future for our countries,” Phillips urged.
