Belize Strengthens Climate Action and Resilience at CDM 13

Belize is strengthening its disaster resilience efforts at the 13th Caribbean Conference on Comprehensive Disaster Management (CDM 13), taking place this week in St. Kitts and Nevis. With the theme “Road to Resilience – Checkpoint 2024: Levelling Up for a Dynamic Future,” the event brings together experts and leaders from across the Caribbean and beyond to share innovative strategies for managing disasters and building resilience in the region.

The Belize delegation, led by Daniel Mendez, National Emergency Coordinator for the National Emergency Management Organisation (NEMO), includes professionals from NEMO, UNICEF, the National Meteorological Service, the United Nations Development Program, Galen University, and others. The delegation is participating in key discussions and workshops focused on advancing disaster risk reduction, climate action, and resilience-building.

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Minister of Blue Economy and Disaster Risk Management, Andre Perez, said in a statement, “The impacts of climate change know no borders, and this conference reminds us that comprehensive disaster management requires collective effort.” He spoke on Belize’s commitment to strengthening resilience in the face of natural disasters, acknowledging that hurricanes, floods, and droughts have continuously tested the country’s resolve. 

A key contribution from Belize is the presentation, “Road to Resilience: Child-Centred Shock Responsive Systems from Theory to Action in Belize,” which spotlights the country’s efforts to protect children and adolescents during disasters. The National Meteorological Service is also participating in discussions on early warning systems.