Good morning. Let me firstly thank Government of Azerbaijan and the ITU for hosting this inaugural High-Level Roundtable on Green Digital Action. The Caribbean Telecommunications Union (CTU) fully supports the COP29 Declaration. Small island developing states such as those in the Caribbean bear the devastating impacts of climate change. Our countries spend billions of dollars rebuilding infrastructure, including digital infrastructure, almost on an annual basis due to severe weather systems that set us back by decades from a social and economic development perspective.
This Declaration offers a path to integrate digital technology into climate adaptation, ensuring energy-efficient infrastructure and resilient communication systems for disaster preparedness and response. By enhancing digital literacy and access, SIDS can leverage technology for sustainable solutions and data-driven decision-making, crucial for addressing rising threats. Collaboration and global knowledge sharing further empower SIDS to adopt best practices and innovative strategies tailored to their unique needs.
This declaration provides the Caribbean and other SIDS with the tools to protect their communities, economies and environment, building resilience against the escalating impacts of climate change.
Thank you for this opportunity to show our support to this forward-thinking initiative.
