Jamaica’s Prime Minister, Dr. Andrew Holness, has called out developed nations for failing to meet climate finance commitments, telling the United Nations General Assembly that global systems unfairly disadvantage small island developing states.
Speaking during the 80th session of the general debate, Holness said Jamaica has committed to ambitious climate goals — including net zero by 2050 and 50 percent renewable energy by 2030 — but progress is hampered by a lack of financing. He pointed out that Jamaica’s debt-to-GDP ratio has dropped significantly, yet the country still faces high borrowing costs while confronting climate threats such as hurricanes, droughts, and rising sea levels.
Holness criticized the unfulfilled US$100 billion annual climate finance pledge and described the US$800 million COP28 “loss and damage” fund as inadequate. He called for reforms such as adopting the multidimensional vulnerability index, exploring debt-for-climate swaps, and expanding tools like the IMF’s Resilience and Sustainability Trust.
Beyond climate issues, Holness addressed global concerns including the war in Gaza, the crisis in Haiti, and the threat of transnational gangs. He urged dialogue and diplomacy in Gaza, stronger international support for Haiti, and a coordinated global campaign against organized crime.
Holness concluded with a call for collective action, stressing that challenges such as climate change, poverty, and conflict can only be overcome through global solidarity.