2nd July, 2024, Montego Bay, Jamaica - CIMH Press Release

The 4th Annual Intra-ACP Climate Services and Related Applications (ClimSA) Global Forum took place in Montego Bay, Jamaica, from June 24th to 27th. This year’s theme, "Improving Climate Services for Sustainable Adaptation Actions: Engagement with End-Users and Policymakers," highlighted the importance of collaboration between climate services leaders, experts, stakeholders, and end-users to address critical challenges related to climate resilience and sustainable development.

Supported by the European Union, the forum was hosted under 11th European Development Fund (EDF) Intra-ACP ClimSA Programme, and the Organization of African, Caribbean and Pacific States (OACPS), in partnership with the Government of Jamaica through the Meteorological Service of Jamaica (JMS), and the Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology (CIMH). This land-mark event aimed to foster dialogue, share knowledge, and catalyze action towards building resilient communities across the 79 Members States of the OACPS, which are among the most vulnerable countries to climate-related hazards.

Ms. Cristelle Pratt, Assistant Secretary-General of the OACPS, expressed her enthusiasm for the forum, stating, "2024 ClimSA Global Forum is seeking to provide an opportunity for National Meteorological and Hydrological Services (NMHSs) and Regional Climate Centres (RCCs) to share and exchange experiences given their critical role in dealing with the development of climate services and related applications for informed policy & decision making in climate-sensitive sectors. By enhancing engagement with end-users and policymakers, RCCs and NMHSs (climate services providers) can improve the quality of services and make it more effective, fostering sustainable adaptation actions and building resilience to climate change impacts"

Dr. David Farrell, Principal at CIMH, emphasized the importance of regional cooperation in addressing climate-related risks. "As we confront the escalating impacts of climate change, increasing variability and more frequent severe weather events, it is imperative that we strengthen regional partnerships and enhance our collective resilience. The Intra-ACP ClimSA Global Forum serves as a platform for fostering regional and global collaborations and sharing best practices across borders to address common threats," remarked Dr. Farrell.

Mr. Aniceto Rodriguez Ruiz, Head of Cooperation of the EU Delegation in Jamaica, underscored the EU's commitment to supporting climate action in African, Caribbean, and Pacific states, as we join forces to address common priorities such as fighting climate change and its consequences; the European Union will continue to mainstream environment, climate change and disaster risk reduction considerations into all external actions with our partner countries.

The forum featured a keynote address by Mr. Evan Thompson, Principal Director of the Meteorological Service of Jamaica, who brought remarks on behalf of Senator the Hon. Matthew Samuda, Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth & Job Creation. Mr. Thompson provided insights into Jamaica's efforts to advance climate resilience and promote sustainable development stating “Climate does not observe boundaries, and neither can we. We must find ways to address the impacts of climate change collaboratively.” He also thanked the OACPS and the EU for their support and re-emphasized the Government of Jamaica’s unwavering commitment to the Intra-ACP ClimSA Programme and all the initiatives being undertaken under this project.

This four-day global Forum aligned with the strategic initiatives of the OACPS, OACPS' regional organizations, and the World Meteorological Organization’s (WMO) Global Framework for Climate Services (GFCS). It aimed to contribute significantly to the realization of the 2030 Agenda, the Paris Agreement on Climate Change, and the Sendai Framework for Disaster Risk Reduction.

With its comprehensive agenda and knowledgeable lineup of speakers, the Intra-ACP ClimSA Global Forum was a pivotal event in the global climate discourse, driving action towards a more resilient and sustainable future.

For media inquiries please contact: Ms. Lyn-Marie Deane, Communications Specialist, Caribbean Institute for Meteorology and Hydrology Email: ldeane@cimh.edu.bb

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