Jamaica leads South-South collaboration through a high-level regional exchange focused on environmental governance and sustainable development. ESG BROADCAST shares key takeaways.
Regulatory Extract:
The Government of Jamaica, in partnership with the Climate Investment Funds (CIF), the Inter-American Development Bank (IDB), and the World Bank Group, launched a major regional forum in Kingston. The event, titled the “CIF Latin America and the Caribbean Knowledge Exchange,” brings together more than 150 representatives from 13 countries to share policy lessons and project insights on climate resilience and nature-based solutions.
This high-level platform aims to enhance regional collaboration by drawing on more than 17 years of CIF-financed initiatives across Latin America and the Caribbean (LAC). With a focus on climate-resilient planning, sustainable forestry, and nature-based infrastructure, the Knowledge Exchange underscores the importance of local experience in guiding international sustainability action.
“Jamaica is honored to host this important gathering of regional and international partners committed to climate resilience and sustainable development,” said Hon. Matthew Samuda, Jamaica’s Minister without Portfolio in the Ministry of Economic Growth and Job Creation. “This is a timely opportunity to deepen collaboration and accelerate the adoption of nature-based solutions across our region.”
Participants include senior officials from the Dominican Republic, Canada, IDB, and the World Bank. They will evaluate outcomes of two major CIF programs: the Pilot Program for Climate Resilience (PPCR) and the Forest Investment Program (FIP). Under PPCR, $167 million in CIF funds helped mainstream climate adaptation into national policies across the Caribbean, benefiting more than 3 million people. These funds mobilized an additional $443 million, supporting disaster preparedness and institutional capacity building.
Similarly, the FIP channeled $216 million in CIF investments across Latin America, helping improve land and water management practices on nearly 30 million hectares. The projects brought in $758 million in co-financing while targeting deforestation drivers and enhancing inclusive environmental governance.
“The Knowledge Exchange truly captures the spirit of South-South learning,” said Tariye Gbadegesin, CEO of CIF. “We are committed to finding climate solutions through shared experience and regional partnerships.”
Site visits in Jamaica showcased the on-ground impact of CIF funding, including a solar-powered agricultural hub that integrates clean energy with sustainable livelihoods. The event also featured the upcoming launch of Jamaica’s Blue-Green Facility, aimed at scaling climate finance for ecosystem restoration and clean infrastructure.
Jamaica’s progress — from achieving 25% land conservation ahead of global targets to planting over 3 million trees — reflects strong national leadership in resilience-building, aligning with global net zero targets and regional climate policy goals.
Strategic significance lies in the potential of this platform to strengthen collective climate action across LAC. By aligning lessons learned with future initiatives, the Knowledge Exchange supports long-term ESG compliance and builds regional momentum toward sustainable, inclusive economies.
ESG BROADCAST will continue monitoring the updates related to this topic. Stay tuned to be updated on the related policy and pivotal regulatory shift.
