Business Barbados - 2023 Edition

Barbados is Shaping Global Policy and Taking Action at Home UN Sustainable Development Goals he Agenda for sustainable development was adopted by all United Nations Member States in 2015. At its heart are the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which are an urgent call for action by all countries - developed and developing - in a worldwide partnership for peace and prosperity for people and the planet, now and into the future. Creating and building an awareness around the importance of the SDGs has become a global imperative. As such, I am humbled and pleased to have been appointed to the UN Business Advisory Group for Barbados, together with other private sectors heads, challenged to examine different SDGs and what Barbados can do to call attention to, as well as focus on the island’s actions to achieve these goals. For the purposes of this article, let’s place the spotlight on SDG 7, which seeks to ensure access to affordable, reliable, sustainable and modern energy for all. Decades ago, climate and environmental concerns were viewed as esoteric subjects, and simply the expressions of ‘armageddonists’ seeking to restrain the pace of global industrialization. Today, there is an acceptance that humans have the capacity to both advance mankind’s progress using science and technology, while also protecting the world we live in for generations to come. We have reached a level of recognition that sustainable human development and capitalist pursuits can coexist and not be antitheses. In fact, more political leaders and captains of industry have a much better understanding of their responsibility to act and are being called upon by more activists both young and old. Few, if any, corporates or political leaders want to be remembered for their degradation of the planet or ambivalence to the dangers of the climate crisis that is evidently upon us. Thankfully, most of the public postures have reflected increasing political and financial commitments, as well as environmental, social and governance (ESG) pledges. Connie Smith Managing Director, Tricor Caribbean Limited In Barbados, we have had the honour of being led by a woman who has made it her goal to bring change to the global status quo. Prime Minister Mia Amor Mottley has become little Barbados’ big voice, not only on the urgency of climate action but on the concomitant demand for financing to support these necessary adaptations. Prime Minister Mottley has not only pleaded the case for Barbados, but for all Small Island Developing States (SIDS) around the world that face similar challenges. SIDS can positively impact global policy decisions on how we treat a range of environmental and climate issues. For context, Barbados’ role in drawing attention to sustainable development needs was first highlighted in 1994 when the island hosted the first International Conference on Small Island Developing States, attended by 125 countries. Out of it came the Barbados Programme of Action. Our island’s profile as a leading voice on sustainable development was again showcased at the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development (UNCTAD 15), staged here in October 2021. It was attended by UN Secretary- General António Guterres, Prime Minister Mottley, Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta, and UNCTAD Secretary-General Rebeca Grynspan. As our Prime Minister reminded attendees, “UNCTAD was formed to give voice and protection to developing nations. If ever there was a T U N S U S T A I N A B L E D E V E L O P M E N T G O A L S 29 BUSINESS BARBADOS 2023