By OSWALD T. BROWN
WASHINGTON, D.C., September 24, 2024 –Bahamas Prime Minister Philip E. Davis has been extraordinarily busy over the past several days in New York City actively participating in several major concurring events of international importance.
Although it is a relatively small country with a population of slightly less than 400,000, The Bahamas – under the Progressive Liberal Party (PLP) government, led by Prime Minister Davis – has established itself as a major contributor on the international political stage when it comes to seeking solutions to critical issues like the climate change crisis.
In his address at the 2024 Concordia Annual Summit, currently being held September 23-25 at Sheraton New York Times Square Hotel, Prime Minister Davis strongly stressed that real change is needed, and it’s needed now. He told a crowded room of international policymakers, investors and entrepreneurs that The Bahamas is ready for “transformative action”.
“Let us be clear-eyed about the path ahead,” the Prime Minister said. “Investing in climate resilience — particularly in nations like mine, which are most vulnerable to the crisis — is not just about altruism; it’s about enlightened self-interest. It is a strategic imperative for every nation on this planet. As climate impacts intensify, the costs of inaction will escalate dramatically, leading to increased displacement, resource scarcity, and instability.”
Prime Minister Davis noted that the influx of climate refugees “will not be confined to coastal nations; it will be a global crisis, impacting economies, straining resources, and testing social cohesion in every corner of the world. Funding climate adaptation requires a clear understanding of this, our interconnected destiny.”
By investing in climate adaptation and mitigation measures today, the Prime Minister said “we can avert these crises and create a more secure and prosperous society”.
“It demands a coordinated approach, where public development finance from governments and multilateral institutions align with private sector investment to unlock trillions needed to drive real change,” Prime Minister Davis added. “And for nations like The Bahamas, burdened by a crushing debt largely attributable to climate-related disasters, debt relief and restructuring are not just acts of solidarity; they are pragmatic necessities, enabling us to invest in resilience for our people and contribute meaningfully to climate solutions. Let us remember that the storms, not political choices, are driving this fiscal reality and it is in all of our interests to address it head-on.”
Prime Minister Davis elaborated on the same issues in his address at the opening of Climate Week NYC 2024 on Sunday when he called for more financing to be added to the world’s Loss and Damage Fund, which provides financial assistance to nations most vulnerable and impacted by the effects of climate change.
“To the captains of industry, let us move beyond pledges and invest in real, tangible solutions,” Prime Minister Davis said. “Direct your capital towards renewable energy, sustainable infrastructure, and climate-resilient technologies. Support the innovators in climate-vulnerable countries. Partner with us to scale up the solutions that are already working.”
He urged policymakers to enact bold, transformative policies that accelerate the transition to a low-carbon, climate-resilient future, then added, “End fossil fuel subsidies. Implement carbon pricing mechanisms. Invest in nature-based solutions and ensure that climate action is integrated into every aspect of policymaking.”
Suggesting that innovators and changemakers place climate action at the heart of their technological advancements, Prime Minister Davis said, “Let us seize this opportunity, not with apprehension, but with a renewed sense of purpose, a shared commitment to collaboration, and unflappable determination to construct a brighter, more sustainable future for all. Let the legacy of this summit be not one of words, but of deeds; not of pledges, but of partnerships; not of business as usual, but of the bold, transformative action that this moment demands. The Bahamas is ready. We are leading the way. Let us, together, chart a new course for humanity, one that ensures a healthy planet, and an existence where all can thrive.”
Meanwhile, despite his hectic official schedule, Prime Minister Davis on Sunday met with His Highness Crown Prince Sabah Al-Khalid Al-Sabah of Kuwait to commemorate 30 years of strong diplomatic relations between The Bahamas and Kuwait.
He was accompanied by Minister of Foreign Affairs Fred Mitchell, Attorney General and Minister of Legal Affairs Ryan Pinder, and Bahamas Ambassador to the United Nations Stan Smith.
The two leaders discussed the ongoing study for the redevelopment of Potters Cay, supported by the Kuwait Fund for Economic Development, and expressed optimism about finalizing a Civil Aviation Agreement to boost air connectivity between The Bahamas and Kuwait.
Oswald T. Brown is the Press Attaché at The Bahamas Embassy in Washington, D.C.
