NICE, France, CMC -St, Kitts-Nevis Minister of Sustainable Development, Environment, Climate Action, and Constituency Empowerment, Dr. Joyelle Clarke, says there is still much more work to be done even as global leaders gather here for the highly anticipated third United Nations Ocean Conference (UNOC3) on Monday.
Addressing a side event organized by the Global Centre for Climate Mobility, Clarke spoke on a wide range of issues, from countries on the frontline of the climate crisis to engaging in critical discussions on advancing global cooperation, protecting vulnerable nations, and driving urgent solutions to climate-induced migration and ocean sustainability.
She told the event that brought together a select group of Ministers and global partners from Fiji and Tuvalu that it is essential for small island developing states (SIDS) to be present at these international fora, particularly at a time when the world’s attention is sharply focused on the devastating effects of climate change on small islands.
“There is still so much work that needs to be done, but what is equally important is recognizing the spaces that gatherings such as these create. They allow us to not only share our technical priorities but also to express solidarity, bring personal experiences to the table, and remind the world that for small island nations like ours, climate change is not an academic discussion; it is an existential reality.”
Clarke said that while Prime Minister Dr. Terrance Drew was unable to attend due to the meeting here, he remains fully committed to the global fight for climate justice and to ensuring that St. Kitts and Nevis remain active, present, and influential on the world stage.
She said as climate mobility, ocean protection, and sustainable development become increasingly interlinked, St. Kitts and Nevis continue to use every opportunity to advocate for urgent global reforms, amplified financing, and concrete action to protect the most vulnerable.
A government statement said that Clarke’s engagements in Nice not only reaffirm the twin-island Federation’s leadership under the Sustainable Island State Agenda but also demonstrate the government’s unrelenting pursuit of international partnerships that can deliver tangible benefits for the people of St. Kitts and Nevis.
“As global negotiations continue, St. Kitts and Nevis stand firm in its position. Small island voices must not only be heard but must help shape the global response to the climate crisis,” the statement said, adding that Clarke is scheduled to participate in additional high-level bilateral meetings, technical sessions, and negotiations on ocean governance, blue economy cooperation, and climate finance for vulnerable island nations.
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