Foreign Affairs Minister, E.P. Chet Greene, is among senior government
representatives from Latin America and the Caribbean attending the XI Italy Latin
America and the Caribbean Conference in Rome.
The meeting is being held under the theme. “Growing Together.” In his opening
remarks to the conference, Foreign Minister Greene made a strong case for the
deepening of the relations between Italy, Antigua and Barbuda, and the rest of the
region.
Greene noted that this is imperative for the survival of the economies and overall
society in an ever-changing and dynamic world, affected by the effects of climate
change, the rising cost of living, and the threat to global security.
Greene believes that Italy, along with the countries in Latin America and the
Caribbean should work hand in hand, through sustained economic partnerships to
achieve the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals.
He pointed to the issue of climate change, noting that as a country with a
substantial coastline, Italy shares some of the same concerns as Small Island
Developing States such as Antigua and Barbuda.
“Colleagues, the time has come for us to speak from a united position when it
comes to the issue of climate change, as the very planet that we all occupy will
cease to exist as we know it, if we allow the status quo to continue. With an
increase in global temperatures, we have coincidentally seen an increase in natural
disasters. We have all experienced unusual and yet unbearable record temperatures
during the summer of 2023. These phenomena have had a profound effect across
the globe, which will affect every aspect of life from food security to economic
prosperity,” the minister observed.
He is asking Italy, as a partner in development, to utilize its position within the EU
and on the global stage to advocate on the issue of climate change and its effects
on SIDS and low-lying coastal areas.
“The time has come for us to work assiduously towards SDG Goal No. 13 –
Climate Action, which left unchecked, will hinder our overall development. To
grow together effectively, we need to care for our environment and partner towards
its survival,” he emphasized.
Turning to the issue of education, Greene is suggesting that this is an area where
both the Italian people and those from the region may benefit from collaboration in
this important area of human development.
The Italy Latin America and the Caribbean Conference ends today.
