Michael Hernandez Duarte, a specialist in International Relations from the Cuban Ministry of Science, Technology, and Environment, speaking at the event’s plenary session, emphasized that industrialized countries, with just 19% of the world’s population but responsible for 68% of historical emissions, are failing to meet their commitments while attempting to shift the burden of mitigation to developing nations.

He rejected unilateral measures, which he described as “disguised climate protectionism,” due to their negative effects on the economies of the South.

The Caribbean representative called on developed countries to undertake drastic emissions reductions by 2030, comply with financing and technology transfer, and respect multilateralism.

“The time for excuses is over; the time for equity and justice is now,” he concluded.

The event, under the theme “Dialogues for Ambition and Implementation,” is being held strategically ahead of the Second African Climate Summit (ACS2), scheduled for September 8-10, considered a crucial platform for unifying the continent’s agenda and its global priorities.

jdt/arm/mem/nmr