From Paris To Belém: Curaçao’s Role In Global Climate Action

Curaçao took a prominent role at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan, as a dedicated delegation worked to advance the island’s climate resilience strategy and international collaborations. The team, including representatives from the Cabinet of the Special Envoy of the BES- islands and partners from Bunders Lok, engaged with key institutions such as the Greening the Islands Foundation, Island Innovation, and the Netherlands delegation.

Curaçao’s climate resilience initiative began at COP21 in Paris in 2015, where foundational strategies were established. Since then, the nation has developed policies and governance structures to address pressing environmental challenges. The focus now is on implementing these strategies and securing financing to meet Nationally Determined Contributions (NDCs) and uphold commitments to the Paris Agreement by COP30 in Belém, Brazil, in 2025.

A major point of advocacy for Curaçao at COP29 was the recognition of Subnational Island Jurisdictions (SNIJs), such as Curaçao itself. These regions, uniquely vulnerable to climate change, require targeted support to ensure sustainable futures. Curaçao’s delegation emphasized that every island has a role to play in the global climate effort and stressed the importance of inclusive action that leaves no community behind.

The discussions in Baku also reflected global momentum in addressing climate issues. Key achievements at COP29 included an agreement to triple climate financing for developing countries, targeting $300 billion annually by 2035. Additionally, after nine years of negotiations, COP29 reached a significant agreement on international carbon markets under Article 6 of the Paris Agreement, providing a framework for trading carbon credits to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

Curaçao’s active participation at COP29 shows its dedication to cultivating partnerships that strengthen climate resilience. Engagements with international organizations and collaborations with institutions like the Greening the Islands Foundation and Island Innovation demonstrate Curaçao’s commitment to innovative, inclusive solutions for a sustainable future.

As Curaçao continues its path from Paris to Belém, the focus remains on turning strategies into action, securing resources, and advocating for the needs of vulnerable island communities. The outcomes of COP29 serve as a reminder of the collective effort required to combat climate change and the critical role that islands like Curaçao play in shaping a resilient global future.