(Caribbean Community (CARICOM) Secretariat, Turkeyen, Greater Georgetown, Guyana) – CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett addressed the Caribbean-Brazil Summit on Friday 13 June in Brasilia, Brazil highlighting the strong relationship between CARICOM and Brazil, underpinned by the Inaugural CARICOM-Brazil Summit in 2010.

Fifteen years later President of Brazil, H.E. Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva continues to demonstrate visionary leadership in promoting South-South cooperation amidst threats to multilateralism, sovereignty, international law, human rights, peace and security, the Secretary-General stated.

“Under your guidance, Brazil has further cemented its hemispheric and international influence and has been actively involved in regional and global platforms as a leading voice in support of the interests of the Global South. We particularly commend Brazil’s G20 presidency last year, which championed a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling the critical issues of poverty, hunger, and inequality,” she said.

As the Summit convened to discuss matters of hemispheric concerns, she noted that Haiti continued to face severe humanitarian, security, political and governance crisis. Expressing solidarity with Haiti, Dr Barnett indicated CARICOM’s readiness to work with countries like Brazil to foster stability, and a prosperous future for Haiti.

The Secretary-General expressed appreciation for Brazil’s support of Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS), particularly in addressing climate change. She also acknowledged the country’s efforts in revitalising cooperation with the Community through the CARICOM-Brazil Joint Commission.

Please read the full the remarks delivered by the CARICOM Secretary-General, Dr Carla Barnett at the Caribbean-Brazil Summit, Brasilia, Brazil, 13 June 2025.

• Your Excellency Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, President of the Federative Republic of Brazil;

• Honourable Mia Amor Mottley, SC, MP, Prime Minister of Barbados, and Chair of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM);

• Other Heads of State and Government of CARICOM and the Wider Caribbean;

• Ministers and Other Heads of Delegation;

• Distinguished Delegates;

• Representatives of the Media;

• Ladies and Gentlemen.

It is my distinct pleasure to address this Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Caribbean and Brazil.

Mr. President, in April 2010, you hosted the Leaders of the Caribbean Community (CARICOM) here in Brasilia for the Inaugural CARICOM-Brazil Summit. That meeting was a historic milestone that laid the foundation for our strong relationship.

As we gather again in Brasilia, 15 years later, we thank you and your Government for hosting us once more, as we discuss matters of strategic importance to Brazil and the Caribbean.

Mr. President, your visionary leadership and firm commitment to South-South cooperation, in a world facing threats to multilateralism, sovereignty, international law, human rights, peace and security, is not just welcome, it is essential.

Under your guidance, Brazil has further cemented its hemispheric and international influence and has been actively involved in regional and global platforms as a leading voice in support of the interests of the Global South. We particularly commend Brazil’s G20 presidency last year, which championed a multi-stakeholder approach to tackling the critical issues of poverty, hunger, and inequality.

As we gather to discuss matters of hemispheric concerns, our sister nation, Haiti, continues to face severe humanitarian, security, political and governance crises. CARICOM reiterates its solidarity with Haiti and its willingness to continue, along with Brazil and other international partners, to work with Haiti to foster stability, and support the Haitian people in building a more secure and prosperous future.

Excellency, the Caribbean Community greatly appreciates Brazil’s insightful perspective on the challenges facing Small Island and Low-lying Coastal Developing States (SIDS). The Region was heartened by the commitment given by Brazil last year to stand by our countries, in the face of the Caribbean’s vulnerability to extreme events. We look forward to Brazil’s continued advocacy for a rapid and flexible implementation of the 2030 and beyond Development Agenda, which considers the specific needs of small states.

Mr. President, Caribbean countries are amongst the lowest emitters of greenhouse gases but are amongst the most adversely affected by climate change, which has manifested itself in ways that include unusual rainfall patterns in our Region, and the increased intensity and frequency of hurricanes. The unfortunate experiences of several countries around this table have provided sufficient evidence of its damaging effects.

The truth is that if all the nations around this table did everything that we can, as we are doing, to eliminate our emissions of greenhouse gasses and methane, sea levels will still rise because we do not contribute in any meaningful way to the emissions that fuel global warming and climate change. But we bear the major burden.

The issue of climate change is not a matter that we can continue to simply debate. It is here, it is real, and we are living with its impact daily. As such, we look forward to Brazil’s continued support in advocating for the concerns of SIDS in international fora, particularly as host and President of COP30 later this year.

Before I conclude, I must express appreciation for Brazil’s continued efforts to engage and strengthen the existing partnership with CARICOM. The Inaugural Meeting of the CARICOM-Brazil Joint Commission, held virtually in April this year, represents another step in revitalising our relationship and reaffirming our mutual commitment to a stronger future.

I end by expressing warm appreciation to the Government and People of Brazil for the excellent hospitality and logistical arrangements that facilitated our journey from across the Caribbean to Brasilia. Let this spirit of friendship inspire us to deepen our cooperation and ensure our partnership remains a shining model of South-South collaboration for the mutual benefit of the Caribbean and Brazil.

I thank you.