Discover the dynamic relationship between the European Union and the Caribbean region with the third edition of the online spring course ‘EU integration in the Caribbean Region (EUinCARIB).
This online course will explore relevant EU topics in the Caribbean region, such as Sustainability, Green Economy, Climate Change, Innovation and CARICOM.
This course will be led by experts in European Integration, EU Trade Law, Innovations and Sustainability; and researchers and practitioners with ample experience in OCT/EU/CARICOM affairs will be invited as guest speakers, enriching the learning journey.
Upon completion, participants will be awarded a certificate of participation.

BESTLIFE2030 is a sub-granting facility targeting stakeholders of the EU’s Outermost Regions (ORs) and associated Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) that aims to fund projects that will ensure impact on the ground and will ultimately demonstrate the commitment of the EU Overseas towards the successful implementation of regional and global biodiversity strategies.

BESTLIFE2030 press release first cfp

The Time has Come to Acknowledge the Plight of Vulnerable Countries & Territories.

 

Many countries and territories across the globe are facing grave and mounting threats related to climate change. Any yet, they are not eligible for climate change related funds provided by many of the world’s most important donor institutions and organizations. Though progress has been made in recent years to rectify this, many countries and territories remain underfunded, and increasingly vulnerable. The side event, organized by 5 organizations, will underscore these inequalities and their impacts, and explore the relevance and applicability of better adapted methods for making funding available to those who need it most.

 

Climate deregulation hits vulnerable territories harder

A new report from UN Climate Change issued on November 14th finds national climate action plans remain insufficient to limit global temperature rise to a maximum of 1.5 degrees Celsius, and meet the goals of the Paris Agreement.

Even with increased efforts by some countries, the report shows much more action is needed now to bend the world’s emissions trajectory further downward and avoid the worst impacts of climate change.

“Today’s report shows that governments combined are taking baby steps to avert the climate crisis. And it shows why governments must make bold strides forward at COP28 in Dubai, to get on track.” said the Executive-Secretary of UN Climate Change, Simon Stiell.

“This means COP28 must be a clear turning point. Governments must not only agree what stronger climate actions will be taken but also start showing exactly how to deliver them.”

The urgency is obvious. It is all the more urgent for the countries and territories most vulnerable to climate change, i.e. those at high risk of being permanently affected by external shocks (drought, rising sea levels, cyclones, etc.). These include most SIDS and many countries that are already economically and socially vulnerable (particularly many LDCs). Yet these countries and territories have a very low carbon footprint and therefore bear virtually no responsibility for current and future climate disorder!

SIDS, for instance, are responsible for only 0.2% of the global carbon emission and yet suffer most from the impact of climate change.

 

Taking vulnerability into account to better target the countries and territories most at risk from climate shocks

It is now highly recognized that the predominant and conventional manner of identifying countries and territories most vulnerable to climate change has long lacked adequate precision and overlooked many which truly warrant and require support.

 

This can be observed in the various international agreements, and is mainly due to two reasons:

  • Until the United Nations adopted a definition that standardized the concept of vulnerability, this concept was inadequately defined.
  • The difficulty of establishing an index to capture the multiple manifestations of climate change and to determine if one country or territory is more vulnerable than another. Relevant research is now making it possible to measure the multiple dimensions of vulnerability, particularly climatic vulnerability.

 

In December 2019, OACPS (Organisation of African, Caribbean and Pacific States) Heads of State and Government at their 9th Summit in Nairobi, Kenya, “expressed concern about the exclusion of many Small Island Developing States (SIDS) from concessional financial resources* on the basis of their status as middle and high-income countries and the persistent use of per capita GNI (Gross National Income) as a criterion for determining access eligibility.” and called for the establishment of a vulnerability index as a criterion to be used for accessing finance.

 

In 2021, the United Nations mandated a high-level panel to better define the concept of vulnerability and a universal measure of it. This universality concerns both the three dimensions of vulnerability (economic, social and climatic) and the countries to which it applies, i.e. all of them.

A team from Ferdi has been assisting the United Nations by providing technical support to further this process. This work has been based on Ferdi’s long-standing work on vulnerability, and in particular on the climatic dimension with the Physical Vulnerability to Climate Change Index (PVCCI).

Since October 2022, the OACPS has progressed with work to develop an OACPS Multidimensional Vulnerability Index (OMVI) and OACPS Multidimensional Resilience Index (OMRI). The results show that SIDS, Least Developed Countries (LDCs) and Landlocked Developing Countries (LLDCs) are the most vulnerable and least resilient compared to OECD Members and High-Income countries.

The EU overseas countries and territories represented by OCTA, and the UK overseas territories represented by UKOTA, are likewise often ineligible for many of the climate resilience related financial support mechanisms that are habitually available to many similarly climate change impacted countries and territories. More equitable methods of channeling critical funding to these overseas countries and territories must be adopted to support their efforts to increase their resilience to climate change and integrate carbon emission reduction policies and technologies.

As part of its mission to support sustainable development across these 25 overseas countries and territories, the Green Overseas “GO” Programme (funded by the EU and implemented by Expertise France) is committed to helping identify additional significant private and public funding opportunities, to support the integration and mainstreaming of climate resilience and energy transition.

It is time the world listens to the voices of the countries and territories which are most vulnerable to climate change.

 

COP28, an unmissable opportunity

Following the release of the IPPC 6th Report last March, the upcoming UNFCCC COP28 offers not only a strategic opportunity for these topics to be addressed, but also a window to engage with relevant strategic stakeholders, especially from both the private and public Finance sectors.

 

5 organizations working to support climate vulnerable countries and territories have joined forces to organize a high-Level side-event on the 10th of December in Dubai: FERDI, Green Overseas Programme (GO Programme), OACPS, OCTA and UKOTA.

 

Together, these organizations are working to support the health and wellbeing of millions of people, hundreds of countries and territories, and the natural resources upon which they all depend.

 

COP28 DUBAI Side Event Details:

 

The 90-minute side event session to be held in Dubai on the 10th of December (BLUE ZONE – ZONE B6 – Building 85 – SE Room 6) will be mediated by Mr. Ahab Downer, Director of the Green Overseas (GO) Programme; the Mission of the GO Programme is to support climate change resilience and energy transition across the 25 overseas countries and territories of the EU and the UK.

 

From 6:30 to 8:00 pm (UTC+4), the assembled panelists will bring to light the heart of the problems/challenges, and describe possible, realistic, and implementable solutions which will contribute meaningfully to closing the financial “gap” of the vulnerable countries and territories:

 

  • Opening remarks will be delivered by Cristelle Pratt, Assistant Secretary General of the OACPs.
  • A first panel consisting of El Khalil Cherif, Senior Researcher at the Marine, Environment and Technology Center (MARTEC), and Dr. Matthieu Boussichas, Programme Officer at Ferdi and researcher in development economics, will then focusing on the science related to the threats and challenges which vulnerable countries and territories face, and how to more effectively measure Vulnerability to better allocate limited financial resources to those who need it most. Pointed questions from the moderator and assembled public will follow.
  • A second panel, preceded by a five minute film depicting climate change related threats to which islands are often subjected, will consist of high-level representatives of islands and territories. Josephine Connolly, Minister of Tourism, Environment, Fisheries and Marine Affairs, Culture and Heritage, Agriculture, and Religious Affairs, for the Government of Turks & Caicos, and  Hon. Quincia Gumbs-Marie, Minister for Sustainability, Innovation and the Environment, for the Government of Anguilla, will provide, first hand testimonials about the real -on the ground – impacts of climate change, and share their views on the urgent need for climate change resilience related efforts, whilst highlighting the financial gap which prevents many vulnerable countries and territories from accessing requisite CC related financial support. Pointed questions from the moderator and assembled public will follow.
  • A third panel, consisting of representatives from international development finance institutions will in turn share their views on how to practically close this financial gap in the (near and long-term) future in order to effectively address the direst impacts of climate change that habitually endanger the lives, livelihoods, health and well-being of local populations. They will be invited to introduce the beginning of a roadmap for integration of MVI and similarly adapted methodologies for supporting access to financial assistance for vulnerable countries and territories. Pointed questions from the moderator and assembled public will follow.
  • Closing remarks will be delivered by Nicolas Chenet, Director of the Sustainable Development Department at Expertise France, an agency which is part of the AFD Group.

 

“Though vulnerable developing countries, island nations & territories are minimal contributors to global greenhouse gases, they face disproportionate climate impacts. Acknowledging & rectifying this incongruence is crucial.” explains Mr. Ahab Downer in preparation of the event, while emphasizing that “Ensuring financial aid to fortify the resilience of vulnerable countries & territories is essential – and will help safeguard the well-being of present & future populations on the front lines of climate change.”

 

Various types of stakeholders are invited to attend this event including finance and environmental ministers and/or representatives from countries and territories that are (currently or likely to be in future) affected by climate change, but also representatives from UN institutions and public & private donor organizations, public and private institutions, and civil society representatives.

 

 

 

Note: * “concessional finance” is below market rate finance provided by major financial institutions, such as development banks and multilateral funds, to accelerate development objectives.

 

The second edition of the OCT Youth Network has been launched!

 

Young people that live or work in an OCT are invited to apply to join the OCT Youth Network in 2023.

 

What is the OCT Youth Network?

 

-> Network launched in 2022 by the European Commission’s Directorate General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA)

-> Joining a group of 25 young people (aged 20-28) representing all 13 Overseas Countries and Territories that works together for a 1-year mandate.

-> A platform to  learn about the partnership between the European Union and the OCTs.

-> The opportunity to get involved and collaborate with other youth initiatives at regional or national level.

 

Want to learn more? Read the Call for applicants 2023

 

How to apply to join the OCT Youth Network?

 

The OCT Youth Network aims to be made up of young people who are motivated to contribute and to gain from the experience. It will be highly diverse, therefore it will bring together a wide range of profiles and backgrounds, opinions and experiences, areas of interest, knowledge, and socio-economic backgrounds.

 

The deadline to submit applications is 22 May 2023 – Please note that the deadline ends at 12pm (CEST).

 

Applications should be submitted online through the following platform: https://ec.europa.eu/eusurvey/runner/OCT-YN-Call-for-Applicants-2023

 

Learn more about the OCT Youth Network on its official website.

 

Meet the members of the OCT Youth Network 2022.

On the 22nd November 2022, the 19th EU-OCT Forum took place in Nouméa, New Caledonia. The annual Forum was chaired by the Commissioner for International Partnerships Jutta Urpilainen, from the European Commission, and by the President of New Caledonia Louis Mapou, as Chair of OCTA.

In her opening speech, Commissioner Urpilainen highlighted the importance of the EU-OCT partnership: “As the world around us becomes more complex and challenging, the EU-OCT partnership remains an immense asset. We share values, standards and interests, and we can support each other as we seek to build more resilience and autonomy.”

President Mapou’s opening remarks addressed the strength of the collaboration between the OCTs: “Despite our small populations of one million, our OCTs are positioned in strategic geographical areas, in the Caribbean, the North Atlantic, the Indian Ocean, but also in the Pacific, and this geographical distribution is our asset, is our asset, and it is a clear opportunity. This is why we must continue along the path of partnership – between the European Union and the Overseas Territories – that has been mapped out over the last twenty years.

Following the adoption of the new Decision on the Overseas Association, including Greenland (DOAG) of 5 October 2021, this event was the first time that representatives of the OCTs, the Member States (France, Denmark, the Netherlands) and the European Commission, met in person since February 2019, when the 18th EU-OCT Forum took place in Tahiti, French Polynesia.

This occasion was the opportunity to carry out several days of discussions between the OCTs, the Member States and the European Commission, via trilateral meetings among the partners, aimed at taking take stock of the implementation and programming of financial assistance to the OCTs. Exchanges also took place during a series of workshops, held on Saturday 19 November, on the topics of investments, regional cooperation, and the potential of intra-regional cooperation between the OCTs.

The EU-OCT Forum concluded by the presentation of joint Forum conclusions. Noteworthy elements of the declaration were reaffirming  the need to closely involve the OCTs in the post-Cotonou agreement, with due regard to their observer status, and in the EU’s regional partnerships with the OCTs’ neighbours. Moreover, the document reiterates the importance of the regional programming process, to facilitate the greater development and complementarity of action between countries within the same regions. Furthermore, the key role that the OCTs have to play in the context of the Green Deal for Europe was underlined, for instance regarding biodiversity protection or clean energy transitions.

On the 21st November 2022, high-level representatives of the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs) met in Nouméa, New Caledonia, for the annual Ministerial Conference of the Overseas Countries and Territories Association (OCTA), the highest decision-making body of OCTA.

Hosted by the President of New Caledonia, Mr Louis Mapou, the Chair of OCTA since December 2020, he welcomed the delegations highlighting the importance of remaining united: “Our Association represents a space of cooperation and solidarity between OCTs, facilitating that our citizens get to know each other, to exchange our experiences, to deepen all collaborations, for a better future of our territories and our populations.”

The representatives from the OCTs met to set the political orientations and priorities, as well as to approve the Association’s annual budget, accounts, and reports. Their exchanges focused on the evolution of OCTA’s governance, as well as on the results and prospects of the partnership with the European Union post 2021. The results of the discussions were outlined in the OCTA’s Political declaration.

The Ministerial Conference was also updated on the status of various EU funded programmes, such as Archipel.eu pilot project for culture in the Outermost Regions and the OCTs, which has granted over 165.000€ to cultural projects in the OCTs, as well as on the Green Overseas programme, funded under the 11th EDF, which aims to enhance climate resilience and to accelerate the transition towards an energy-efficient economy in the OCTs.

The Conference ended with the elections for position of Chair, Vice-Chair, Executive Committee and Audit Committee of the Association for the upcoming year. Greenland (former Vice-Chair) took the position of the Chair of the Association, and Aruba was elected as Vice-Chair.

As incoming Chair, Greenlandic Minister for Agriculture, Self-Suffiency, Energy and Environment, Mr Kalistat Lund, stressed the importance of strengthening OCTA’s governance, as well as of working on Green Growth and the youth: “The COP 27 has just been concluded and the youth are also continuing to voice their opinions and play an important role on climate change and the green transition. We therefore stress the importance for all of us to work towards a greener future, where sustainability is key and where we have transitioned away from fossil fuels. We will hand over the caretaking role to the next generation and we have some work to do – to put it mildly.

 

Following the celebration of the Ministerial Conference, the Executive Committee of the Association is now composed of:

  • Mrs Ann Philipps, Curaçao, President
  • Mrs Carol Voges, Sint Maarten, Vice-President
  • Mr Inuuteq Holm Olsen, Greenland, Chair representative
  • Mr Juan Thijsen, Aruba, Treasurer
  • Mr Atoloto Malau, Wallis and Futuna, member

The European Commission has recently announced the 25 members of the OCT Youth Network.

Launched in May 2022 by the European Commission’s Directorate-General for International Partnerships (DG INTPA), the OCT Youth Network targets young people from the 13 OCTs aged between 20 and 28 and aims to give them an in-depth insight into the collaboration between the European Union and the OCTs (“EU-OCT partnership”) and the functioning of the European institutions, as well as providing an opportunity to networking with like-minded young people from other OCTs. The OCT Youth Network is built around a year-long programme, which includes a week-long study visit to Brussels, e-learning sessions and dialogue with EU political leaders.

For its first edition, the OCT Youth Network counts among its members 2 former OCTA trainees, Emma Poirier (Saint-Pierre-et-Miquelon) and Nefa Lemo (Wallis and Futuna), as well as one participant of the OCTA Youth Week (October 2021), Kahalanie Haapa (French Polynesia).

 

Find out more about all 25 members of the OCT Youth Network: Members of the Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network (europa.eu).

For more information on the OCT Youth Network, visit the European Commission’s website: Overseas Countries and Territories Youth Network (europa.eu)

OCTA worked together with the Conservatoire du littoral – the leading partner in organizing the event, as well as with the Ocean & Climate Platform, Eurosite, the Sea, Rivers, Islands and Coastal Areas Intergroup of the European Parliament(SEARICA), and the Conference of Peripheral Maritime Regions (CPMR) to host an event on adaptation of coastal areas to climate change. The event took place in  Marseille and Hyères from 15 to 17 June in the framework of the of the French Presidency of the Council of the European Union.

This event aimed to intensify the cooperation between Coastal Agencies and other coastal stakeholders by developing reflections and strategies on adaptation to climate change.

Based on pre-event consultations, as well as discussions during the event and another series of consultations after, the Conservatoire du littoral will publish a Policy Paper containing recommendations and strategies for the adaptation of coastal areas to climate change. This will take into account OCT-specific input.

For more information, please contact Andrei Moarcas, Environment & Energy Advisor, at andrei@overseas-association.eu.

On 23 June, the French Erasmus+ Youth and Sport Agency, in collaboration with the Rectorat de Martinique (DRAJES), organised an event in Martinique to review the actions of the Antilles – Guyana International Mobility Committee.

This committee started in november 2019, when the French Erasmus+ Youth and Sport Agency initiated the creation of a network of actors in Guadeloupe, Guyana and Martinique. The objective of this network is to work towards making European and international mobility a lever for integration for young people. Together, they represent the voice of their territories and help to ensure that the overseas territories are better taken into account at national and European level.

This event, which was held both in person, in Fort-de-France (Martinique), and online, was organised with the goal to highlight the actions carried out and their impact on the territories over the last two years. In particular, there was a focus on the Erasmus+ “AREA” Alliance (Alliance for Remote EU Areas), a direct result from the “Let’s Rock” actions, which gathers Erasmus+ Youth organisations active in the Outermost Regions (ORs) and the Overseas Countries and Territories (OCTs). In addition, it aimed to raise awareness and promote European and international mobility of young people from this region, and to strengthen the impact of these actions carried out by the Antilles-Guyana Committee in this framework.

OCTA, represented by Ms Marta Fernández Fornieles, EU Programmes Advisor, was invited to the event to present the axes of collaboration between the OCTs and the ORs at EU level in the field of mobility.  Due to the nature of OCTs, small populations, the distance, and their very particular status, accessing EU opportunities is not exactly an easy task for these islands.

In this context, she highlighted that collaboration between ORs and OCTs, has been the most successful strategy to address the lack of access of these territories to large-scale EU programmes, such as the ones dedicated to biodiversity or culture. This collaboration is notably reflected in the actions of the Overseas Steering Committee of the Erasmus+ Youth National Agencies, and of the newly formed AREA Alliance. Initiatives strongly supported by OCTA. Concrete examples of EU co-funded actions that promote OR-OCT collaboration include: the BEST initiative (Voluntary Biodiversity and Ecosystem Services Scheme for the ORs and OCTs), launched at the initiative of the European Parliament in 2010; and the Archipel.eu project a pilot project launched in 2020 offering funding opportunities to artists and cultural organisations from the ORs and OCTs, in which OCTA is an implementing partner.

In the case of Erasmus+ projects, the participation figures of ORs and OCTs is quite high despite the very different starting points in comparison to continental Europe organisations, demonstrating a high-level of expertise and resilience. Nevertheless, Marta underlined the need to continue working with the European institutions to make Erasmus+ a programme that recognizes the differences and creates tools that embrace them. Equal access is not having the same conditions for everyone.

OCTA will continue working closely with the European institutions and the Erasmus+ National Agencies towards a more inclusive Erasmus+ programme that becomes a flagship of Europe also in the European Overseas.

Find all the information related to the OR-OCT joint actions on our EU programmes section in OCTA’s website.

For more information, please contact Marta Fernández Fornieles, EU Programmes Advisor at OCTA: marta@overseas-association.eu

 


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