Press Release

UN Convenes Engagement to Support Caribbean Region’s Energy Transition

22 March 2023

Image of persons sitting in a carpeted room in office chairs, around a hexagonal table focusing on the man sitting at the head of the table. — Caption: In-person development partners from the European Union (EU), Canada, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), World Bank (WB), European Investment Bank (EIB), and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), along with representatives of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes listen on to Didier Trebucq, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean.

Photo: © RCO/Java Sealy

Bridgetown 22 March 2023: As a follow-up to a Triple Crisis Roundtable co-hosted with the Caribbean Development Bank (CDB) last September, to elicit solutions and policy responses for strengthening food systems and boosting transition to renewable energy, the UN Barbados and Eastern Caribbean Multi-country office today convened another multi-stakeholder engagement, aimed at scaling up efforts towards renewable, clean and green energy solutions.

Speaking against the backdrop of limited renewable energy policies and funding pipelines in the region, United Nations Resident Coordinator for Barbados and the Eastern Caribbean, Didier Trebucq, said the UN was pleased to convene the meeting, to strengthen collaboration between the UN , donor Governments, and finance institutions on the way forward.

He told donor partners attending the hybrid meeting at UN House, as well as online: “Like you, we also feel that we must deliver better on this Agenda. You can rest assured that we are deeply committed to working together, leading coordination, and leveraging our respective capacities to bring to scale the renewable energy sector in the Caribbean.” The UN leader noted that support would be provided under the aegis of the new UN Multi-Country Sustainable Development Cooperation Framework for the Caribbean, which aligns with national priorities and the 2030 Agenda.

In providing an evidence-base to support energy transition, Head of the UN Environment Programme, Vincent Sweeny, told attendees, “The economic case for energy transition was clear.” According to recent UNEP research, a large-scale shift to electricity from renewable energy could bring the Latin America and Caribbean region a net benefit of US$1.25 trillion and generate over 35 million new jobs by 2050.

During the session, development partners identified best practices to support the energy transition agenda, including provision of capacity support for countries, and helping to shape the region’s sustainable finance agenda. In terms of next steps, follow-up actions will seek to build coherence in development assistance, strengthen the regulatory framework for renewables in the region, support member states in building a pipeline of investable projects, increase access to renewable energy data , and enhance private sector engagement to support energy transitions.

Participating in today’s talks were representatives from the European Union (EU), Canada, United States Agency for International Development (USAID), Caribbean Development Bank (CDB), World Bank (WB), European Investment Bank (EIB), and Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), along with representatives of UN Agencies, Funds and Programmes, and the UN Resident Coordinator Office.

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For further Information please contact:

Carol A. Gaskin

Development Coordination Officer, Programme Communications and Advocacy

UN Resident Coordinator Office

Email: carol-ann.gaskin@un.org.

Telephone:1 (246) 467-6110 (L) 1 (246) 832-6110 (M)

Carol A. Gaskin

RCO

Programme Communications and Advocacy Officer

carol-ann.gaskin@un.org +1 (246) 467 6110

Carol Gaskin is a seasoned international development professional and strategic communicator, serving as the United Nations Development Coordination Officer for Programme Communications and Advocacy. With a background in journalism and creative writing, Carol brings a diverse skill set to her role.

In her capacity, she leads communication and advocacy efforts for the UN Resident Coordinator's Office, overseeing operations in 10 Eastern Caribbean countries. Additionally, she chairs the UN Communications Group, fostering collaboration among communicators from 18 agencies.

Carol's expertise lies in developing communication strategies aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals and the 2030 Agenda. She excels in storytelling, utilizing various channels to amplify the UN's message effectively.

Her achievements include coordinating impactful events such as the "UN in the City" SDG exhibition and spearheading initiatives like the introduction of the Caribbean's first SDG-branded electric bus. Notably, Carol has received recognition for her outstanding work, including the Best Annual Results Report for Latin America and the Caribbean in 2023.

Her work extends to humanitarian efforts, notably providing coverage during natural disasters like the La Soufriere eruption.

With a proven track record of success and dedication to advancing global priorities, Carol A. Gaskin is a respected figure in the field of international development and strategic communication.