BRUSSELS - During a five-day conference in Brussels, new pathways are being explored to make climate financing accessible for overseas territories, including the BES islands and the region surrounding Curaçao. 

The event, organized by the Green Overseas (GO) Program, focuses on developing solutions to build resilience against the impacts of climate change. 

Overseas territories, such as Bonaire, Sint Eustatius, and Saba, often find themselves on the front lines of climate change. Due to their status, they are unable to participate in international financing programs designed for climate adaptation, leaving them reliant on funding from the EU and the UK. 

At the conference, Edison Rijna, special envoy for the BES islands, emphasized the importance of collaboration, stating, “Our islands are small and vulnerable, but we have a chance to make real change.” He called for innovative solutions to enhance the resilience of these communities. 

The conference highlights the shared commitment of the EU, the UK, and the overseas territories to bridge the financing gap and work together on sustainable solutions to the climate crisis.