Climate Change Ambassador Ruleta Camacho delivered a powerful keynote address on the theme “Human Capital Development for a Green Economy: A SIDS Perspective” at a high-level climate forum at COP29 in Baku, Azerbaijan. Her speech underscored the critical role of investing in human capital as a cornerstone for resilience and sustainable growth in Small Island Developing States (SIDS) like Antigua and Barbuda.

Ambassador Camacho began by addressing the unique vulnerabilities SIDS face due to climate change, including rising sea levels, intensified hurricanes, and prolonged droughts. She described these challenges as opportunities for innovation and resilience, emphasizing the need to equip citizens with the knowledge and skills required to drive the transition to a green economy.

Antigua and Barbuda, she highlighted, has committed to achieving 95% renewable energy in electricity generation by 2030, a goal supported by investments in training programs for solar and wind energy technologies. These initiatives focus on empowering diverse groups, including youth, women, and small enterprises, to participate in the green workforce. Similarly, policies promoting climate-resilient housing projects and concessional loans have enabled low-income families to adapt to extreme weather, while creating new opportunities in construction and engineering.

The ambassador also discussed the importance of gender equality and social inclusion in the green transition. She praised Antigua and Barbuda’s micro-financing programs, which target women-led households and businesses, ensuring that the shift toward a sustainable economy benefits everyone. Youth empowerment was another highlight, with STEM education and innovation hubs playing a key role in preparing the next generation to lead in green technologies and climate action.

Reflecting on Antigua and Barbuda’s journey, Ambassador Camacho shared key lessons for other SIDS. She emphasized the importance of integrating local knowledge into solutions, aligning policies with global frameworks like the Paris Agreement and the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and leveraging innovative climate finance tools such as grants and debt-for-climate swaps to scale green investments.

In her closing remarks, Ambassador Camacho issued a resounding call to action for governments, development partners, and the private sector to invest in human capital development. She urged stakeholders to expand access to education in green technologies, increase financial support for climate-resilient small and medium enterprises, and foster inclusive governance to ensure that no one is left behind in the green transition.

“Human capital is the bridge between where we are and where we aspire to be,” she said. “Together, we can build a sustainable future where no one is left behind.”

The ambassador’s address resonated deeply with attendees, solidifying Antigua and Barbuda’s position as a leader in climate action and offering a compelling roadmap for SIDS striving to thrive in a green economy.