The agreement was signed by Minister of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance, Gail Teixeira, and United Nations Resident Coordinator, Jean Kamau, during a ceremony hosted by President Irfaan Ali at the Office of the President.

Senior government officials from the Ministry of Natural Resources, Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation and the Ministry of Parliamentary Affairs and Governance were among those attending, alongside representatives from various United Nations agencies, funds and programmes operating in Guyana.

According to the release, President Ali said the partnership reflects Guyana’s longstanding commitment to the responsible stewardship of its forests, biodiversity and natural resources.

The Head of State noted that the United Nations joining the Guyana-led initiative sends a strong message globally on the importance of environmental protection and sustainable resource management.

“The signing by the United Nations on to the Global Biodiversity Alliance, led by Guyana, is a powerful affirmation that biodiversity protection and the sustainable management of natural resources must remain central to global development,” President Ali said.

He further underscored Guyana’s growing role in climate and biodiversity leadership, noting that innovative partnerships can support environmental stewardship while creating opportunities for shared global learning.

President Ali added that Guyana remains committed to sharing its experiences and lessons with the international community.

Meanwhile, UN Resident Coordinator Jean Kamau said the alliance aligns closely with international sustainable development priorities and reinforces South-South cooperation.

“The United Nations is pleased to join this important initiative, which closely aligns with the world’s shared objectives of sustainable development goals (SDGs) while championing South-South cooperation,” Kamau said.

Through the Declaration of Intent, both parties reaffirmed their commitment to integrating biodiversity considerations into national development planning and sustainable investment frameworks.

The agreement also highlights the importance of inclusive participation, particularly the meaningful involvement of Indigenous Peoples and local communities whose knowledge and stewardship remain critical to biodiversity conservation efforts.

According to the release, the partnership is expected to strengthen coordination, data-sharing and information exchange on biodiversity action within the United Nations Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Frameworks and the Kunming-Montreal Global Biodiversity Framework.

It will also support Guyana’s expanding leadership role in climate and biodiversity diplomacy on the international stage.