Minister of Foreign Affairs and Foreign Trade, Senator Maxine McClean, has called for improved international cooperation to promote sustainable trade, consumption and production patterns for ???green??? and inclusive growth.
Senator McClean was the guest speaker at a meeting held earlier today on international partnerships to implement the United Nations??? (UN) newly-adopted Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
The meeting was organised by a consortium of UN and related agencies, and held in New York during the UN General Assembly.
The Foreign Minister stated that Barbados??? approach to the Green Economy is spurring innovation and new economic activity in several areas, including energy, manufacturing and tourism. She also welcomed the imminent launch of a Caribbean Centre for Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency in Barbados, as it was expected to play an integral role in assisting Caribbean governments in the pursuit of their low-carbon green economy goals.
The SDGs were adopted by the United Nations yesterday, Friday, September 25, during a summit of Heads of State and Government. They set out targets for countries to meet in order to address global challenges in all areas of development, including eradicating poverty; ensuring environmental sustainability; contributing to peace; and providing opportunities for all to live fulfilling lives through increased cooperation between countries.
The SDGs replace the Millennium Development Goals, which were a number of development targets adopted by the UN in 2000 and agreed to by member countries. Barbados has met the targets in their entirety.